For modern travelers, a comfortable flight isn’t just about legroom or service—it’s increasingly about staying connected and entertained in the air. Airlines have recognized this, with many investing heavily in inflight entertainment (IFE) systems and Wi-Fi. This article breaks down which airlines currently offer the best experience, considering seatback entertainment, streaming options, and connectivity. The race is on, but some carriers are already ahead.
What Makes Great Inflight Entertainment?
The ideal IFE experience combines high-quality seatback screens with a robust content library, reliable streaming capabilities, and fast, affordable Wi-Fi. Airlines are now competing not just on price, but on how well they can keep passengers occupied during long journeys. Seatback entertainment remains a staple, but streaming and Wi-Fi are rapidly becoming essential. The availability of both seatback and streaming options, along with the quality and usability of the systems, all contribute to a superior experience.
The Best Airlines for Inflight Entertainment
Here’s a breakdown of the airlines currently excelling in IFE, ranked by overall offerings rather than a strict numerical order. Each airline has its strengths, and the “best” choice depends on individual priorities.
Emirates Airline: The Gold Standard
Emirates consistently ranks among the best, thanks to its ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system, which is widely considered the industry leader. Every aircraft in the fleet features ICE, offering over 6,500 programs: movies, TV shows, live TV, podcasts, and even tail cameras on A380s. The system is intuitive and easy to use.
While Emirates excels in seatback entertainment, its Wi-Fi lags behind some competitors. The airline uses OnAir for many flights, providing low speeds, but it’s reasonably priced and Skywards members receive free messaging. However, new A350s and future Starlink rollouts will dramatically improve connectivity.
Qatar Airways: Rapidly Improving Connectivity
Qatar Airways’ Oryx One system is another top contender, offering thousands of movies, shows, and music albums. The airline is aggressively deploying Starlink Wi-Fi, now available on most of its long-haul fleet. Qatar Airways currently has the largest number of long-haul aircraft equipped with Starlink, making it a standout option for connected travelers.
Singapore Airlines: Well-Rounded Excellence
Singapore Airlines offers a balanced approach, with seatback entertainment on every aircraft and its KrisWorld system boasting nearly 2,000 on-demand titles. The airline also stands out by providing unlimited free Wi-Fi to KrisFlyer members and first/business class passengers. This makes it the only major global airline to offer truly free, unrestricted Wi-Fi on all flights.
Cathay Pacific: Extensive Content Library
Cathay Pacific provides seatback entertainment on its entire fleet, with over 4,500 hours of content, including a strong movie and TV library. Free Wi-Fi is available for first and business class passengers, as well as Diamond and Gold members in economy.
JetBlue Airways: The Pioneer of Free Wi-Fi
JetBlue has been offering free, high-speed Wi-Fi on all aircraft for over a decade, partnering with Viasat. Passengers can connect unlimited devices without a loyalty program requirement, making it a unique and valuable benefit. While the screens may be aging, JetBlue’s consistent free Wi-Fi remains unmatched.
Delta Air Lines: US Leader in IFE
Delta is the best of the major US carriers, with seatback entertainment on most mainline jets through its Delta Studio system. Passengers can access over 1,000 hours of content, including movies, TV shows, and live TV. Free Wi-Fi is available to SkyMiles members on most aircraft, though coverage varies.
Air Canada: Underrated Excellence
Air Canada doesn’t always get the recognition it deserves, but it offers seatback entertainment on a surprising number of aircraft, including regional jets. The airline boasts over 2,500 hours of entertainment, and is retrofitting jets with new systems including tail cameras. Free messaging is available to Aeroplan members, and unlimited free Wi-Fi is available on many flights, particularly within North America.
The Future of Inflight Entertainment
The industry is evolving rapidly. The widespread rollout of Starlink Wi-Fi will be a game-changer, making high-speed connectivity standard on many airlines. Meanwhile, airlines continue to refine seatback systems and streaming options.
The bottom line is that airlines are now competing on the overall in-flight experience, and entertainment is a major part of that. Passengers have more choices than ever, and those who prioritize comfort and connectivity will find plenty of options to suit their needs.
