United announced that they would be enhancing their entertainment options onboard for their customers, by expanding its United Private Screening option, where customers can watch free entertainment onboard their own devices, similar to the Delta Studio. This means that customers on regional jets will now be able to access United’s entertainment system.

Per United, United Airlines is continuing the expansion of its “United Private Screening” in-flight entertainment with the launch of free personal device entertainment on two-cabin United Express regional jets; expanded HBO programming; and exclusively curated content from Vevo, the world’s leading all-premium music video and entertainment platform.

United currently has one of the largest offerings of free streaming entertainment – already on more than 200 United aircraft – with scores of television shows and movies available for streaming directly to travelers’ laptop computers and iOS and Android mobile devices.

Regional Jet Entertainment and Onboard Experience

United has begun rolling out personal device entertainment on its fleet of more than 120 Wi-Fi-equipped E170, E175 and CRJ700 regional jets, with more than half of these aircraft now offering free streaming entertainment. The airline plans to offer the service on all Wi-Fi-equipped regional jets by the end of next week.

The launch of personal device entertainment on regional jets follows United’s introduction this year of an all-new premium-cabin experience on United Express, featuring freshly prepared meals served on chinaware on regional jet flights of at least 800 miles.

Expanded HBO Content

Additionally, the airline has expanded HBO content on aircraft that offer personal device entertainment as well as on those with seatback on-demand entertainment. Available HBO entertainment includes full seasons of popular television shows such as “Entourage,” “Game of Thrones” and “True Detective.”

Videos and Concert Entertainment from Vevo

United has also joined with Vevo to offer hundreds of music videos and concert performances for customers to view at no charge on United aircraft offering personal device entertainment. Vevo content is also available through seatback on-demand entertainment.

Tribeca Film Festival

Meanwhile, United is in its second year as the official airline of the Tribeca Film Festival. Flights with live television, seatback on-demand entertainment and personal device entertainment offer unique in-flight content curated by Tribeca, including independent feature narratives and documentaries as well as short films.

Tablet Rentals

This summer, United also launched a pilot program offering tablets for rent on Boeing 777 flights between the continental United States and Honolulu and between Honolulu and Guam. The 8.4-inch tablets contain stored entertainment, including television shows, movies and games.

In-flight Entertainment Availability

United aircraft offer several in-flight entertainment options, with Wi-Fi also available on 85 percent of mainline aircraft and regional jets receiving the technology. In addition:

• United plans to install personal device entertainment on more than 650 mainline and regional aircraft, including its intercontinental fleet;
• The airline operates more than 200 intercontinental and p.s. Premium Service aircraft with seatback on-demand entertainment; and
• Another 227 mainline aircraft offer live television, more than any other airline in the world.
  Customers may learn before departure which entertainment option will be available by checking their flight status at united.com or via the United mobile app.

Bottom Line

I’m pleased to see United rolling out its entertainment options to regional jets as well as expanding Wi-Fi to its mainline fleet.