American Airlines Brings Back Seatback Screens on Narrowbody Aircraft
American Airlines is bringing back seatback screens on its narrowbody fleet, nearly a decade after removing them to cut costs. Starting with 2028 deliveries and retrofits, seats will feature 4K screens, USB-C charging, and Bluetooth audio, with fleet-wide completion expected by early 2030s. The move is a catch-up to Delta and United, which have screens on 900+ and 800+ aircraft. American also plans to increase premium seating by 40% and deploy Starlink on 500+ narrowbodies from 2027.
Impact and considerations
American's investment signals a shift to passenger experience in airline competition, potentially impacting business traveler comfort and corporate travel policies.
Key points
- American will install seatback screens on new narrowbody deliveries and retrofits starting 2028.
- Screens feature 4K technology, USB-C charging, and Bluetooth audio.
- Delta and United already have screens on 900+ and 800+ aircraft respectively.
- American is increasing premium seating by 40% and deploying Starlink from 2027.
- The move is a catch-up move amid lowered profit outlook.
Sources and time
- Primary source
- Skift
- Other sources
- 0
- First source publication
- 18 Aug 2026, 21:00
- Page published
- 19 Aug 2026, 18:04
- Last updated
- 18 Aug 2026, 21:00
- Original links
- Skift Feed：American Cut Seatback Screens to Save Money. Now It’s Playing Catch-Up With Delta and United. (opens in a new tab)Primary source · en · Published 18 Aug 2026, 21:00