# How do I use American Airlines in-flight entertainment?

> Use the seatback screen if your seat has one; otherwise connect your device to the AA-Inflight Wi-Fi network and open aainflight.com to stream free movies.

On American Airlines you either watch on a seatback screen, if your seat has one, or stream to your own phone, tablet or laptop over the plane's Wi-Fi. For your own device, turn on airplane mode, switch Wi-Fi back on, join the **AA-Inflight** network and open **aainflight.com**; the movies and TV shows there are free to stream. What's available depends on the aircraft, as of 2026.

## Watching on your own device

1. **Before the flight:** charge your device and install or update the American Airlines app, since some content may require it on phones and tablets.
2. **On board:** turn on airplane mode, then turn Wi-Fi back on.
3. Connect to the **AA-Inflight** network.
4. If the portal doesn't open by itself, go to **aainflight.com** in your browser.
5. Choose free entertainment, pick a movie or show and press play. Use your own headphones.

Free entertainment streams from a server on the plane, so it works even if you don't buy internet access. Wi-Fi internet (for browsing and your own streaming apps) is a separate product; check the app or portal for current options and prices.

## Watching on a seatback screen

Many long-haul and some newer domestic aircraft have personal screens. Just tap the screen to browse. You'll usually need wired headphones with a standard 3.5 mm plug; if yours are wireless, bring an inexpensive Bluetooth transmitter or a wired pair. Some newer screens may support Bluetooth pairing.

## If it doesn't work

- Forget the network and reconnect, or try a different browser.
- Disable VPNs and content blockers.
- Update the American Airlines app before boarding; app stores may not be reachable in the air without internet access.
- On small or older regional jets there may be no entertainment at all, so download your own shows from your streaming services before you fly.

## FAQ

**Is American Airlines in-flight entertainment free?**
Yes, the movies and TV shows on seatback screens and on aainflight.com are free. Internet access is sold separately.

**Do I need wired headphones on American?**
For seatback screens, usually yes. When streaming to your own device, any headphones that work with it are fine.

**Can AirPods connect to the seatback screen?**
Only on screens with Bluetooth support. Otherwise use a Bluetooth adapter that plugs into the headphone jack.

**Can I watch Netflix on the plane?**
Download titles in the Netflix app before your flight and watch offline. Streaming Netflix live needs paid or loyalty Wi-Fi and may be slow.

**Can I connect my phone to the seatback screen?**
Generally no. The screen and your device work separately, though some seats have USB ports for charging.

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https://inyourtravel.com/how-do-i-use-american-in-flight-entertainment/ · In Your Travel · Checked 2026-10-31