American Airlines removes seatback screens from A319 fleet amid cost-cutting measures

Instead of screens, American Airlines will install device holders at each seat. Passengers can access entertainment by connecting to the “AA-Inflight” WiFi network and visiting aainflight.com on their personal devices once the plane reaches cruising altitude. The content library includes movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, and podcasts; selections are updated regularly based on licensing agreements.

On longer routes operated by Boeing 787 aircraft, American maintains traditional seatback entertainment systems provided by Panasonic and Thales. Different configurations across business class, premium economy, Main Cabin Extra, and main cabin offer touchscreens ranging from 9-inch displays up to larger 15.4-inch or even new 4K touchscreen options with Bluetooth connectivity in some premium cabins.

Despite keeping these systems for long-haul flights, American has not invested in newer technologies like Panasonic’s Astrova system—first launched by Icelandair in January 2025—which features lighter-weight OLED displays with wireless headphone support and USB-C charging ports. United Airlines has announced plans to use Astrova on future deliveries as well.

Panasonic Avionics CEO stated: "We are confident that Astrova will connect passengers to United more effectively than any other IFE solution, and we will continue to optimize passenger engagement with a cabin experience that keeps pace with innovation in the consumer technology space."

Andy Masson of Panasonic Avionics added regarding Qantas’ adoption of Astrova: "Working closely with Qantas, our joint mission was to design a system that delivered all the creature comforts of home - everything from cinema-grade picture quality to high-fidelity audio and enough power to fast-charge all passenger devices."

In contrast with American’s approach, Delta Air Lines offers both live TV broadcasts—available since it broadcasted the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996—and streaming services across much of its Airbus and Boeing fleets at no extra charge for passengers.

American Airlines continues operating as a full-service carrier with major hubs including Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Charlotte Douglas International Airport (CLT), Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Los Angeles International Airport (LAX), Miami International Airport (MIA), New York JFK Airport (JFK), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Philadelphia International Airport (PHL), and Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (PHX). The company was founded in 1926.