In-flight entertainment

In-flight entertainment (IFE) refers to audio-visual equipment available to aircraft passengers during a flight. Frequently managed by content service providers, the types of in-flight entertainment devices and their content vary significantly based on the airline, aircraft type, and geographic region. In addition to entertainment content, these systems may offer various value-added services and informational functions, such as flight connection details, meal ordering, shopping, services options, and the presentation of safety videos, etc.

During the early years of air travel in the 1920s, in-flight entertainment took the form of movies that were initially shown on a large screen. With advancements in digital technology over the decades, personal IFE display screens became prevalent during the 1990s, when demand for better IFE became a major factor in the design of aircraft cabins. The advent of small entertainment and communication devices also allows passengers to use their own portable devices, subject to regulations to prevent them interfering with aircraft equipment, an increasing number of economy cabins, particularly on budget airlines, have upgraded to In-flight Entertainment and Connectivity (IFEC) system. High-speed internet is gradually becoming available on aircraft, providing passengers with a more complete in-flight experience.

Design issues for IFE include system safety, cost efficiency, software reliability, hardware maintenance, and user compatibility.