American Airlines plans to add seatback screens, more premium seats

Aug. 18 (UPI) — American Airlines announced Tuesday that it plans to add seatback screens to its aircraft and to increase the number of premium and extra-legroom seating in some aircraft.

It will take a while for the changes to come to fruition, however. The screens, which will have 4K displays, will be part of new Boeing and Airbus planes starting in 2028. The airline will retrofit its older airplanes with the screens as well, with installation expected to be completed in the early 2030s.

“We’re making one of the most significant investments in the onboard experience in our history,” said Heather Garboden, American’s chief customer officer, in a statement. “From next-generation seatback entertainment at every seat to substantially more premium seating options, these enhancements will give our customers more ways to relax, stay connected and enjoy their journey.”

Further technology improvements will include USB-C fast-charging ports and Bluetooth audio connectivity.

Until now, American has avoided seatbacks screens in its airplanes, with leaders saying the technology wasn’t worth the cost and added weight, CNBC reported. Garboden said, however, the technology has advanced since the earlier decision.

“Ultimately, when you have customer preference and customer satisfaction improvements, that also generates revenue,” she said to CNBC.

The airline also announced that it will add more first-clblock seats and main-cabin extra-legroom seats in new planes, also retrofitting older ones for these changes. Right now, premium seating takes up about 25% of American’s narrowbody planes, but that percentage will increase to about 40%, it said.

Premium seats can cost much more than regular coach seats. For example, a round-trip flight from Buffalo-Niagara International Airport to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport was shown as $419 for a main cabin seat, $700 for a main cabin extra-room seat and $1,110 for a premium seat Tuesday.