Passengers flying with American Airlines will soon see a familiar feature returning to their seat: built-in television screens. The major US carrier has announced plans to restore seatback displays across its domestic fleet, reversing a decision made years ago to remove them.
Over the past decade, American Airlines removed built-in screens from most of its Boeing 737 and Airbus A320-family aircraft. At the time, the company argued that most passengers preferred streaming entertainment on their own phones or tablets. Removing the heavy equipment also reduced fuel costs and maintenance expenses.
However, many travelers were unhappy with the change. Passengers frequently complained that using personal devices led to empty batteries, uncomfortable viewing angles, and unreliable Wi-Fi connections during flights. Meanwhile, rival airlines such as Delta, United, and JetBlue continued to invest in onboard entertainment systems. Analysts say these decisions changed customer expectations, making seatback screens feel like a standard expectation rather than a luxury.
Modern technological improvements have also made screens lighter, more energy-efficient, and cheaper to install. Along with adding more premium seats as part of a wider cabin upgrade, American Airlines aims to improve the customer experience and boost revenue. The airline plans to roll out the new displays as quickly as possible, with full installation across the fleet expected by early next decade.