In-flight entertainment 

The first attempts at in-flight entertainment were simple and experimental. In 1921, a silent film was shown on a flight in Chicago, but such efforts were rare. During the 1930s and 1940s, airlines focused more on comfort than entertainment, occasionally offering magazines or live music on luxury flights.

A major milestone came in 1961 when Trans World Airlines introduced regularly scheduled in-flight movies using a projector system. Passengers watched a single film on a shared screen, often with audio delivered through headphones. This era marked the beginning of structured onboard entertainment.

The introduction of seatback screens revolutionized the experience. Airlines like Singapore Airlines were pioneers in offering personal video screens with on-demand content. This allowed passengers to choose what and when to watch, a major shift from communal viewing.

The introduction of seatback screens revolutionized the experience. Airlines like Singapore Airlines were pioneers in offering personal video screens with on-demand content. This allowed passengers to choose what and when to watch, a major shift from communal viewing.

IFE systems became fully digital, offering hundreds of movies, TV shows, games, and music options. Touchscreens, interactive maps, and even email or limited internet access became standard. Airlines invested heavily in improving user interfaces and content libraries.

With the rise of onboard Wi-Fi, passengers can now stream content directly to their own devices. Some airlines have reduced or eliminated seatback screens in favor of “bring your own device” systems. High-speed internet enables live TV, messaging, and even video calls on certain routes.