Which Airline Has the Best Inflight Entertainment When Traveling Internationally
Explore the best airlines for inflight entertainment on international flights, with a special focus on enjoying iconic Bollywood films mid-air.
Emirates: The Gold Standard with ICE
Emirates consistently ranks as the top airline for inflight entertainment, winning Skytrax’s Best Inflight Entertainment Award for 2024. Its ICE (Information, Communication, Entertainment) system offers over 2,500 movies, including a robust selection of Bollywood blockbusters, alongside TV shows, music, and games in multiple languages. The system’s high-resolution screens and external cameras, providing live views from the aircraft, enhance the experience. However, some users note that the ICE interface, while content-rich, feels dated with its glossy 2011-era design. Emirates also offers Wi-Fi, though it’s not always free unless you’re a Skywards member.
[](https://www.worldairlineawards.com/worlds-best-inflight-entertainment-2024/)[](https://onemileatatime.com/guides/best-inflight-entertainment/)Singapore Airlines: KrisWorld Excellence
Singapore Airlines’ KrisWorld system is a close contender, earning third place in Skytrax’s 2024 rankings. With over 1,800 entertainment options, including Bollywood films, Hollywood releases, and digital magazines, KrisWorld is praised for its intuitive interface and two-screen setup (touchscreen and handheld controller). A standout feature is free unlimited Wi-Fi for all KrisFlyer members, making it the only major airline to offer this perk without restrictions. However, some passengers report screen glare on daytime flights and lower resolution on older A350s.
[](https://onemileatatime.com/guides/best-inflight-entertainment/)[](https://www.traveloka.com/en-au/explore/tips/10-airlines-with-the-best-inflight-entertainment-emirates-cathay-and-more-trp/426280)Qatar Airways: Oryx One Variety
Qatar Airways’ Oryx One system, with over 3,000 entertainment options, including a strong Bollywood selection, took the bronze in Skytrax’s 2024 awards. The system is lauded for its vast library and 13-inch touchscreens on newer aircraft like the Boeing 787-9. However, some users find the movie organization cumbersome, as titles aren’t alphabetically sorted. Qatar’s “Super Wi-Fi” costs $10 per flight, but speeds are inconsistent for streaming. Partnerships with Starlink promise future improvements.
[](https://onemileatatime.com/guides/best-inflight-entertainment/)[](https://businesstravelerusa.com/news/top-5-airlines-for-inflight-entertainment-2024/)Cathay Pacific: Award-Winning Displays
Cathay Pacific secured the silver medal in Skytrax’s 2024 Best Inflight Entertainment rankings, offering over 3,000 hours of content, including Bollywood films, Asian cinema, and Disney+ originals. Its 4K screens, especially in the Aria business suite with 24-inch displays, provide a superior viewing experience. The system supports ad-skipping and live sports, but some note that Cathay’s service quality has dipped in recent years, though its IFE remains top-tier. Free Wi-Fi is available in select cabins.
[](https://www.slashgear.com/1859627/worst-best-airline-in-flight-entertainment/)[](https://www.traveloka.com/en-au/explore/tips/10-airlines-with-the-best-inflight-entertainment-emirates-cathay-and-more-trp/426280)Air India: Bollywood but Dated Systems
Air India offers a solid selection of Bollywood films, ideal for fans of Indian cinema, especially on its newer A350 aircraft. However, its inflight entertainment on older planes is often criticized for being slow and hard to navigate, with outdated interfaces and lower-resolution screens. Recent upgrades show promise, but Air India lags behind competitors in consistency and user experience. Wi-Fi is not widely available, limiting connectivity.
[](https://onemileatatime.com/guides/best-inflight-entertainment/)Etihad Airways: E-BOX Entertainment
Etihad’s E-BOX system provides a diverse range of movies, TV shows, and Bollywood content, with the ability to sync personal devices for seamless viewing. Available on its Boeing 787 and A380 aircraft, E-BOX is user-friendly but doesn’t match the content volume of Emirates or Qatar. High-speed Wi-Fi, powered by Inmarsat’s GX Aviation, is a plus, though it comes at a cost. Etihad’s entertainment is solid but not a standout.
[](https://www.indianeagle.com/traveldiary/best-inflight-entertainment-when-traveling-from-usa-to-india/)[](https://www.travelandtourworld.com/news/article/american-delta-jetblue-airways-united-lufthansa-emirates-qatar-singapore-airlines-air-new-zealand-british-airways-klm-royal-dutch-ana-iberia-qantas-cathay-pacific-etihad-air-canada-and/)Qantas Airways: App-Based Streaming
Qantas offers over 1,500 entertainment options, including Bollywood films, through seatback screens and its Qantas Entertainment app, which allows streaming to personal devices. Its family-friendly content, like kids’ movies and educational programs, is a highlight. Qantas’ Wi-Fi, powered by ViaSat, is available on many flights but requires payment. The airline’s interface is slick, though its content library is smaller than top competitors.
[](https://www.traveloka.com/en-au/explore/tips/10-airlines-with-the-best-inflight-entertainment-emirates-cathay-and-more-trp/426280)[](https://www.alternativeairlines.com/best-airlines-in-flight-entertainment)Comparison and Recommendations
For Bollywood enthusiasts, Emirates and Qatar Airways lead with extensive libraries, though Emirates’ ICE system edges out due to its award-winning consistency. Cathay Pacific’s 4K screens and Singapore Airlines’ free Wi-Fi make them excellent choices for a premium experience. Air India is a budget-friendly option for Bollywood content but struggles with outdated systems on older planes. Etihad and Qantas are reliable but don’t match the top-tier content volume. Choose Emirates for the best overall experience, or Singapore Airlines if Wi-Fi is a priority.
Frequently Asked Questions
Which airline has the best inflight entertainment for Bollywood movies?
Emirates offers the most extensive Bollywood movie selection through its ICE system, with over 2,500 movies, including iconic and recent releases, making it the top choice for Bollywood fans.
Does Singapore Airlines offer free Wi-Fi for inflight entertainment?
Yes, Singapore Airlines provides unlimited free Wi-Fi to all KrisFlyer members, allowing seamless streaming of movies, including Bollywood films, on personal devices.
Is Air India’s inflight entertainment good for international flights?
Air India offers a decent Bollywood selection on its newer A350 aircraft, but older planes have slow, hard-to-navigate systems, making it less competitive compared to Emirates or Qatar Airways.
Which airline has the best screen quality for inflight entertainment?
Cathay Pacific stands out with its 4K resolution screens, especially in the Aria business suite, offering a superior viewing experience for movies and shows.
No comments:
Post a Comment