unitedairlinesUnited Airlines will be introducing a new in-flight movie service for both iPhone and iPad this April, allowing flyers to watch over 150 movies and 200 TV shows on their device, according to PatentlyApple.

According to United, "Most planes will be equipped with the new system very soon, and we'll have it installed on most domestic aircraft by the end of 2014. We'll begin on Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Boeing 747-400 and select 777-200 aircraft, followed by additional fleets. In the end, all United-operated flights will have some form of entertainment.

The free-of-charge service will only require flyers to download the latest version of the United Airlines app, although United will also let people download the app without the purchase of its Wi-Fi plan.

Users will have full control of the service's content, having the ability to stop, pause, rewind, and switch between movies and TV shows at any time. In addition, flyers will be able to access the service on their laptops, although a browser plug-in will be required. Once on their flight, flyers need to only open the app to be presented with their entertainment options.

United Airlines is a universal app that can be downloaded from the App Store for free. [Direct Link]

Top Rated Comments

MentalFloss Avatar
148 months ago
Let the consumer worry about the electronics? Huh? There's a huge bit of elitism included here. Soon, I will be watching the inflight entertainment on my iPad, while the guy next to me who can't afford one will be bored.

Finally, airlines had started to integrate 10 inch screens into seats also in economy class, and now we take a step back? And people like it, because for some reason, the airline should only provide the content, and the passenger should worry about the device?

How about bringing your own food onto the flight? Your own cup and plate? Your own seat cushion perhaps? What do you say? It's too heavy? Well, guess what, not everybody likes carrying an iPad either. And yes, of course, cheap airlines already charge you for every extra service, but I didn't realize United was a cheap airline.

Airlines have found another way how not to provide a service, and people are actually cheering. Please watch the South Park episode "The Entity". You guys would be prime customers for the device invented by Mr. Garrison.
Score: 7 Votes (Like | Disagree)
mcarling Avatar
148 months ago
Just flew today on United and the complimentary wifi is a joke. Yes, you get a selection of movies, but they're all old. Not a single new movie to be found.

Good grief! What do people expect for free? I think it would be great if older films are free and newer films cost a few dollars to watch.
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
JerryCards Avatar
148 months ago
wow~~~, OK, CarPlay first, and we have PlanePlay now. :D
Score: 5 Votes (Like | Disagree)
kds1 Avatar
148 months ago
I still prefer seat back video. Love Virgin America's RED entertainment system. Also, on any flight, my favorite channel is the moving map......
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
bniu Avatar
148 months ago
This is the way to do it. Provide the content and let the consumer worry about accessing it. Keeps costs down and makes the product more adaptable to whatever new technologies come out.

Just provide power and content and get out of the consumer's way :D
Score: 4 Votes (Like | Disagree)
jroman Avatar
148 months ago
Such a smart idea. I wish all airlines would do this. Let the consumer worry about providing the electronics, just provide the content.
Score: 3 Votes (Like | Disagree)

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