The Evolution of In-Flight Entertainment: Streaming, Wi-Fi & Beyond

August 28, 2025

Let’s be real—there was a time when flying meant being stuck with a tiny screen, a glitchy movie, and some scratchy headphones wrapped in plastic. You were lucky if the system even worked. And if you forgot to bring your own stuff? Well… good luck staring at the seatback for five hours. But things have changed—thankfully. In-flight entertainment has come a long way, and these days, it can actually make the flight feel bearable—or even enjoyable. Here's a straight-up look at how far we’ve come, what’s working (and what’s not), and why you might want to check your airline’s tech before you book that ticket to one of your top travel destinations.

Old-School Flying: A Whole Lotta Nothing

Talking about in-flight entertainment, if you flew before the 2010s, you probably remember the misery: one movie for the whole plane, shown on a distant ceiling screen. Missed the start? Too bad. Didn’t like the film? Sucks to be you. Eventually, we got seatback screens with options. It felt like magic at the time—movies, music, a few weird games. But let’s not kid ourselves: the tech was clunky, and the touchscreen barely worked unless you jabbed it with all your might.

Now We Stream at 35,000 Feet

These days, the game has changed. Many airlines let you stream movies and shows straight to your phone or tablet. No more praying the seat screen works or being stuck with the same 3 films for a 10-hour flight. You just connect to the onboard Wi-Fi, open the airline’s streaming portal, and boom—you’ve got entertainment. Some airlines even hook you up with HBO, Spotify, or other legit content. Honestly, it’s way better watching on your own device with your own apps and headphones. Seat screens? Meh. They're still around, but not essential anymore.

In-Flight Wi-Fi: Finally Not a Joke

For years, in-flight Wi-Fi was just... bad. It cost too much, barely worked, and made even loading an email feel like a miracle. Now? It’s (mostly) decent. Messaging is almost always free. Browsing and streaming work on a lot of airlines—especially international ones. And some carriers even include Wi-Fi with your ticket, which is a win. Pro tip: check ahead. Some airlines work with your mobile carrier to offer free or discounted Wi-Fi. Others give you better rates if you prepay before your flight. A little prep goes a long way when it comes to in-flight entertainment.

Bluetooth. Finally,

We waited way too long for this, but some airlines now let you use Bluetooth headphones with the seatback screen. Hallelujah. No more tangled cords. No more weird adapters. No more pretending to enjoy your movie with one earbud in and the other hanging out because the cord’s too short. It’s the little things that make flying suck less.

It’s Not Just About Movies Anymore

Sure, you can binge-watch a whole series or catch a new release. But in-flight entertainment is doing more than just passing the time now:

• You can order drinks or food right from the screen
• Track your flight with 3D maps (we all do this for way too long)
• Get info about your destination
• Some airlines even let you create playlists or watch travel guides

It’s still evolving, but it’s definitely more than just watching a rom-com on repeat.

Not Every Airline Has Caught Up

Here’s the honest truth: some airlines are ahead of the curve, and others are still in the dark ages. If IFE matters to you (and on long flights, it 100% does), check before you book. Best airlines for in-flight entertainment? Emirates, Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airways, and Delta are usually solid. JetBlue deserves a shoutout too—they’ve been offering free Wi-Fi long before most of the big players. Flying to one of your top travel destinations? You might want to choose an airline that makes the flight feel like part of the trip—not a chore you have to survive.

What You Actually Need to Know

• Bring your own device. Airlines expect it now.
• Download the airline’s app before your flight. Trust me.
• Bring your own headphones. Bluetooth if possible.
• Don’t count on free Wi-Fi—check before you fly.
• Some airlines are great. Some still suck. Plan accordingly.

Need Help Picking the Right Airline?

Talking about in-flight entertainment, if you’re trying to figure out which airline gives you the best bang for your buck—or just want to make sure your next long-haul flight doesn’t feel like time travel back to 2008—we’ve got you. Contact us with our experts, and we’ll help you plan your next trip with flights that actually make the journey enjoyable. Because bad entertainment shouldn’t ruin a good trip. Have a look at our website for more details. ALSO READ: What not to bring when traveling internationally?