Does American Airlines 737 have screens?

Stream and Soar: Navigating Entertainment on American Airlines 737s

For many air travelers, the seatback screen is a familiar and welcome sight, promising hours of distraction during a long flight. However, if you’re flying on an American Airlines 737-800, that expectation might need a slight adjustment. While not completely absent, the presence of seatback screens on these aircraft is becoming less and less common.

American Airlines has been progressively removing seatback screens from their Boeing 737-800 fleet. This isn’t a malicious move designed to deprive passengers of entertainment, but rather a strategic decision driven by factors like weight reduction, maintenance costs, and the ever-increasing prevalence of personal electronic devices.

The logic is simple: most travelers now carry smartphones, tablets, and laptops loaded with their own content. Recognizing this trend, American Airlines is leaning into the “bring your own device” (BYOD) model. Instead of relying on built-in screens, the airline encourages passengers to stream movies, TV shows, and music directly to their personal devices using the onboard Wi-Fi.

This approach offers several advantages. Firstly, eliminating seatback screens reduces the overall weight of the aircraft, leading to fuel savings. Secondly, it simplifies maintenance. Fewer screens mean fewer potential points of failure and lower repair costs. Finally, it allows passengers to access a broader and more personalized entertainment experience than a fixed system typically provides.

So, what should you expect on your next American Airlines 737-800 flight?

• Don’t automatically assume there will be a seatback screen. Before your flight, it’s a good idea to check the aircraft configuration through American Airlines’ website or app. While not always perfectly accurate, this can give you a general idea.
• Embrace the BYOD approach. Download movies, TV shows, podcasts, and music to your devices before you fly. This ensures you have access to entertainment even if the Wi-Fi is unavailable.
• Pack a portable charger. Streaming video can drain your battery quickly, so having a power bank on hand is essential.
• Invest in a comfortable device holder. Holding your phone or tablet for hours can be tiring. A small, portable stand or grip can make your viewing experience much more enjoyable.
• Utilize the onboard Wi-Fi. American Airlines offers Wi-Fi for purchase on most flights, allowing you to stream content from your favorite platforms.
• Consider noise-canceling headphones. This is always a good idea for air travel, but especially important when you’re relying on your own device for entertainment.

While the absence of seatback screens might seem like a downgrade to some, it’s ultimately a reflection of evolving technology and changing travel habits. By embracing the BYOD approach and planning accordingly, you can still enjoy a rich and personalized entertainment experience on your next American Airlines 737-800 flight. The skies are still the limit – just bring your own screen!