Flying with American Airlines and wondering how to keep yourself entertained during your journey? You're in luck! American Airlines offers a fantastic array of in-flight entertainment options, designed to make your flight as enjoyable as possible. Whether you prefer to kick back with a classic movie, catch up on your favorite TV series, or even learn a new skill, American Airlines has you covered.
Let's dive right into how you can access all this amazing content. Ready to transform your flight into a personal entertainment lounge? Let's get started!
Step 1: Prepare Your Devices Before You Fly (Crucial!)
This is perhaps the most important step to ensure a smooth entertainment experience. Don't wait until you're at 30,000 feet to realize you're missing something!
Sub-heading: Download the American Airlines App
For Personal Device Streaming: American Airlines heavily relies on personal device entertainment. This means you'll be streaming content directly to your smartphone, tablet, or laptop. For phones and tablets, you absolutely must download the American Airlines app before your flight.
Why is this important? The in-flight entertainment system often routes through this app, especially for video content. Trying to download it inflight might be slow or impossible due to Wi-Fi limitations.
Where to find it? Search for "American Airlines" in your device's app store (Apple App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android).
For Laptops: While a dedicated app isn't usually required for laptops, you'll still access the entertainment through a web browser.
Charge Everything Up! Ensure all your devices are fully charged. While many American Airlines planes offer power outlets and/or USB ports, they might not be available at every seat, or the charging speed might be slow. A full battery is your best friend.
Consider Portable Chargers: A power bank is an excellent backup to keep your devices juiced throughout a long flight.
Don't Forget Your Headphones! This is non-negotiable.
Wired Headphones: If you plan to use seatback screens (where available), wired headphones with a standard 3.5mm jack are essential.
Bluetooth Headphones: While you can use Bluetooth headphones on American Airlines flights (once the plane is above 10,000 feet), you might need a Bluetooth transmitter if you want to connect them to a seatback screen that doesn't have built-in Bluetooth connectivity. Popular options like the AirFly adapter work well. Remember to put your device in airplane mode, but ensure Bluetooth remains enabled.
Step 2: Boarding and Getting Connected
Once you're on the plane and settled in, it's time to get connected to the entertainment system.
Sub-heading: Enable Airplane Mode
As soon as you're seated and before takeoff, switch your phone or tablet to airplane mode. This disables cellular and internet connectivity, as per FAA regulations, but allows Wi-Fi and Bluetooth to function.
Sub-heading: Connect to the In-Flight Wi-Fi Signal
"AA-Inflight" is Your Friend: Go to your device's Wi-Fi settings and look for the network named "AA-Inflight". Select it to connect.
No Wi-Fi Purchase Needed for Free Entertainment: It's important to note that you do not need to purchase Wi-Fi access to stream the free in-flight entertainment library (movies, TV shows, music, etc.). The "AA-Inflight" network is what you connect to for this free content. Paid Wi-Fi is for general internet Browse, email, social media, etc.
Automatic Redirection (Usually): Once connected, your device should automatically redirect you to the American Airlines in-flight entertainment portal.
Manual Access (If Not Redirected): If you're not automatically redirected, open your web browser (Safari, Chrome, Firefox, etc.) and type in aainflight.com in the address bar. This will take you to the entertainment hub.
Step 3: Navigating the Entertainment Hub
Now that you're connected, it's time to choose what you want to watch or listen to!
Sub-heading: Accessing Free Entertainment
On the entertainment portal (aainflight.com), look for a button or link that says "View Free Entertainment" or simply an "Entertainment" icon. Click or tap on it.
You'll then be presented with a wide variety of content. American Airlines offers:
Hundreds of Movies: From the latest blockbusters to timeless classics.
TV Shows: Full seasons and individual episodes across various genres.
Music: A diverse library of audio content, often including partnerships with services like Apple Music (which existing subscribers can stream for free on Viasat-equipped aircraft).
Lifestyle Content: Exclusive partnerships with platforms like Skillshare (for learning new skills) and Matador Network (for travel videos and documentaries).
Kids' Room: A dedicated section with family-friendly movies and TV shows, including content from Hey Bear Sensory.
Apple TV+ Originals: Watch award-winning Apple Originals for free.
Preview What's Playing: Before your flight, you can often visit the American Airlines website and enter your flight number to see what specific entertainment will be available on your flight. This can help you plan your viewing!
Sub-heading: Using Seatback Screens (Where Available)
Check Your Aircraft Type: Not all American Airlines planes have seatback screens. Larger aircraft (like Boeing 777s, 787s, and some Airbus A321 Transcon flights) are more likely to have them. Many domestic flights, especially on newer aircraft like the Boeing 737 MAX, rely solely on personal device streaming.
Direct Access: If your seat has a screen, the entertainment options are usually right there at your fingertips. Simply use the touchscreen or remote control to browse and select your desired content.
Headphone Jack: Remember to plug in your wired headphones into the audio jack, usually located near the screen or in the armrest.
Step 4: Enhancing Your Viewing Experience
A few extra tips can make your in-flight entertainment even better.
Sub-heading: Utilize Device Holders
Many American Airlines seats are equipped with device holders, typically located above the tray table latch on the seat in front of you. These are designed to hold your phone or tablet for hands-free viewing.
Gently pull the lever to drop down the small tray, then adjust the holder to snugly fit your device. Remember to secure it properly so it doesn't slip out, especially during turbulence.
Sub-heading: Power Management
While many planes have power ports (AC outlets or USB ports), their availability can vary.
Look Around Your Seat: Check the area around your seat, often beneath the seat, near the armrest, or directly on the seatback in front of you.
Lower Voltage for Laptops: Be aware that on-board power ports might have lower voltage, which can sometimes struggle to charge larger devices like laptops, potentially tripping the circuit. Smaller devices like phones and tablets are usually fine.
Conserve Power: If power is limited, dim your screen, close unnecessary apps, and use airplane mode to extend your device's battery life.
Sub-heading: Consider Paid Wi-Fi for External Streaming
If you want to stream content from services other than American Airlines' free library (e.g., Netflix, Hulu, YouTube, etc.), you will need to purchase a Wi-Fi package.
Wi-Fi is available on most routes and starts around $10. American Airlines also offers monthly subscription plans for frequent flyers.
Connect to "AA-Inflight" and follow the prompts to purchase a Wi-Fi plan if you wish to access the internet beyond the free entertainment portal.
10 Related FAQ Questions
Here are some quick answers to common questions about American Airlines' in-flight entertainment:
How to know if my flight has seatback screens?
To check if your specific American Airlines flight will have seatback screens, visit the American Airlines website, go to their "Inflight Entertainment" section, and enter your flight number under "What's on my flight." Generally, larger aircraft like Boeing 777s and 787s, and some A321 Transcon flights, have them, while many domestic flights rely on personal device streaming.
How to connect my Bluetooth headphones to American Airlines entertainment?
You can use Bluetooth headphones on American Airlines flights once the plane is above 10,000 feet. If you are using a seatback screen that doesn't have built-in Bluetooth, you will need a separate Bluetooth transmitter (like an AirFly adapter) plugged into the seat's 3.5mm headphone jack. For streaming to your personal device, simply connect your Bluetooth headphones to your phone/tablet/laptop as usual.
How to download the American Airlines app for in-flight entertainment?
Search for "American Airlines" in your device's app store (Apple App Store for iOS, Google Play Store for Android) and download the official app before your flight. This app is crucial for streaming free entertainment on your personal device.
How to access American Airlines' free movies and TV shows?
Connect your device to the "AA-Inflight" Wi-Fi network (no purchase needed). If not automatically redirected, open your web browser and go to aainflight.com. Look for the "View Free Entertainment" option or entertainment icon, and you'll find a library of movies, TV shows, music, and more.
How to charge my phone or laptop on an American Airlines flight?
Many American Airlines planes have AC power outlets and/or USB power ports at seats. Look around your seat, often beneath it, in the armrest, or on the seatback. It's best to fully charge your devices before flying and bring a portable charger as a backup, as power availability can vary by aircraft and outlet voltage might be low for laptops.
How to use the device holder on American Airlines?
On the seatback in front of you, look above the tray table latch for a small lever. Gently pull this lever, and a small tray or clip will drop down. You can then adjust it to securely hold your phone or tablet for hands-free viewing.
How to stream my own content (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) on American Airlines?
To stream content from services like Netflix, Hulu, or YouTube, you will need to purchase an American Airlines Wi-Fi package. Connect to the "AA-Inflight" network and follow the prompts to buy a Wi-Fi plan for general internet access.
How to know what entertainment is available on my specific flight?
Visit entertainment.aa.com/en/how-to-watch on the American Airlines website before your flight. You can enter your flight number to see a preview of the movies, TV shows, and other content that will be available on your specific journey.
How to troubleshoot issues with American Airlines in-flight entertainment?
First, ensure you are connected to the "AA-Inflight" Wi-Fi network and have airplane mode enabled. If using a personal device, try restarting the American Airlines app or your web browser. If it's a seatback screen issue, you can try resetting it if an option is available, or inform a flight attendant for assistance.
How to get Apple Music or Apple TV+ on American Airlines?
Existing Apple Music subscribers can stream for free on Viasat-equipped American Airlines flights by connecting to the "AA-Inflight" Wi-Fi, logging in with their Apple ID, and using the Apple Music app. Apple TV+ Originals are available for free viewing on both seatback screens (where available) and personal devices on Wi-Fi-equipped flights through the American Airlines entertainment portal.
