Is there a TV in the airplane?

Seatback entertainment system This system is a screen on the back of the seat in front of you. You can enjoy movies and TV shows, games, check the weather or flight map, and more.



In 2026, the presence of a TV (In-Flight Entertainment or IFE screen) depends heavily on the airline, the aircraft type, and the duration of the flight. On most long-haul international flights operated by full-service carriers (like Emirates, Delta, or Singapore Airlines), every seat is equipped with a personal seat-back screen offering hundreds of movies, shows, and live TV channels. However, on short-haul domestic flights or low-cost carriers (like Southwest, Ryanair, or Frontier), airlines have increasingly moved away from physical screens to save weight and reduce fuel consumption. Instead, they offer "BYOD" (Bring Your Own Device) entertainment, where you connect your phone or tablet to the plane's internal Wi-Fi to stream content for free. Some ultra-modern aircraft, like the A321neo or the 737 MAX, are seeing a "return of the screen" with high-definition 4K monitors and Bluetooth audio connectivity even on shorter routes. In Business and First Class, screens are becoming massive, often exceeding 24 inches. Regardless of the screen's presence, almost all planes in 2026 now feature USB-C or AC power outlets to keep your personal "TV" charged.

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The best place to start is by paying close attention during the booking process, as some amenities (like personal televisions) are indicated when you select your flights (depending on the airline).

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Two of the three, JetBlue and Delta, offer seatback screens on most flights, which are not just for watching free movies, but for other forms of entertainment including — depending on the flight — browsing digital magazines, following guided meditations and more.

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Use of visual entertainment such as movies, television programs, video games, etc., is not allowed for a flight crew as they are required to maintain visual scanning outside the aircraft, if able, for situational awareness and collision avoidance.

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Plenty of airlines offer Wi-Fi on flights, but not all service is created equal. Thanks to advancements in technology, we're seeing better speeds — but plenty of aircraft still rely on outdated equipment, so you'll be waiting a while for that Facebook feed to load.

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flights under 2 hours: a snack. flights over 2 hours: a main meal. flights over 7 hours: a main meal and snack. flights over 12 hours: two main meals and a snack.

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In-flight internet packages are also available for purchase. In-flight entertainment including movies, TV, games, and music is provided at your seat on all long haul KLM flights. Meal service is dependent on your seat class and flight route.

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The simple answer is yes, pilots do, and are allowed to sleep during flight but there are strict rules controlling this practice. Pilots would only normally sleep on long haul flights, although sleep on short haul flights is permitted to avoid the effects of fatigue.

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Now, every pilot has an electronic flight bag (EFB). To be effective, the EFB needs inflight Wi-Fi to download charts and access real time weather and traffic updates. Surprisingly, not all cockpits have inflight Wi-Fi.

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Yes, you can usually charge your phone on a plane. Most airplanes have power outlets or USB ports that allow passengers to charge their electronic devices during the flight. However, the availability and location of these outlets may vary depending on the airline and the type of aircraft.

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According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Bluetooth headphones and other wireless devices are allowed during all phases of the flight, as long as they are in aeroplane mode. In general, you can use your trusty wireless Bluetooth headphones on planes. Photo by cottonbro studio on Pexels.

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