United Updates Its Fleet to Add Free Entertainment Options
United announced Thursday that between February and April, the airline installed personal device entertainment onto more than 200 aircraft. All aircraft equipped with Wi-Fi (any aircraft with more than 70 seats), will have at least one free entertainment option. Aircraft that previously only offered DIRECTV now allow passengers to use a personal laptop or smart phone to access its library of free movies and TV shows with the option to purchase DIRECTV to view live programming.
United's entertainment programming includes an exclusive partnership with VEVO, relaxation content by meditation app Headspace and Moodica, an app that inspires the brain via videos.
The airline also improved its entertainment options for customers with disabilities by updating its "Accessible Entertainment" so that all titles with accessible content will appear under one main menu.
"Whether it is seatback on-demand, DIRECTV or personal device entertainment, we offer customers hundreds of hours of programming to enjoy during their travels," said Mark Krolick, vice president of marketing at United Airlines in a press release. "We're excited to expand our personal device entertainment offering, which has been a popular option amongst many of our customers who tend to bring their own devices when they travel."
United will continue installing in-seat power outlets so that passengers can keep their devices charged while using them to stream the entertainment options. The airline will also distribute free cardboard phone stands on select flights during the busy summer travel season to allow hands-free viewing.
United's entertainment programming includes an exclusive partnership with VEVO, relaxation content by meditation app Headspace and Moodica, an app that inspires the brain via videos.
The airline also improved its entertainment options for customers with disabilities by offering "Accessible Entertainment," which makes it easier for passengers with hearing and vision challenges to find accessible entertainment options.
"Whether it is seatback on-demand, DIRECTV or personal device entertainment, we offer customers hundreds of hours of programming to enjoy during their travels," said Mark Krolick, vice president of marketing at United Airlines in a press release. "We're excited to expand our personal device entertainment offering, which has been a popular option amongst many of our customers who tend to bring their own devices when they travel."
United will continue installing in-seat power outlets so that passengers can keep their devices charged while using them to stream the entertainment options. The airline will also distribute free cardboard phone stands on select flights during the busy summer travel season to allow hands-free viewing.
TPG featured card
at Bilt's secure site
Terms & restrictions apply. See rates & fees.
| 1X | Earn up to 1X points on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee |
| 2X | Earn 2X points + 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday purchases |
Pros
- Unlimited up to 1 Bilt Point per dollar spent on rent and mortgage payments
- Elevated everyday earnings with both Bilt Points and Bilt Cash
- $400 Bilt Travel Portal hotel credit per year (up to $200 biannually)
- $200 Bilt Cash annually
- Priority Pass membership
- No foreign transaction fees
Cons
- Moderate annual fee
- Housing payments may include transaction fees, depending on the payment method
- Designed primarily for members seeking a premium, all-in-one card
- Earn points on housing with no transaction fee
- Choose to earn 4% back in Bilt Cash on everyday spend. Use Bilt Cash to unlock point earnings on rent and mortgage payments with no transaction fee, up to 1X.
- 2X points on everyday spend
- $400 Bilt Travel Hotel credit. Applied twice a year, as $200 statement credits, for qualifying Bilt Travel Portal hotel bookings.
- $200 Bilt Cash (awarded annually). At the end of each calendar year, any Bilt Cash balance over $100 will expire.
- Welcome bonus (subject to approval): 50,000 Bilt Points + Gold Status after spending $4,000 on everyday purchases in the first 3 months + $300 of Bilt Cash.
- Priority Pass ($469/year value). See Guide to Benefits.
- Bilt Point redemptions include airlines, hotels, future rent and mortgage payments, Lyft rides, statement credits, student loan balances, a down payment on a home, and more.