American Airlines has introduced free live television on 100 domestic aircraft and plans to equip its entire narrow-body fleet with live TV and high-speed internet. In total, these upgrades will reach more than 700 planes by the end of 2019. The carrier already provides live TV on its international flights.
The complimentary live TV service offers 12 channels provided by DISH: Bravo, CBS, CNBC, CNN, Disney Channel, ESPN, FOX, NBC, NFL Network, Telemundo, TNT and USA.
Passengers can stream the channels directly to their laptops, phones and tablets at no extra charge. The service is available from gate to gate, enabling continuous entertainment throughout the journey.
“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,” said Kurt Stache, senior vice president for marketing, loyalty & sales. “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.”
Stache added that the airline is moving quickly to upgrade its fleet to provide enhanced entertainment and connectivity options so customers have a consistent experience no matter where they fly with American Airlines.