United Airlines is widely acknowledged by worldwide flyers for offering modern and ever-evolving in-flight entertainment systems. Further, many aircraft operated by United Airlines are equipped with seatback TVs. Moreover, these 4K entertainment devices come with wireless connectivity, modern features, and 15+ languages.
However, several domestic as well as short-haul flights lack these television screens. In 2026, United is planning to expand its onboard connectivity, including the introduction of SpaceX’s Starlink WiFi on a large portion of its fleet, along with many more advancements.
Therefore, on this page, a complete breakdown of the airlines' onboard entertainment options and TV screening facilities is presented.
Does United Airlines Have Seatback TVs?
Yes, United Airlines provides TV screens on a wide range of aircraft. The carrier has also won the ‘
Crystal Cabin Award’ in
2019 for these dynamic and cutting-edge devices. Additionally, there are primarily 2 types of TV options, including seatback screens and DIRECTV.
Further, the following are the underlying amenities attached to the seatback entertainment screens. Also, usually these screens are available on transcontinental routes and some domestic flights.
- Enjoy hours of Movie Screening
- Browse TV Shows
- Listen to a diverse collection of songs
- Listen to soothing music for relaxation
- Play engaging games
- Option to go through the flight information
- Explore Weather Reports
- Add flyer favourites
- Option to enjoy wireless connectivity with Bluetooth Devices
- Real-Time Flight Information on TVs
- Option to book Meals while staying on the seat
Moreover, along with the above-mentioned facilities, this collection includes a range of built-in functions.
- Split-Screen Viewing
- Enjoy watching Live Sports Channels
- Visit numerous Live News Channels
- Apple TV+ Content
- On-Demand Hollywood Movies and Channels
- Relaxing Audio-Video Content for Relaxation
- Connecting and Arrival Gate Information
- Text to Speech Mode
- Bluetooth Headphones Connectivity
Which United Airlines Aircraft Have TV Screens?
Above all, below is the all-inclusive and detailed list of aircraft of the U.S. carrier that incorporates TV screens. Although this can vary from seatback screens to DIRECTV options, a TV is present in almost all the seats.
- Boeing 787 Dreamliner (787-8 / 787-9 / 787-10)
- Boeing 777 aircraft (most configurations)
- Boeing 767 aircraft
- Select Boeing 757 aircraft (mainly premium transcontinental routes
These aircraft are generally used for:
- International flights
- Long-haul routes
- Premium coast-to-coast services
Most of these planes are equipped with seatback entertainment systems offering movies, TV shows, flight information, and more.
Which United Airlines Aircraft Don’t Have TV Screens?
Conversely, these are the popular aircraft that generally don’t offer any sort of physical devices. However, these flights also have browsing options which can be accessed by the travellers on their personal devices.
- Many Boeing 737 aircraft (including several 737 MAX models)
- Some Boeing 757 aircraft
- Select domestically configured wide-body aircraft
Although seatback TVs may not be available on these aircraft, travellers can stream movies, TV shows, and other content by connecting to the onboard WiFi network through the United app.
Other Streaming Options of United Airlines
Alternatively, the U.S. major carrier has other ways to make the overall air travel quite pleasurable for the passengers. By providing this amenity, the onboard experience becomes equally enjoyable without seatback TVs as well.
Basically, this process is known as Personal Device Entertainment. This way, the flyers can watch plenty of the latest movies, series, and stream songs on their personal devices. However, travellers must download the latest United app before boarding. In addition, the passengers can also carry their personal headphones or Bluetooth AirPods.
Moreover, the steps to connect personal devices with United Private Screening are as follows:
- Flyers must switch ‘on’ the Airplane Mode on their personal devices.
- Connect to the “unitedwifi.com” network.
- Open your Browser and visit UnitedWiFi.com for hassle-free browsing.
United Airlines In-Flight Entertainment Launches of 2026
United Airlines is launching a new initiative named ‘United Next’ in 2026. With the coming of this programme, the overall in-flight media. Some of the key upgrades that will be witnessed by the flyers in 2026 are mentioned below:
- SpaceX’s Starlink WiFi: United Airlines is soon going to equip around 800 of its mainline airplanes with the highly efficient Starlink WiFi.
- Adding Seatback Screens: The company will also add TVs to short-haul and domestic aircraft, which usually lack onboard seatback screens.
- Collaborations: Further, the airline is also working to collaborate with organizations such as Spotify. This will allow the customers to listen to interesting audio and video podcasts during their flight.
Summing Up...
United Airlines is truly appreciated for providing passengers with a plethora of in-flight entertainment amenities. Along with equipping the majority of the fleet with TV screens, the carrier also has upgraded options such as DIRECTV.
Additionally, the upcoming initiative of the airlines under ‘United Next’ to increase the seatback TVs is also explained. Thus, on this page, all the important entertainment-centric details of United Airlines are mentioned.