Starting next month, United will offer an in-flight personal entertainment system that will allow passengers to pick from 150 movies and about 200 TV shows through their laptop’s browser or United’s iOS app.
United didn’t say when Android and other mobile operating systems will be supported.
The system will be installed on most domestic aircraft by the end of 2014, starting with Airbus A319, Airbus A320, Boeing 747-400 and some 777-200 aircraft, says United.
The app and browser plug-in, which is required to watch certain content, can be downloaded during flights without the purchase of United Wi-Fi. Other programmes can be watched through the United Portal on a laptop without a plug-in or app.
United is hoping its library of on-demand content will help it standout as Wi-Fi becomes more common on airlines. According to airline-ranking site Routehappy.com, 38% of U.S. flights now offer Internet access and more carriers are adding Wi-Fi to international routes as well.