Does United have screens in the economy?

United Economy Entertainment: Screens or Your Own Device? What to Expect

Flying United Economy? Wondering if you’ll be staring at the back of the seat in front of you for hours? The good news is boredom isn’t necessarily part of the deal. United offers a solid entertainment program, but the delivery method might vary. Here’s the lowdown on what to expect regarding screens in United Economy.

While United promotes seatback screens in their economy cabins, the reality is a bit more nuanced. The availability of a personal screen directly on your seat depends on the aircraft type and the specific route. Newer aircraft within the United fleet are more likely to feature these built-in screens, offering a classic in-flight entertainment experience.

However, don’t despair if your assigned plane isn’t equipped with individual monitors. United’s entertainment program, dubbed United Private ScreeningSM, doesn’t leave you stranded. This service allows you to stream a diverse selection of movies, TV shows, and other content directly to your own personal devices (phone, tablet, laptop). Just make sure to download the United app beforehand and charge your device fully before your flight.

Thanks to a partnership with the MileagePlus® Explorer Card, United Private ScreeningSM is complimentary, regardless of whether you’re using a seatback screen or streaming to your own device. This means you can enjoy a wide range of entertainment from various partners without incurring extra costs.

So, to answer the question definitively: sometimes United Economy has seatback screens. But even if your specific flight doesn’t, you can still enjoy a comprehensive entertainment library through United Private ScreeningSM on your own device. It’s always best to check the amenities offered for your specific flight and aircraft type when booking or via the United app closer to your departure date. This will allow you to prepare accordingly and ensure a more enjoyable flight, regardless of the screen situation.