In-Flight Entertainment: Do You Have Seat Monitors?

Knowing whether your plane has seatback screens can make a huge difference to your in-flight experience, especially on long-haul journeys. Luckily, there are several ways to find out. Firstly, you can check the airline's website, which should provide detailed information about the amenities available on their flights. If this doesn't help, you can contact their customer support. Another option is to use a seat map website, such as Skytrax or SeatGuru, which will allow you to explore the seat map and see if your seat has a personal TV.

Check the airline's website

The first step to finding out if your plane has seat monitors is to check the airline's website. Most major airlines will have a website where you can find information about their fleet, in-flight entertainment, and other amenities. Start by searching for the airline's website using a search engine. Once you're on the website, look for sections labelled "In-Flight Entertainment", "Onboard Experience", or something similar. This will usually include information on whether the plane has seat monitors.

If you're unable to find this information on the website, try looking for the specific plane model that you'll be flying on. You can usually find this information on your booking confirmation. Once you know the plane model, you can search for it on the airline's website or on aviation websites, which often include information on the amenities available on different planes.

Additionally, some airlines may provide a seat map or layout that you can view when booking your flight or managing your booking online. This can give you an idea of whether there are seat monitors, as they are usually marked on the seat map.

If you still can't find the information you're looking for, don't hesitate to contact the airline directly. You can usually find contact information on their website, including phone numbers, email addresses, or live chat options. Their customer service team should be able to provide you with the information you need about seat monitors and other in-flight entertainment options.

American Airlines

When booking a flight operated by American Airlines, you'll see the seat map after you choose your flights. If you're unable to choose seats when booking, you can check closer to your departure date or wait until you check in. American Airlines withholds some seats until the day of departure to accommodate different passenger needs. You can also visit their website frequently to check for available seats on your flight.

British Airways

British Airways recommends choosing your seat as early as possible, as certain seats may become unavailable closer to the departure date. You can choose your seat when booking your flight or afterwards through the "Manage My Booking" section on their website. Log in to "Manage My Booking", click on your flight number under "Your booking details", and then click on "View or change seats for this flight" under "Seating" to select your seat.

Delta Air Lines

On the Delta Air Lines website, you can view, select, or change your seat using the seat map when booking, in "My Trips", or during check-in. If a seat is labelled as "occupied", it means it has already been selected by another passenger. Delta also provides information on preferred seats, which include bulkhead window and aisle seats, as well as seats in front of the Main Cabin. These seats are available for purchase until the check-in window closes on most Delta-operated flights.

Use a seat map checker

Seat map checkers are a great way to find out if your plane has seat monitors. These tools can help you find the best seat on your flight and ensure you're not stuck in an undesirable spot.

There are several seat map checkers available online, such as ExpertFlyer, SeatGuru, and AeroLopa. These websites provide detailed information about the layout of the aircraft, including the location of galleys, lavatories, exits, and plugin ports. They also indicate which seats have extra legroom, recline, or are located near windows or aisles.

Using a seat map checker is straightforward. Simply enter your flight details, such as the airline, flight number, and travel dates, and explore the seat map. These tools will show you blocked and available seats in real time, allowing you to snag the best seat before boarding. Additionally, you can set up alerts to notify you when your preferred seat becomes available.

It is recommended to check the seat map when booking your flight and a few days before departure, as airlines often release premium seats closer to the date. By using a seat map checker, you can upgrade your seat before boarding and keep track of seat availability.

Seat map checkers are a valuable resource for travellers, providing insights into flight occupancy and seat availability. They can help you make informed decisions about your seating preferences and ensure a more comfortable flying experience.

Consult SeatGuru or SeatLink

SeatGuru and SeatLink are two very similar websites that can help you find out if your plane has seat monitors. Both sites allow you to search for your flight by listing your city, airline, and dates, or by entering your flight number. However, SeatGuru also allows you to browse manually by airline and plane model.

SeatGuru is a TripAdvisor company that provides detailed seat maps, reviews, and advice on the best seats on various aircraft. The site offers information on in-flight amenities, like power outlets and Wi-Fi, and highlights problem areas such as seats near restrooms. SeatGuru is regularly updated, but it may not have information on brand-new airline products.

SeatLink provides a similar service to SeatGuru but with a more fun and user-friendly interface. SeatLink allows users to read reviews of specific seats, look at pro-tips for individual seats, and see the exact seat type.

Both sites use a colour-coded system to indicate the quality of a seat, with green seats being good, yellow seats having some drawbacks, and red seats being undesirable.

Contact the airline directly

If you are unsure about the in-flight entertainment options on your upcoming journey, it is best to contact the airline directly. They will be able to provide you with the most accurate and up-to-date information about their fleet and any amenities available on board. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to do this:

Firstly, locate the airline's contact information. You can usually find this on their website, which can be easily found through a simple online search. Most airlines will provide multiple ways to get in touch, including email, phone, and live chat. It is worth noting that response times may vary depending on the method you choose. For urgent queries, it is best to call or use the live chat function if available.

When you get in touch, be sure to have your flight details to hand. This includes your flight number, date, and time of travel. You may also need to provide your booking reference or confirmation number. Having this information ready will help the airline representative find the relevant information about your flight quickly and efficiently.

Once you have provided the necessary details, simply ask about the availability of seat monitors on your flight. They should be able to tell you whether the aircraft is equipped with seatback entertainment systems. If not, they may be able to provide alternative options for in-flight entertainment. For example, some airlines offer streaming services that can be accessed through your personal device.

If you are unable to get through to a representative or prefer not to contact the airline directly, there are a few other options you can try. Many airlines provide detailed information about their fleet and in-flight amenities on their websites. Look for sections such as "Our Fleet", "Aircraft Types", "In-Flight Services", or "Amenities". These sections should provide insight into the entertainment options available on your flight.

In addition to checking the airline's website, you can also utilize third-party websites such as Skytrax or SeatGuru. These sites allow you to enter your flight details and explore the seat map to see if your seats are equipped with personal entertainment systems. They also provide reviews and ratings from other travellers, which can give you a first-hand account of the in-flight entertainment experience.

While contacting the airline directly is the best way to obtain accurate information, combining this with a search of their website and third-party resources will give you a comprehensive understanding of the in-flight entertainment options available on your journey. This will help ensure that you are well-prepared and able to make the most of your travel experience.

Check the airline's social media

Social media platforms are a great way to find out information about your upcoming flight, including whether your plane has seat monitors.

Firstly, check the airline's Twitter account. Often, airlines will post updates about their flights, including information about seating arrangements and in-flight entertainment. If you can't find the information you're looking for, try sending them a direct message or replying to one of their tweets. You could also try checking their Facebook page, as they may have more detailed information about their fleet and in-flight amenities.

Additionally, some airlines may have a presence on other social media platforms, such as Instagram, LinkedIn, or TikTok. These platforms can be great for finding more general information about the airline's services and offerings. For example, they may post photos or videos showcasing their planes' interiors, including seat monitors.

If you're unable to find the information you're looking for on social media, the airline's website is another good place to look. Here, you may be able to find detailed specifications for each type of plane in their fleet, including information about seat monitors. You can also try contacting the airline directly through their website, either through a contact form or live chat function, if available.

Finally, don't forget to check your own booking confirmation and the airline's app, if they have one. These sources may provide additional information about your specific flight, including the type of plane you'll be travelling on and the available in-flight entertainment options.

Frequently asked questions