Airline Seatback Screens May Be an Endangered Species
U.S. carriers are split on whether single-aisle fleets need them, but all agree that better Wi-Fi means more revenue.
In the quest to command higher fares and traveler loyalty, airlines are constantly scrambling to market their onboard services as better than Brand X. These days, one highly visible battleground is directly in front of you: the seatback screen.
While such displays are firmly entrenched aboard long-haul fleets, helping pass the hours during ocean crossings, there’s a deep difference of opinion among U.S. carriers when it comes to domestic single-aisle jets. The advent of onboard Wi-Fi has given airlines the option of using your phone or tablet as a portal for films, television shows and video games, avoiding the expense of costly hardware at every seat.