Air travel continues to be an integral part of how people travel, with nearly 80% of travelers having taken at least one flight in the past year, according to new survey findings. As more people take to the skies, their expectations for the onboard experience continue to rise. In 2026, entertainment and connectivity evolved from premium amenities into essential components of the passenger journey, creating new opportunities for airlines to help enhance satisfaction and help differentiate the travel experience.
Entertaining connection expectations
Although traveler preferences vary, the research shows that several entertainment expectations remain consistently important:
- 87% of travelers say fast, reliable, and free in-flight Wi-Fi is important
- 80% of travelers expect in-flight entertainment
- 63% of travelers access at least one type of content that requires Wi-Fi
The modern air traveler no longer views connectivity and entertainment as “optional” or “luxuries” on a flight; they are viewed as expected components of the air travel experience.
How travelers are accessing content in flight
As airlines evaluate the future of the passenger experience, understanding how travelers prefer to consume entertainment is essential. Survey results show that seatback screens continue to play a central role, particularly for accessing content.
Among surveyed travelers:
- 53% prefer seatback screens for accessing content
- 42% prefer using their personal devices for accessing content
Frequent flyers are more likely to access live TV via the seatback screen while traveling:
- 59% of frequent flyers access live content via the seatback screen
- 48% of all flyers access live content via the seatback screen
These findings demonstrate that while personal devices are an important part of the in-flight entertainment experience, seatback screens remain a preferred way for travelers, especially frequent flyers—to access content and live programming. For airlines, this reinforces the value of delivering a flexible entertainment ecosystem that seamlessly supports both embedded seatback systems and personal device streaming, giving passengers the freedom to engage with content however they prefer.
About DIRECTV IN FLIGHT
DIRECTV IN FLIGHT is a leading entertainment provider providing in-flight satellite or IPTV entertainment solutions for commercial aviation and for private aircraft via JetVision by DIRECTV™. DIRECTV IN FLIGHT allows passengers to stay connected to the entertainment they love with access to premium live TV on seatback and/or mounted screens and personal devices. Visit us online at directv.com/aviation.
DIRECTV does not provide Wi-Fi service. Source: HUB Entertainment Research Survey conducted March 2026 with 2,000 U.S. consumers 21+ who stayed five or more nights in hotels within the past 12 months. ©2026 DIRECTV. DIRECTV and all other DIRECTV marks are trademarks of DIRECTV, LLC.
