Where the Top US Airlines Rank for In-Flight Entertainment

The data analysis team at CableTV.com recently examined 10 of the top U.S. airlines, comparing several factors contributing to an entertaining flight, including in-seat entertainment consoles; the ability to access entertainment using a personal console such as a tablet, laptop or phone; access to USB ports or power outlets and the variety of movies, TV channels, games and music offered.

If you're looking to be entertained on your flight, don't book with a no-frills carrier. Allegiant Air, Frontier Airlines and Spirit Airlines are tied for eighth (worst) as they don't offer customers access to in-flight Wi-Fi or any entertainment options for that matter. However, that's part of why these carriers are able to offer such low fares. Those travelers who are content with a music player, book, magazine or crossword puzzle will likely take the savings over the lack of in-flight entertainment.

Travelers flying Hawaiian Airlines can enjoy free in-flight entertainment including the newest movie releases and TV shows when they download the Hawaiian Airlines App prior to boarding. For families, Hawaii's flag carrier also offers a Keiki Pack of specially selected movies, TV and games designed just for kids.

Southwest narrowly misses out on the top five but shouldn't be discounted as the low-cost carrier offers passengers free live TV, movies, games and other entertainment via the Southwest App. What's more, customers can purchase in-flight Wi-Fi for a reasonable $8, though it might not be the best investment if you're on a short flight.

Alaska Airlines' expansive in-flight entertainment library features more than 400 free movies and over 200 free TV shows that are available via the Gogo Entertainment App. Just be sure to download it ahead of your flight. Plus, basic Wi-Fi is available on most of the carrier's aircraft while more than 60 of its planes have satellite Wi-Fi (allowing passengers to stream, browse and chat from gate to gate) installed as of September 2019.

American Airlines offers an array of free entertainment that you can access via your personal device by downloading the American App before takeoff. In addition to movies and TV shows, live TV is available on select international and domestic routes. Passengers can also pass the time while streaming Apple Music for free.

Travelers flying United have a lot of options when it comes to in-flight entertainment, including Wi-Fi available for purchase, free DIRECTV on select flights and United Private Screening, a media library that passengers can access from their laptops or Apple and Android devices.

Even in economy, Delta passengers have access to complimentary entertainment on their seatback screens on select aircraft. What's more, the carrier recently partnered with streaming digital-media giant Hulu to further enhance its in-flight entertainment offering. According to CableTV, Delta is held back from the top spot due to its expensive Wi-Fi.

JetBlue takes the crown when it comes to the best in-flight entertainment offered by a domestic airline, complementing dozens of channels of live TV and free in-flight Wi-Fi with plenty of power outlets and USB ports to keep your devices fully charged as well as sufficient legroom so you can surf the web or stream your favorite movies and shows in comfort. JetBlue also recently added popular offerings from SHOWTIME, Spotify, INSCAPE and PressReader to its in-flight entertainment lineup.