Key Takeaways
- Most United Airlines mainline aircraft now include seatback TVs or personal screen streaming options via the United app.
- The new United narrow-body fleet (737 MAX, A321neo) includes full HD seatback screens with Bluetooth pairing.
- Regional United Express aircraft typically do not have seatback TVs, but they support personal device streaming.
- All Polaris Business Class and Premium Plus seats on long-haul flights include large 16–18” HD screens with on-demand content.
One of the most common questions travelers ask before booking a flight is, “Does United Airlines have TVs?”
The answer depends on your route and aircraft type. Over the past few years, United has heavily invested in upgrading its fleet with seatback screens, improved Wi-Fi, and in-seat power. The airline’s goal is to bring personal entertainment to every seat by 2030, and that rollout is already well underway.
Whether you are flying from San Francisco to New York or Denver to London, here’s what you can expect from United’s inflight entertainment experience in 2025.
Seatback TVs: Where You’ll Find Them
United has been retrofittting its domestic narrow-body aircraft and introducing new planes with HD seatback screens.
On Domestic Flights
Nearly all Boeing 737 MAX 8 and MAX 9 aircraft now feature 13-inch 4K seatback displays. The new Airbus A321neo fleet also comes standard with screens at every seat, plus Bluetooth audio pairing, allowing passengers to connect their own wireless headphones.
Older aircraft like the 737-800 and 757-200 are gradually being updated. However, you might still find some without seatback screens, in which case United offers Personal Device Entertainment (PDE).
Tip: You can stream United’s in-flight entertainment on your phone, tablet, or laptop for free, just connect to the “United Wi-Fi” network once onboard.
For verified updates on which United aircraft currently feature seatback TVs, frequent flyers post detailed aircraft maps and reports in our United Flyers Forum.
Seatback Screens on Long-Haul Flights
All United Polaris Business Class and Premium Plus cabins include seatback TVs, regardless of aircraft type.
- Polaris Business Class: Large 16–18-inch HD screens with on-demand movies, TV series, live flight maps, and curated playlists.
- Premium Plus: Slightly smaller 13-inch HD screens with a similar library of entertainment.
- Economy and Economy Plus: 9–10-inch screens on most 777, 767, and 787 aircraft.
Each screen is loaded with over 300 movies, 500 TV shows, and dozens of curated playlists, including new titles from HBO, Paramount, and Universal.
You’ll also find multilingual content and kids’ programming under the “Family” tab, along with live flight maps and an aircraft camera feed on certain 787 models.
United Express and Regional Flights
Regional jets operated under United Express generally do not have seatback TVs. However, they all support United’s streaming entertainment system, allowing passengers to watch content on their personal devices.
To use it:
- Connect to the United Wi-Fi network (no data plan required).
- Open the United app or visit unitedwifi.com in your browser.
- Stream movies, shows, or live flight information directly from there.
This setup ensures every United Express flight still offers free entertainment, even without installed screens.
Wi-Fi and Connectivity Options
Entertainment is only part of the story. United’s Wi-Fi network has improved dramatically in both coverage and speed.
- Wi-Fi availability: Nearly all United aircraft now offer inflight Wi-Fi.
- Cost: Basic browsing and messaging start around $8 per flight, or free for T-Mobile customers on select routes.
- Power outlets: Every mainline aircraft with seatback TVs includes USB and AC power at each seat.
United is also testing live TV streaming on select routes using DIRECTV’s new onboard platform.
Aircraft With Seatback TVs (2025 Overview)
| Aircraft Type | Seatback TVs | Bluetooth Audio | Personal Device Streaming |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8/9 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Airbus A321neo | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| Boeing 777-200/300 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Boeing 767-300/400 | Yes | No | Yes |
| Boeing 787-8/9/10 | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| United Express E175 | No | N/A | Yes |
Tip: If you want to confirm whether your aircraft has seatback screens before you fly, search your flight number on SeatGuru or check the aircraft model in the United app.
Why United Reinvested in Seatback Screens
A few years ago, United removed many of its inflight screens to save weight and encourage passengers to use personal devices. However, customer feedback , especially from frequent flyers and long-haul travelers , pushed United to reverse course.
Today, United is one of the few U.S. carriers aggressively reintroducing seatback entertainment as standard, especially on narrow-body planes. The airline’s executives have repeatedly said that travelers prefer having a dedicated screen rather than juggling devices on tray tables.
This decision aligns United with international competitors that already offer built-in entertainment across cabins.
Final Thoughts
So, does United Airlines have TVs?
Yes and more of them every month. By the end of 2025, nearly all United mainline aircraft will have modern seatback screens, while others support free personal streaming through the United app.
If you are flying long-haul in Polaris or Premium Plus, you’ll enjoy one of the best onboard entertainment experiences among U.S. carriers. Even regional flyers can stream content for free, making it easy to stay entertained no matter where you sit.
To see which United aircraft currently have screens and which ones are next to be upgraded, visit our United Flyers Forum.
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