American Airlines may bring back seat screens and upgrade Wi-Fi soon

American Airlines is thinking about putting screens back in front of seats on its smaller planes. This isn’t just about entertainment—it’s part of a bigger push to modernize flights and keep up with competitors. The airline is also exploring faster, more reliable Wi-Fi options by talking to companies like SpaceX and Amazon. These providers could offer better service than what’s available now. Right now, American mostly relies on passengers using their own devices for entertainment. But other airlines, like Delta and United, have been adding new features to their planes for years. They’ve upgraded Wi-Fi, installed screens, and even added luxury seating to attract premium customers willing to pay extra. American seems to be playing catch-up, especially as more travelers expect in-flight entertainment.A big reason for the change is money. Back in 2014, American removed seat-back screens to cut costs on weight and maintenance. At the time, executives believed people would just use their phones or tablets. That prediction didn’t age well—many passengers still want a built-in screen, especially on long flights. Now, American is expanding its premium seating options, which already come with screens on larger planes. The airline is warming up to the idea of bringing screens back, especially as technology has improved. Faster, lighter screens could make the idea more practical. But will passengers notice the difference, or is this just another way to charge more?