United Announces Free In-Flight Live TV for Passengers

United Airlines announced Wednesday that more than 100 channels of live television will now be available for free on the 211 Boeing 737 planes equipped with seatback screens.

The carrier will offer free live DIRECTV at more than 30,000 seats, as well as hundreds of movies and TV shows available on personal devices through the airline's collection on the United app.

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“This year, we will be introducing a series of innovations and improvements designed to help build a great experience for all our customers,” United Chief Customer Officer Toby Enqvist said in a statement. “Offering free entertainment, whether it's on seat back TV or on personal devices, is one example of how we are placing our customers at the heart of what we do and helping them to relax and enjoy their flights.”

In addition, United expanded its personal device entertainment product to aircraft that previously only offered DIRECTV, providing an option for customers to use their phones, tablets or laptops to access a library of more than 280 complimentary movies and TV shows.

“We're pleased that United is offering customers complimentary access to live TV on more than 200 of its aircraft so customers can feel like they're sitting in their own living rooms enjoying DIRECTV,” AT&T Business chief product officer Roman Pacewicz said. “Whether they want to tune into their favorite primetime show or their favorite sports team, United customers won't miss a moment with free DIRECTV programming.”

The carrier also made improvements in its entertainment options for customers with hearing and mobility issues through its Accessible Entertainment menu category available on seatback on-demand systems.