One of the simplest pleasures of flying is watching a movie or TV show to help the hours pass. But if you’re booking with United Airlines, you may wonder: Does United still have seatback screens?
The answer depends on the plane and the route. Some United flights do offer seatback screens, while others rely on personal-device entertainment. This guide explains what to expect, why it matters, and how seniors can prepare for a smoother trip. And if you’d like to confirm before you travel, you can always call 877-297-0699 for details on your specific flight.
Yes—some United aircraft still have seatback screens, particularly on wide-body planes used for long-haul international routes. However, many narrow-body aircraft used for domestic travel no longer have them.
Here’s the general breakdown:
International and long-haul flights: More likely to have seatback screens.
Domestic and short-haul flights: More likely to use “personal device entertainment,” where you stream movies and shows on your own phone or tablet.
👉 Quick tip: If having a seatback screen is important to you, call 877-297-0699 before booking to make sure your aircraft offers them.
It’s fairly easy to check if your plane has built-in entertainment:
Check the aircraft type listed in your booking. Wide-body planes (like the Boeing 777 or 787) usually have seatback screens.
Look for “In-Flight Amenities” on United.com or the United app.
Call 877-297-0699 and ask an agent directly.
👵 Example: A grandmother traveling from Chicago to London checked ahead and was relieved to book a flight with seatback screens—no need to worry about setting up her phone for hours of viewing.
If your United flight doesn’t have seatback screens, don’t worry—entertainment is still free. United offers a wide variety of movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts through personal device entertainment.
How it works:
Connect to United’s onboard Wi-Fi (free for entertainment).
Open the United app or use your browser.
Select from the free entertainment menu.
💡 Senior tip: Download the United app at home before your trip. This avoids Wi-Fi setup stress once you’re on the plane.
Seatback screens offer several benefits, especially for older travelers:
Larger, easy-to-see displays compared to a phone.
Hands-free viewing—no need to hold a device for hours.
Simple to use—just plug in headphones and start watching.
Ideal for long-haul flights when you want to relax with multiple movies.
📊 Data note: AARP surveys have shown that many seniors value simplicity in technology while traveling, making seatback screens a welcome feature.
Whether your flight has a seatback screen or not, these tips will help:
Bring your own headphones. United sells them onboard, but personal ones are usually more comfortable.
Charge your devices. Not every seat has power outlets—especially on older aircraft.
Pack a portable charger. Handy if you’re streaming on your phone or tablet.
Ask for help. Flight attendants can assist if you’re having trouble connecting.
👴 Example: A grandfather shared that bringing his own earbuds made a big difference—he found them more comfortable than the airline’s option and enjoyed a quieter, clearer movie experience.
So, does United have seatback screens? The answer is yes on many long-haul aircraft, but not all domestic planes. Still, even if your flight doesn’t have built-in screens, you can enjoy free movies and shows on your personal device.
With a little preparation—downloading the app, bringing headphones, and checking ahead by calling 877-297-0699—you’ll be ready to relax and enjoy the flight, no matter what entertainment system your plane uses.