American Airlines to Install Seat-Back Screens Across Narrow-Body Fleet

American Airlines is renovating approximately 800 narrow-body aircraft, including Boeing 737 MAX 10s and Airbus A319 and A320 jets, to enhance the onboard experience for higher-paying travelers. The initiative marks a strategic reversal of a 2018 policy that phased out screens in favor of personal device streaming to reduce costs and weight.

Starting in 2028, all new Airbus and Boeing aircraft deliveries will feature 4K seat-back displays with Bluetooth connectivity and USB-C charging ports. The airline will also retrofit existing planes, with the full rollout expected to conclude by the early 2030s. To increase revenue, the company is expanding its premium seating—comprising First Class and Main Cabin Extra seats—from 25 percent to 40 percent of total capacity.

Additional upgrades include the installation of Starlink satellite Wi-Fi beginning in 2027 and improvements to airport lounges. Chief Customer Officer Heather Garboden stated the company is making "one of the most significant investments in the onboard experience in our history" to better compete with rivals Delta and United.