American Airlines has added complimentary gate-to-gate live TV from DISH on its first 100 aircraft, with more to come. But there’s a catch.
The line-up includes 12 channels:
- Bravo
- CBS
- CNBC
- CNN
- Disney Channel
- ESPN
- FOX
- NBC
- NFL Network
- Telemundo
- TNT
- USA
The catch is that this complimentary TV streams directly to your laptop, tablet, or mobile phone. This complements the extensive library of movies and on-demand TV shows already available in streaming format. American, like United, is no longer installing seat-back TVs on its narrowbody fleet. Five channels of live TV are already free on AA’s long-haul international fleet.
Our customers have told us they want a living room experience in the air – the ability to watch free entertainment, stream their favorite shows on-demand, charge their phones and stay connected from start to finish during their travels. Free live TV on our mainline domestic fleet is the latest step in making that a reality, and it complements the live TV we offer on all of our international widebody flights today.
As One Mile at a Time wryly points out, a living room experience would include a widescreen TV and a lot more legroom….
Free live TV is available on aircraft equipped with Gogo 2Ku high-speed Wi-Fi, which includes 48 Airbus A320s and 60 Airbus A319s.
Faster Internet + Power Outlets
In addition to the complimentary TV, American is upgrading wi-fi speeds and adding more power outlets. High-speed wireless internet is already available on 240 with more to come. Power outlets will eventually be standard on all mainline aircraft and two-cabin regional aircraft.
CONCLUSION
I know we are used to screens in front of us. In an ideal world, those would still be there. But get used to the fact that streaming IFE is the future. News that more aircraft will be equipped with high-speed wi-fi and power outlets is much more important to me. Considering United charges for its (more extensive) live DirecTV, I’d say AA has a leg up here.
Hasn’t WN been offering this same live TV streaming product for years now? I remember using it on a WN flight back in 2015 at least.
I disagree. Streaming IFE is a very “cheap” concept for airlines to push. It is undoubtely very inconvenient for many travelers, as families obviously don’t have a device for every person. Even for solo business travelers, it can be a major setback because people like having the freedom of being able to work while watching something on the screen. Furthermore, staring down at the tray table for more than an hour may cause neck strain.
Are the streaming on-demand movies free?