Emirates have the best inflight entertainment in the world, but does Emirates have TVs?
Generally, yes most Emirates airplanes have seatback TVs (personal screens) at every seat, including Economy, Business, and First Class.
These TVs are part of the airline’s award winning ICE inflight entertainment system, and they are available on the majority of long-haul aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777.
I love exploring Emirates cabins in 3D before booking my flight.
You should too you can check it here..
You can easily explore which seat to pick, check out the seatback screen, and have a look at the different classes.
Let’s dive in and find out more about Emirates inflight entertainment.
TL;DR
- Yes most Emirates planes have personal seatback TVs in every seat, even in Economy.
- These screens are part of the award-winning ICE entertainment system, offering movies, TV shows, live channels, music, and more.
- You’ll find them on popular long-haul aircraft like the Airbus A380 and Boeing 777, and they work even without Wi-Fi.
- Some older or short-haul aircraft may have simpler setups, but on most international flights, a personal screen is always available.
What kind of TVs do Emirates planes have?
Almost all Emirates aircraft have personal seatback screens (TVs) built into each seat.
These screens are:
- Touchscreen (on most newer aircraft)
- Ready to use in every cabin class
- Loaded with on-demand entertainment
The airline has a range of Movies tv shows and live tv accessible to you to watch.
Even Economy passengers get a personal screen, which is not something other Airlines offer.
| Aircraft Type | TVs Available? | System Version | Screen Quality | Connectivity | Retrofit Status | Notable Features |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Airbus A350-900 (New) | Yes | Thales Avant Up | 4K QLED HDR | Starlink + Dual BT | Brand New Fleet | Fastest UI; 60W USB-C charging; 13.3″ Economy screens. |
| A380-800 (Refurbished) | Yes | Latest ICE | HD+ / 4K (Upper) | Starlink + Bluetooth | Ongoing (60+ done) | New Premium Economy; Ghaf tree motif; BT pairing. |
| A380-800 (Older) | Yes | ICE Digital Widescreen | HD | Wi-Fi (SitaOnAir) | Some awaiting Starlink | Live TV (Sport 24); nose/tail/belly cameras. |
| B777-300ER (Upgraded) | Yes | ICE eX3 | HD Widescreen | Starlink + Bluetooth | Active Retrofit | Part of the “Game Changer” refresh; larger screens. |
| B777-300ER (Older) | Yes | ICE | HD (Standard) | Wi-Fi (SitaOnAir) | Phasing out | Reliable but older resistive touch screens. |
| B777-200LR | Yes | ICE | HD | Wi-Fi | Limited | 2-2-2 Business Class; no Premium Economy. |
| B787-9 Dreamliner | Yes | Next-Gen ICE | 4K HDR | Starlink + Bluetooth | Delivery 2026/27 | Anti-jetlag lighting; largest dimmable windows. |
| B777-9 (Upcoming) | Yes | Thales Avant Up | 4K HDR | Starlink + Bluetooth | Delivery 2027+ | Virtual windows in First; massive 777-X cabin. |
Note that some shorter regional routes or specific aircraft configurations may have different or limited entertainment systems.
But on international long-haul flights, you can almost always expect a seatback TV.
What is the inflight entertainment on Emirates?
Emirates inflight entertainment includes a large variety of features and options to enjoy, especially on long-haul flights.
Not only can you listen to music, watch movies, or live shows, but you can also connect with your loved ones on the ground, track your flight, and send emails.
Does Emirates have Wi-Fi?
Yes most Emirates planes have WiFi.
You can stay connected while you’re in the air with Emirates and its great Wi-Fi plans.
If you are an Emirates Skywards member, you can enjoy free Wi-Fi for the whole flight.
Unlimited chat: Connect to all your favorite text apps for the whole flight USD 2.99 to USD 5.99 depending on the length of the flight.
Chat using WhatsApp, iMessage, Facebook Messenger, WeChat, Line, or Viber with Emirates’ text-only service.
Wi-Fi internet for the whole flight: USD 9.99 to USD 19.99 depending on the length of the flight.
50MB plan (available in selected regions): USD 9.99 for up to 50MB for light internet use.
Emirates Skywards members can take advantage of free Wi-Fi services, including full-flight access in some cases.
How to buy and connect to Wi-Fi:
- Connect to the OnAir Wi-Fi network after takeoff
- Log in if you’re an Emirates Skywards member
- Choose a Wi-Fi plan
- Pay online
We’re so excited to be back for our 10th year in a row as the Official Airline of the 2021 @USOpen Tennis Championships! Be sure to catch all the aces and serves in the skies with our award-winning ice inflight entertainment system.#EmiratesFlyBetterMoments #USOpen @sport24live pic.twitter.com/qNuPHKjsNl
— Emirates Airline (@emirates) August 28, 2021
Final Thoughts
Emirates is known for having one of the best inflight entertainment in the world, and for most passengers, that really shows the moment you sit down.
Generally speaking, yes most Emirates aircraft do have seatback TVs at every seat, whether you’re flying Economy, Business, or First Class.
These screens are part of the award winning ICE entertainment system, offering movies, TV shows, live channels, music, and even flight tracking.
However, it is important to remember that not every aircraft is exactly the same.
Older planes or certain short-haul routes may have slightly different setups, but on long-haul international flights, you can almost always expect a personal screen.
Personally, I always take a look at the aircraft type before I book my flight.
It gives me a clearer idea of what to expect onboard and helps me choose the best seat for my flight.
I hope this helps.
Happy travels.
FAQs about Emirates TVs
Do Emirates economy seats have TVs?
Yes, almost all Emirates Economy seats have their own little screen in front of you. I’ve flown with them on long-haul trips and you always get movies, TV shows, and games right at your seat, so you won’t be bored at all.
Are Emirates seatback TVs touch screen?
Most of the newer planes do have touchscreen screens, which makes it really easy to browse everything. On some older aircraft, you might still get a remote, but either way, it’s super easy to use.
Can you watch live TV on Emirates flights?
Yes, you can, but it depends on the flight. I’ve seen live news and sports channels on some routes, especially on long-haul flights. It’s not on every flight, but when it’s there, it’s a nice bonus.
Do Emirates TVs work without Wi-Fi?
Yes, they work completely without Wi-Fi. I like this part because even if you pay for WiFi, you still get full entertainment with movies, shows, and music just right into the seat screen.
How big are Emirates seatback screens?
Economy ones are large enough to comfortably watch movies, and in Business or First Class they get even bigger and sharper. It honestly feels more like a personal tablet than a tiny screen.
Which Emirates aircraft have the best TVs?
From my experience, the Airbus A380 and newer Boeing 777s have the best screens and smoothest systems. Everything feels faster and more modern on those planes.
Can you charge your phone using Emirates seatback TVs?
Yes, most seats have USB ports, so you can plug in your phone or tablet. In some seats you might even find a full power outlet, which is really useful on long flights.
Is Emirates inflight entertainment free?
Yes, it’s completely free for everyone. You don’t need to pay extra to use the TV, watch movies, or explore the entertainment system—it’s all included with your ticket.
Do Emirates flights have individual screens in every seat?
On most long-haul flights, yes. Every passenger gets their own screen, even in Economy. That’s one of the reasons Emirates is known for having such a good inflight experience.
What is ICE on Emirates flights?
ICE is just the name of Emirates’ entertainment system. It stands for Information, Communication, and Entertainment. Basically, it’s the system that take care of everything on your seat screen from movies to flight maps.
