From the early days of aviation to the modern era, in-flight entertainment has evolved significantly. From simple movies projected on a screen to personalized entertainment systems at every seat, let's explore the journey of in-flight entertainment. 

1921- The First Airplane Movie Showing

Aeromarine Airways lay claim to the first recorded use of entertainment inflight when they screened the movie “Howdy Chicago” which promoted the city to passengers. They also screened footage of the current Pageant of Progress exhibition for passengers on a number of flights.

But in 1926, Imperial Airwaves took the step further by screening the movie “The Lost World” during a flight over Germany with a live orchestra soundtrack provided by the Berlin Broadcasting Station.

1961 – Inflight Entertainment is Firmly Established by TWA.

Despite the early screenings in the 1920s, it wouldn’t be until the 1960s when an airline began offering regular movies on their flights. Trans-World Airlines made use of projection technology to begin screening movies for their passengers. The new offering was a hit with passengers and other airline providers began to take note.

1988 – Technology for On Flight Entertainment Develops

Two decades later, significant technological developments now allowed each passenger to make their own movie choices instead of all having to watch one movie being projected on the plane. LCD screens could be installed on the back of each seat to allow private viewings for passengers based on their tastes.

Northwest Airlines was the first to trial the technology, but due to the success fellow airlines quickly adopted the new back-seat cinema options into their own airlines.

Throughout the 1990s and early 2000s, the base technology of inflight internment was refined and improved with more channels, TV, and internet options becoming available as technology allowed.

What Inflight Entertainment Options Are Available Today?

Today, airline passengers have a whole host of different entertainment options to choose from on their flights. Let’s take a look at what is currently available from American Airlines entertainment packages as an example.

On American Airlines flights, passengers have access to free movies, TV shows, and TVs on international and domestic flights, all by using the American Airlines App on their phone, laptop, or iPad. All passengers need to do is input their passenger no before take-off and they will be connected to the flight wi-fi where they can access all available options.

You can also access Apple TV+ for no extra charge on your flight, accessing the service on your phone, tablet, or laptop by Wi-Fi while in the air. You can also benefit from 2 months free subscription when you sign up for the TV service.

Along with Apple Music, passengers can also relax with their personal music favorites by accessing over 100 million songs available on Apple Music.

If you are looking to be a bit more proactive and productive during your flight then you can also access educational experiences while on your flight! American Airlines inflight experiences will allow you to access both Skillshare and Rosetta Stone where you can learn some vital phrases in your destination country, or even brush up on your business and communication skills before an important meeting.

Parents can also relax as there is plenty to keep children active and engaged while aboard. American Airlines screens a wide variety of kid-friendly movies and TV shows. And you can make sure that children don’t miss out on education while traveling by accessing Homer which will allow them to explore subjects such as science, music, and reading.

Takeaway - The Evolution of Airlines Entertainment

Modern airline entertainment options are plentiful, and airlines are constantly introducing new technology to make sure that passengers are entertained, engaged, and comfortable during their flight. From screenings of “Chicago Today” in the 1920s to brushing up on your language skills using the American Airlines app on today’s flights, there has been a lot of innovation and progress. As new tech and entertainment options are made available, airlines will continue to tempt customers onto their crafts with the best in cutting-edge education and entertainment tech.