American Airlines: Ditching Screens for Savings
American Airlines is making significant changes to its in-flight entertainment. The airline is removing seatback screens from its A319 planes as part of a cost-saving initiative.
Why the Change?
- Cost Savings: Screens are expensive to install and maintain.
- Weight Reduction: Screens add weight, increasing fuel consumption.
The A319s are the last short-to-medium-haul planes with seatback screens. The first plane to undergo this upgrade is N8001N, which is being sent to El Salvador for modifications.
What's Replacing the Screens?
Instead of seatback screens, American Airlines is introducing device holders. Passengers can use their own tablets or smartphones to access entertainment.
- Free Wi-Fi: Stream movies, TV shows, and more.
- Entertainment Portal: Features a mix of new and classic movies, music, and podcasts.
Longer Flights Still Have Screens
For longer flights, American Airlines is keeping seatback entertainment. Their 787 fleet has screens provided by Panasonic and Thales, but they are not using the latest technology.
How Other Airlines Compare
- Delta Air Lines: Offers live TV on many flights, a feature introduced in 1996 during the Atlanta Olympics. Passengers can watch live sports, news, and TV shows, along with a wide range of movies and TV shows.
- United Airlines: Also provides advanced in-flight entertainment options.
American Airlines Lags Behind
American Airlines is not keeping up with the latest technology. While other airlines are moving forward with better entertainment systems, American Airlines remains behind in the race to offer the best in-flight experience.
