LONDON- British Airways (BA) is conducting a new trial that could reshape the future of in-flight entertainment. Launching on select widebody aircraft departing from London Heathrow (LHR), the airline is testing a wireless streaming platform where passengers can watch content on their own devices.
This initiative by British Airways introduces a BYOD (Bring Your Own Device) model even on long-haul jets that are already equipped with seatback screens, sparking debate over whether traditional in-flight entertainment systems are at risk.
Photo: British AirwaysBritish Airways Trials BYOD
The trial, set to begin in July 2025, will be available on Airbus A380s, Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners with Wi-Fi, and Boeing 777-200 aircraft with older entertainment systems.
While the streaming service is free and provides access to British Airways’ (BA) existing library of movies and TV shows, its value on aircraft already equipped with seatback screens is being questioned.
Traditionally, wireless inflight entertainment, often part of the broader BYOD trend, has been used by airlines operating short-haul routes with no seatback screens. The move toward long-haul usage suggests a shift in strategy.
Reported by PYOK, industry insiders believe this could be a step toward removing seatback screens altogether in favor of a lighter, less maintenance-intensive setup.
The streaming portal is accessed via the standard onboard Wi-Fi system. Passengers can simply click a link to start watching. However, the feature offers limited added benefit on planes where high-resolution touchscreens already provide a broader entertainment selection.
Photo: British AirwaysMissed Opportunity
Despite clear advantages for narrowbody aircraft that lack seatback screens, British Airways currently has no plans to roll out the streaming platform on short-haul routes.
This includes medium-length journeys of 4-5 hours where passengers might reasonably expect entertainment options.
Competitors in the budget sector often provide minimal or no entertainment, so BYOD on short-haul flights could have given British Airways a competitive edge. For now, this potential remains untapped, narrowing the scope of the initiative’s impact.
Photo: Clément AlloingFuture Innovations
Passengers increasingly expect tech-forward features onboard. Innovations such as Bluetooth headphone connectivity, live TV, personalized content curation, and viewing continuity across flights are high on the wish list.
Yet none of these enhancements are part of the current British Airways streaming trial. The airline has stated that customer feedback will shape future plans.
This leaves open the possibility that existing seatback screens could be phased out, raising accessibility concerns for travelers without personal devices.
While offering exclusive content on the streaming service might sound appealing, it could also disadvantage passengers who rely on onboard equipment, highlighting the need for inclusive options as the airline defines its entertainment future.
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