On most domestic flights in India, do not expect seatback screens. Indian airlines have largely moved to streaming content to your own phone or tablet, and what is offered depends on the airline and the aircraft type. Air India has a streaming service called Vista Stream, and IndiGo has announced streaming for its A321XLR. Download your own shows before you fly.
Updated November 2026 · HappyFares
Entertainment on Indian flights varies more by aircraft than by airline. Here is what we could confirm for Air India, IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express, and what to do when in doubt.
Do Indian airlines have seatback screens?
On the short domestic flights that make up most Indian travel, seatback screens are not the norm. Screens are more likely on larger aircraft that fly long international routes, and they are not guaranteed on every plane of the same type.
Air India is the airline most likely to have them. Some of its larger aircraft, such as the Boeing 787-9, have seatback entertainment, while its A320neo aircraft rely on streaming to your own device. Fleets and cabin layouts change, so check the aircraft type on your booking and do not treat this as a promise for your flight.
IndiGo, Akasa Air and Air India Express are low-cost carriers, and for their domestic narrowbody flights we found no official announcement of seatback screens. Plan on none.
What does each airline offer instead?
- Air India: a streaming service called Vista launched in August 2024, first on its widebody aircraft. In December 2024 Air India announced it was extending it to the narrowbody fleet as Vista Stream, letting passengers stream content to their own devices. Which aircraft carry it can change, so check before you fly.
- IndiGo: announced streaming to personal devices for its A321XLR, with trade reports naming Bluebox and later West Entertainment as the technology partners. The partner details were not consistent across reports, so we do not state one. For other IndiGo aircraft we found no entertainment system.
- Akasa Air: we found no official announcement of seatback screens or an in-flight streaming system. Akasa has music at boarding and deplaning, which is not the same as in-flight entertainment. Plan to bring your own content.
- Air India Express: we could not find a source that speaks about its in-flight entertainment, so we cannot say what is offered. Assume your own device and download in advance.
Is the entertainment free?
That depends on the airline, the aircraft and the date. When Air India introduced in-flight Wi-Fi on 1 January 2025 on its A350, B787-9 and select A321neo aircraft, it was complimentary at launch, with the service to be rolled out to other aircraft over time. Its current FAQ describes paid Wi-Fi plans that can be bought onboard once the aircraft is above 10,500 feet. So a service that began free may now carry a price, and we do not quote prices here.
Streaming to your own device, as in Vista Stream, works differently from internet access, so the terms can differ too. Read your airline’s page for the aircraft type on your flight.
A small aviation fact: your phone does not use the plane’s Wi-Fi to download this content from the internet. In-flight streaming systems usually host the movies on a server on the aircraft and send them to your device over the cabin network, which is why they can work even without an internet link.
How do you find out what is on your flight?
- Look at the aircraft type on your booking. An A321neo can differ from an A320neo, even within one airline.
- Check the airline’s own page for in-flight entertainment or Wi-Fi, and its app if it has one.
- If the airline says streaming needs an app or browser, install or test it before you reach the aircraft.
- Assume nothing: carry your own downloaded content for any flight longer than an hour or so.
What should you carry to stay entertained?
Charge your devices fully, download shows, music or podcasts at home, and keep headphones in your cabin bag. Check the airline’s rules on power banks and put them in your cabin baggage, not your checked bag. Aircraft seats may or may not have power outlets, so do not rely on charging in flight. A phone stand or a device holder can help if your tray table is shallow.
Common Questions
Do Indian domestic flights have seatback screens?
Usually not. Some Air India aircraft may have them, but most domestic aircraft rely on your own device. Check the aircraft type on your booking.
What is Air India Vista Stream?
It is Air India’s wireless in-flight entertainment service that streams content to your own device. It launched in August 2024 on widebody aircraft and was extended to narrowbody aircraft in December 2024.
Does IndiGo have in-flight entertainment?
IndiGo has announced streaming to personal devices on its A321XLR. For other IndiGo aircraft, we found no official announcement of an entertainment system.
Does Akasa Air have screens or streaming?
We found no official announcement of either. Bring your own downloaded content.
Is in-flight Wi-Fi free on Air India?
It was complimentary at its January 2025 launch on certain aircraft, and current plans can be paid. Check Air India’s Wi-Fi page for the aircraft you are on.
What should I do before a long flight?
Download content in advance, charge your devices, and carry headphones. Do not depend on any in-flight service being available.
Pick the flight that suits you. Search and compare fares on HappyFares, set a price alert, or ask Meera, our AI assistant, to help you find the right option.
Rules, services and fees change. Verify current specifics with the airline, DGCA, or the airport before you travel.
