- American Airlines has added a new free in-flight entertainment feature – TikTok!
- It’s only available to passengers travelling aboard narrow-body planes equipped with Viasat WiFi systems
- It’s a promotional feature, so there’s no guarantee how long it will be offered
TikTok is taking to the skies. On August 23, American Airlines announced they are taking their in-flight entertainment up a notch and offering access to the app, TikTok, free of charge.
The airline has long stood out for its ultra-fast internet speed available on board, so this new feature is a welcome and compatible addition to their offerings.
The move to embrace TikTok comes as airlines are trying to get customers back to flying after a significant drop in numbers due to the Covid-19 pandemic.
However, it’s not just the pandemic to blame. Air travel isn’t as enjoyable as it used to be. Travellers frequently deal with last minute flight cancellations, bad weather, high ticket prices, long security lines, gross food, and other issues, all making air travel a somewhat unpleasant experience.
Free high quality in-flight entertainment may help combat some of these concerns, making the flight go by more quickly and be more enjoyable.
“Faster Wi-Fi allows us to deliver diverse inflight entertainment options and invest in innovative partnerships with platforms like TikTok,” Clarissa Sebastian, Managing Director of Premium Customer Experience and Onboard Products, said in a recent statement. “Customers play the lead role in helping us better understand what content they want during their inflight experience, and TikTok is one of the platforms they love on the ground.”
With this new feature, passengers can use the app for up to 30 minutes for free on their mobile devices. After this, they can either access the free entertainment library, which features 600+ movies, television shows, and educational content from Rosetta Stone and Skillshare, or purchase additional internet access for $10 USD per session.
TikTok isn’t available on all flights though. American Airlines has specified that the promotional offer is limited to narrow-body aircraft with the Viasat WiFi system.
For customers that do not have Tik Tok, but who decide they want to take a look while they’re up in the air, the app can be downloaded mid-flight, allowing last-minute users to join in on the fun.
However, this offer is operating on a trial basis. Customer response will ultimately determine how long the feature will be available.
While you may think you’re too old for the app, the airline points out that TikTok isn’t just for Gen Z and is more than just dance videos. There is something for every generation and lots to be explored using hashtags like #travel, #traveltips, and more.
The promotional feature, which began on August 2, 2021, is one of the many free access features the airline offers, including Facebook Messenger and Messenger Kids.
To access TikTok while in flight, customers are required to have their devices in airplane mode, after which they can connect to the plane’s WiFi. They will then be redirected to the American Airlines portal from which they can click on the TikTok pop-up ad to be redirected to the app.
The content on Tik Tok is endless, but some of the highlights you can find on the app include:
- Travel inspiration and tips
- Animal and nature videos
- Comedy and pop culture entertainment
- Music and dance trends
- Wellness tips and beauty tutorials
- Career advice
Welcome aboard, TikTok! American Airlines seems glad to have you. Only time will tell if passengers are as enthusiastic.
