United Airlines is distinguishing itself from competitors by expanding its complimentary in-flight entertainment options, rather than cutting services. While Spirit Airlines has ceased operations and Delta Air Lines plans to remove complimentary food and beverage service on many short-haul routes, United is investing in digital content to enhance the passenger experience.
Starting May 1, travelers on United flights will gain access to Peacock, the NBCUniversal streaming service. This addition is part of a broader strategy to keep passengers engaged during travel without charging extra fees for entertainment.
How to Access Peacock Onboard
The new service is designed for flexibility, catering to both older aircraft and modern setups. Passengers have two primary ways to watch:
- Seat-Back Screens: The content will be available on the built-in screens of more than 800 United aircraft.
- Personal Devices: Travelers can stream content directly to their smartphones, tablets, or laptops using the United mobile app. This option is available at no additional cost.
What’s on the Menu?
At launch, United will feature a selection of Peacock’s original programming. Key titles include:
- The Traitors (Season 4)
- All Her Fault
Additional series such as The Copenhagen Test and Ponies are scheduled to join the lineup in June. A United representative confirmed that the library will not be static; content will be refreshed regularly, with new titles and rotating programming added over time to keep the selection fresh. Importantly, the available shows and movies will be consistent across both domestic and international flights.
A Growing Library of Free Content
Peacock is the latest addition to United’s suite of premium streaming partners. The airline already offers complimentary access to:
- HBO Max
- A24
- Spotify
- Apple TV+ (full seasons of shows like Severance, added in August of last year)
Combined, these partnerships provide a substantial entertainment hub. United states that its total in-flight library now includes more than 450 movies and over 1,000 TV episodes.
Why This Matters
This move highlights a shift in the aviation industry’s approach to customer satisfaction. With physical amenities like meals facing cuts on budget-conscious routes, airlines are turning to digital value to maintain competitiveness. By offering a diverse, high-quality library of streaming content for free, United aims to turn flight time into leisure time, setting a higher standard for what passengers can expect from a mid-range carrier
