Screen Situation, Flight By Flight
Booking your next flight? Just beware that some airlines barely try when it comes to in-flight entertainment. The experience leaves passengers stuck with silence or their own downloads. That feeling when the screen doesn’t even turn on? Worst thing when you’re onboard. Thankfully, some airlines treat entertainment like part of the journey, and it shows. So, what kind of flight would you like to board? Here’s a look at who’s falling flat and who’s actually doing it right.
1. Ryanair
Entertainment isn’t part of Ryanair’s business model. Not a single aircraft offers seatback screens or onboard streaming. Even Wi-Fi is off the table. The airline’s ultra-low-cost approach strips it all down, so passengers often resort to crosswords or just listening to announcements, which are sometimes the highlight.
2. Southwest Airlines
What happens when streaming depends on your device and your battery? That’s the case on Southwest. There are no seatback screens, and movies require a personal phone or tablet. Wi-Fi must be purchased to access most content, and connection quality can vary from acceptable to nonexistent.
3. Spirit Airlines
Spirit Airlines offers a travel experience without distractions. In-flight entertainment is nonexistent, with no video platform and only optional Wi-Fi for those willing to pay. The tray tables are tiny, limiting device use. For most passengers, the safety card and engine sound fill the gap.
4. Frontier Airlines
Frontier’s cabin might look fresh, but its technology is stuck in the past. You won’t find seatback screens or even functional Wi-Fi. Their official app offers no streaming support, and passengers must bring their own entertainment, along with a healthy tolerance for prolonged silence.
5. Allegiant Air
Older planes and zero connectivity define Allegiant’s in-flight approach. Entertainment isn’t included: no music, screens, or Wi-Fi. There are no charging ports either. Passengers flying with Allegiant quickly learn that the safety demonstration is the most polished part of the experience.
Eddie Maloney from North Las Vegas, USA on Wikimedia
6. Jet2
Passengers flying Jet2 won’t find screens or movies onboard. The only consistent option is a printed magazine, and even that’s not always updated. Overhead monitors are absent, and in rare cases where screens exist, advertisements loop in place of actual content.
Photograph by Mike Peel (www.mikepeel.net). on Wikimedia
7. Sun Country Airlines
Most Sun Country passengers don’t even bother looking for screens because they don’t exist. Just like others on this list, the fleet has no seatback entertainment or music, and Wi-Fi isn’t an option. A thin paper magazine offers the only distraction, while travelers either sleep or stare out the window.
Bryan from Las Vegas, USA on Wikimedia
8. China Eastern (Short-Haul)
Screens are often visible on China Eastern’s short-haul aircraft, but that doesn’t mean they’re functional. Many remain turned off, or play nothing more than the route map. English content is rare. Passengers typically rely on phones or downloaded content to get through the flight.
9. AirAsia
On most AirAsia routes, don’t expect screens or streaming. Wi-Fi is often unavailable, and there are no built-in systems. Long-haul travelers can rent tablets, but availability is limited, and reservations must be made early. It’s a low-cost model that leaves entertainment entirely in your hands.
Andy Mitchell from Glasgow, UK on Wikimedia
10. Volaris
Volaris does offer streaming entertainment, only if you pay and bring a device. There are no screens or ports, and tray tables barely support tablets. Between small fixtures and minimal service, the in-flight vibe says it all: passengers are expected to “bring their own fun”.
Tomás Del Coro from Las Vegas, Nevada, USA on Wikimedia
Now that the bottom of the pack is clear, here are the carriers turning flights into full-on entertainment experiences.
1. Emirates
Entertainment is a signature feature of the Emirates. Their ICE system offers over 6,500 options, including movies, games, and music across multiple languages and genres. From live TV to seat-to-seat calling, even children get their own zones. Playlists can be built pre-flight for convenience.
Maarten Visser from Capelle aan den IJssel, Nederland on Wikimedia
2. Singapore Airlines
Award-winning films and HD visuals define KrisWorld, Singapore Airlines’ in-flight system. With over 1,800 titles and even Bluetooth audio pairing in premium cabins, it’s clear this carrier values quality entertainment. Passengers also enjoy destination guides and language lessons between titles.
Eustaquio Santimano from Singapore on Wikimedia
3. Qatar Airways
It starts as soon as you board. Oryx One’s full access runs gate-to-gate. Offering over 4,000 choices, including Bollywood hits and box sets, Qatar Airways puts global entertainment at your fingertips. Kids’ content rivals major streaming services, and high-resolution touchscreens complete the polished viewing experience.
4. Delta Air Lines
Delta’s edge in U.S. air travel includes its IFE. Over 90% of aircraft have seatback screens, and a growing number offer free Wi-Fi. Movie libraries and Skytrax-awarded curation make for rich entertainment. Few U.S. airlines match this level of in-flight consistency across cabins.
Andrei Dimofte from Stuttgart, Germany on Wikimedia
5. Turkish Airlines
Turkish Airlines integrates cultural and practical viewing with its Planet system—350+ films and 700+ episodes in 23 languages. Live sports and news boost long-haul appeal, while local Turkish programming and religious content add depth. This blend makes the airline’s IFE both diverse and inclusive.
BriYYZ from Toronto, Canada on Wikimedia
6. Etihad Airways
Wellness and personalization define Etihad’s E-BOX system. Travelers can watch Bollywood, Hollywood, or Arabic films, then switch to meditation sessions or audio. Parental filters help families manage screen time. Plus, new Bluetooth-enabled screens that pair with AirPods are an increasingly rare yet welcome feature.
Anna Zvereva from Tallinn, Estonia on Wikimedia
7. British Airways
IFE on British Airways emphasizes variety and heritage. Up to 1,000 hours of viewing on long-haul flights includes UK classics, global documentaries, and rotating seasonal content. Wi-Fi is widely available, and kids can switch between Peppa Pig and Pixar with ease.
Steve Lynes from Sandshurst, United Kingdom on Wikimedia
8. Cathay Pacific
StudioCX on Cathay Pacific evolves monthly. It blends new Hollywood releases with curated Asian cinema, while offering 300+ hours of content. Travelers can explore 3D airshow maps or language lessons. Wi-Fi rollout is still in progress, but the existing selection makes up for it.
9. ANA (All Nippon Airways)
ANA merges pop culture with wellness on its SKY CHANNEL. Passengers can browse over 360 films, ebooks, and games, or flip to a manga section midflight. Meditation audio helps on longer journeys, and touchscreen seat control makes navigation refreshingly smooth.
pjs2005 from Hampshire, UK on Wikimedia
10. Air France
From French cinema to chef interviews, Air France turns IFE into a cultural experience. Passengers choose from 1,000+ hours of content in 12 languages, including the “Art on the Air” series. Anti-glare screens and night mode enhance the viewing experience on newer aircraft.
