
Audio By Carbonatix
If you’re planning to fly American Airlines soon, make sure your tablets and laptops are charged up.
The airline will be ditching the seatback monitors used for in-flight movies and entertainment on their new Boeing 737 MAX airplanes, set to start flying later this year.
“Every customer with a phone, tablet or laptop will be able to watch free movies and TV shows from our extensive on-board library, as well as free live television channels, all without purchasing an in-flight Internet connection,” the airline explained in a memo distributed to employees on Jan. 24.
United Airlines previously made a similar decision to pass on the seatback screens in their new Boeing 737 and Airbus aircrafts.
According to the Star-Telegram, American Airlines will keep the seatback screens on wide body aircraft like the Boeing 777, Boeing 787 and Airbus A330, used on international routes. But the Fort Worth-based carrier is reconsidering the in-flight video services for flights that fly domestically.
The news comes after a 2016 announcement that the airline would be improving its in-flight internet connections to quicker, satellite-based options. Better Wi-Fi speeds will allow passengers to stream video content from providers like Amazon or Netflix.
To keep those private tablets and mobile devices running, the airline says it also plans to install power outlets at every seat on 50 percent of its domestic narrow body aircrafts before the end of 2018.
While the airline will start making the changes effective immediately, many fliers won't see the difference right away.
American expects to obtain four Boeing 737 MAX aircraft (without the backseat TVs) this year, but the airline is also expecting 40 new Boeing 737 and Airbus A321 aircrafts, which will have backseat screens and power outlets.
Latest Stories
-
NPP pledges to support TikToker Camilla Alhassan’s jail term appeal
9 minutes -
Newborn baby found dead at hotel refuse dump in Wa
11 minutes -
No SHS student will be on double track by 2027—Mahama
20 minutes -
Mahama dismisses third-term speculation, says he is focused on campaign promises
23 minutes -
UHAS set to house one of West Africa’s largest laboratory complexes — Mahama
26 minutes -
Smile Train to convene Africa, India cleft specialists for Indo-Africa Cleft Conference
37 minutes -
Parliament extends sitting to Saturday for 2026 Mid-Year Budget Review debate
42 minutes -
Come back to Ghanaians, you said they were your children – Mahama tells Ofori-Atta
42 minutes -
Kotoko appoint Eric Tinkler as new head coach
43 minutes -
Police investigate alleged abduction of 8-month-old baby at Kpando Market
45 minutes -
Brand communities and tribal consumption: What football fans teach us about loyalty
53 minutes -
Why flee if you’ve done nothing wrong? – Mahama questions Ofori-Atta’s absence
57 minutes -
MTN Ghana Foundation commissions ICT and Robotics Centre for New Asafo M/A Basic School
1 hour -
Mahama announces plans for Ho airport expansion
1 hour -
My appointees will face the same accountability standards if found culpable – Mahama
1 hour