Alaska Airlines is finally adding seatback screens to its Boeing 737 fleet, but only for passengers in its two premium cabins on the incoming 737 MAX 10. Everyone else will use their own devices. I welcome the investment up front, but I think leaving screens out of economy is a mistake…especially on aircraft intended to compete for premium transcontinental revenue.
As I outlined earlier this week, Alaska plans to introduce at least 25 aircraft with 12 lie-flat Aurora Suites and 12 Premium Reserve seats beginning in 2028. Those passengers will enjoy Panasonic Astrova entertainment systems, with 19-inch screens in Aurora Suites and 16-inch screens in Premium Reserve. Passengers farther back, including those paying extra for the additional legroom of Premium Class, will rely on their own phones, tablets, or laptops.
Alaska believes Starlink makes that a reasonable compromise. I love Starlink, but I do not think it makes a seatback screen redundant.
A great solo travel tip spotted this week on Live and Let's Fly.
