But you must bring your own device to watch

Chris McGinnis

Updated 8:02 am PDT, Monday, April 23, 2018 Photo: Chris McGinnis
Some United flights offer both seatback live TV and personal device options
Some United flights offer both seatback live TV and personal device...

Travelers on United Airlines planes that previously offered only pay-per-use DIRECTV for in-flight entertainment now have another option.

The company said the 200 aircraft that formerly provided only DIRECTV (mostly old Continental 737s and 757s) now permit passengers to use their own laptops, phones or tablets to stream entertainment from a library of free movies and TV programs. (Or they can still pay $6-$8) for DIRECTV to watch grainy live TV from the seatback.)

TravelSkills with Chris McGinnis sponsored by United said that on some flights this summer, it plans to distribute free cardboard phone stands so that passengers can watch their devices hands-free.

The problem with watching on your own device is that doing so is a big drain on batteries...and not all United jets offer power outlets at each seat, so always be sure to board with a full charge or a back up battery.

To explore United’s in-flight entertainment options, go to www.unitedprivatescreening.com. To find out if your flight offers DIRECTV, check your flight status within 24 hours of your flight departure and enter your flight number, then look for the DIRECTV logo in the inflight amenities tab.

Now that it's offering more options for entertainment, I'm hoping that United gets its inflight wi-fi system fixed. Based on my experience, the system works about 60 percent of the time- and not much has changed since the airline promised it was upgrading systems. I'm growing weary of going through the unwieldy process of requesting a refund after the flight.

How do you like your United inflight entertainment? On your own device, or on the seatback? How does United wi-fi perform for you? Please leave your thoughts in the comments or on our Facebook page.
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