Long flights can feel endless without something to keep you entertained. Thankfully, movies are one of the best ways to pass the time in the air. But many travelers—especially seniors booking for themselves or for family—wonder: Does United Airlines have free inflight movies?
The short answer is yes. United offers free inflight entertainment on most flights, including movies, TV shows, and more. This guide explains how it works, what to expect, and tips for making the most of it. And if you’re unsure about what’s available on your specific flight, you can always call 877-297-0699 to confirm with United.
Yes—United provides free inflight movies and TV shows on most domestic and international flights. Options vary by aircraft, but the service is complimentary.
Domestic flights: Free movies and TV streaming available through seatback screens or your own device.
International flights: Wider selection, with newer releases and family-friendly options.
👉 Quick tip: Unlike Wi-Fi internet browsing, United’s movies and shows don’t require you to purchase a Wi-Fi plan—they’re included for free.
Depending on the plane and route, you can watch movies in two main ways:
Seatback Screens
Available on many long-haul flights and some domestic routes.
Easy to use—just plug in headphones and select your movie.
Personal Device Entertainment
Works on smartphones, tablets, or laptops.
Steps:
Connect to United’s onboard Wi-Fi.
Open the United app or your browser.
Select from the free entertainment menu.
👵 Example: A senior couple flying from Newark to Hawaii shared how easy it was to stream a movie on their iPads after downloading the United app at home.
United’s entertainment library is surprisingly broad:
Hollywood blockbusters – recent releases to keep you up-to-date.
Classics – old favorites that many seniors enjoy.
Family and kids’ movies – great if you’re traveling with grandchildren.
Documentaries and series – for those who prefer learning or light viewing.
🎬 Fun fact: United updates its movie list regularly, so frequent travelers often find something new on every trip.
To make the experience smoother:
Bring headphones. United sometimes sells them onboard, but personal ones are usually more comfortable.
Download the United app. This ensures you can access personal device entertainment quickly.
Charge devices before the flight. Not all planes have power outlets at every seat.
Ask flight attendants for help. If you’re having trouble connecting, staff are usually happy to guide you.
👴 Example: A grandfather mentioned that downloading the app ahead of time saved him frustration when boarding.
This is a common point of confusion. Here’s the breakdown:
Free entertainment (movies/TV): No paid Wi-Fi required. You only need to connect to United’s inflight system.
Internet browsing, email, or social media: Requires purchasing a Wi-Fi plan.
💡 Senior tip: If you’re not sure whether your plane has seatback screens or personal-device streaming, call 877-297-0699 before your trip.
So, does United have free inflight movies? Yes—and plenty of them. Whether you prefer classic films, new releases, or shows for the grandkids, United’s inflight entertainment can make hours in the air fly by.
With a little preparation—like bringing headphones and downloading the United app—you’ll be ready to enjoy a movie at 30,000 feet. And if you’d like to confirm what’s available on your exact flight, call 877-297-0699 for assistance.