If you’re planning to fly with Alaska Airlines, you might be wondering about their inflight entertainment options and connectivity features, especially if Alaska Airlines have seatback screens.
Most Alaska Airlines flights don’t have seatback TVs, but you can enjoy free, high-speed streaming of movies and TV shows on your own device (like a phone, tablet, or laptop) using the airline’s onboard entertainment system. Keep in mind that all 787 Dreamliner flights have seatback screens, but most 737 aircraft are designed for you to bring your own device.
As always in TravelClosely we care about your comfort so in this detailed article we will cover some of the key questions you may want to before booking your Alaska Airlines flight: Does Alaska Airlines have TV screens in seats? What about free WiFi? Ans can you watch Netflix while soaring through the clouds?
Let’s dive into the details and ensure you’re prepared for your next Alaska Airlines flight.
TL;DR
- Most Alaska Airlines flights don’t have seatback TVs
- Only the 787 Dreamliner planes have seatback screens.
- You can enjoy free streaming of movies, TV shows, and games on your own personal device via the onboard Wi-Fi.
- Free texting is available, but you will need to pay to access the internet.
- The Wi-Fi is fast enough for Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, or YouTube streaming.
- Bring your won headphones or AirPods for the best experience.
- In short domestic flights you may have slightly less content, but all aircraft support streaming directly through your device.
- Kids content and some games are available, and most accessibility tools are supported.
Does Alaska Airlines Have TVs in Seats?
As you can see in the table bellow, no most Alaska Airlines planes do not have seatback screens.
But instead they they offer streaming on personal devices instead of TVs or seatback screens.
You can stream TVs, watch movies, TV shows and play games your tablet.
You can choose from more than 500 free movies and browse 550 episodes from more than 80 TV series in Alaska inflight entertainment.
So just relax and enjoy.
Make sure to bring your headphones to enjoy your inflight entertainment.
Here is a confirmation from Alaska Air customer service to Cassandra that then don’t have seatback screens on most flights.
| Aircraft Type | Typical Use | Seatback TVs | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Boeing 737‑700 | Short/Mid‑range flights | No (streaming only) | Personal device streaming |
| Boeing 737‑800 | Main domestic routes | No (streaming only) | Personal device streaming |
| Boeing 737‑900ER | Main domestic routes | No (streaming only) | Personal device streaming |
| Boeing 737 MAX 8 | Newer narrow‑body jet | No (streaming only) | Personal device streaming |
| Boeing 737 MAX 9 | Newer narrow‑body jet | No (streaming only) | Personal device streaming |
| Boeing 787‑9 | Long‑haul / premium routes | Yes | 1080p HD touchscreens, USB-A/C charging, 1000+ movies/TV shows, moving map, complimentary headphones |
| Embraer E175 | Short/regional flights | No (streaming only) | Personal device streaming |
| Boeing 737‑700F(freighter) | Cargo use | N/A | Not applicable |
Read also:
- How strict is Alaska Airlines carry-on?
- How strict are Alaska airlines personal item size limits?
- Can you prepay baggage fees on Alaska Airlines?
Does Alaska Have Free WiFi?
No, Alaska Airlines offers free streaming entertainment and free texting on many flights.
But, if you want to have a full internet access you will need to pay for a Wi-Fi plan.
How to Connect to WiFi?
- Turn on your device WiFi and choose the “Alaska Wifi”.
- Open your browser (Safari or Chrome).
- Browse the internet, text, or watch TV.
According to Alaska, as of May 2021, 130 of 185 aircraft have satellite WiFi installed:
Alaska Airlines previously used Gogo Inc. inflight internet systems on its airplanes. However, the airline has been upgrading most of its fleet to newer satellite-based Wi-Fi systems that allow faster streaming, browsing, and messaging on board.
Watch this YouTube video for more info
Can You Watch Netflix on Alaska Airlines WiFi?
Yes, according to Alaska Airlines, the speed of its WiFi is 20x faster than their previous inflight internet fast enough to watch live TV or your favorite streaming series on Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or even upload work files to your cloud.
What App Do You Need to Watch Movies on Alaska Airlines?
You do not need the Gogo Entertainment App anymore to watch movies on Alaska Airlines flights.
Alaska Airlines now allows you to stream entertainment directly through their web browser by connecting to the onboard Wi-Fi network.
Final Thoughts
Even though all Alaska Airlines 787 Dreamliner have TVs, but the dreamliners make up only about 2% of Alaska Airlines fleet.
Alaska Airlines has taken a modern approach by offering movies on personal devices rather than traditional seatback screens.
Personally I will recommend bringing your own phone, tablet, or laptop for entertainment on the flight. It is much safer than betting or trying to get one of those five 787 planes.
I hope this helps
Happy travels.
FAQs About Alaska Airlines TVs and seatback screens
-
Can I stream my own apps like Hulu, Disney+, or YouTube?
Yes, Alaska’s inflight WiFi is fast enough to stream your favorite apps, including Netflix, Hulu, Disney+, and YouTube. -
Can I bring download movies and TV show Alaska flights?
Yes you can bring downloaded shows, movies, and even games on a flight. You will only need WiFi for streaming new content or accessing the entertainment library. -
Are all movies and TV shows available on short domestic flights?
Most movies and TV shows are available on all flights. On shorter flights, some long-format content may not be available, but you’ll still have plenty of options to enjoy. -
Does inflight entertainment vary by aircraft or route?
Some smaller regional jets may have a bit less content or slower WiFi, especially on short flights. -
Is there a kids’ section with cartoons or educational content?
Yes, Alaska Airlines inflight entertainment offers a kids’ section with cartoons, fun shows, and family-friendly movies, all accessible directly on your device via the onboard streaming system. -
Are games available for children?
Yes some games are available in the system. So bring your own headphones, and your kids can enjoy games, movies, and shows throughout the flight. -
Is inflight entertainment compatible with all screen readers or accessibility tools?
Alaska Airlines streaming system works with most screen readers and devices, so passengers with visual impairments can enjoy movies and shows too. -
What should I do if my device can’t connect to inflight WiFi?
First make sure WiFi is turned on, select the “Alaska WiFi” network, and open your browser. If it still doesn’t work, try restarting your device or ask a flight attendant for help. -
Can I listen to music on Alaska Airlines App?
Yes, the app offers music streaming along with movies, TV shows, and games. Bring your headphones and enjoy. -
Does Alaska Airlines have free headphones?
No Alaska Airlines generally does not offer free headphones on board the airplanes, so it is highly recommend to bring your personal headphones or AirPods that is compatible with your own personal device.
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