The Vueling onboard entertainment platform allows passengers to stream movies, series and track flights from personal devices without wifi, now rolling out across the airline’s fleet. Robbie Hodges reports

Vueling has introduced a new onboard entertainment platform that allows passengers to access films, television series and flight information directly from their personal devices during flights. The service is free to use and does not require an internet connection, as it operates through the aircraft’s internal server.

The Vueling onboard entertainment platform is already available on more than half of the airline’s fleet and is expected to expand further. Passengers can connect to the system using their own smartphones, tablets or laptops, giving them access to content throughout the journey without relying on external connectivity.

The current catalogue includes 18 films and 23 episodes across 12 television series, with content set to be updated seasonally. Alongside entertainment, the platform also includes practical features such as a 3D interactive map that shows the aircraft’s route in real time, allowing passengers to follow the progress of their journey.

In addition, travellers can browse the onboard menu and shop through the same portal, reviewing food, drinks and other products available during the flight. The platform also provides information about the airline’s route network, sustainability initiatives and customer services.

A further feature is the integration with GetYourGuide, which enables passengers to explore and book tours and activities at their destination before arrival. This reflects a wider trend among airlines to extend the in-flight experience beyond the journey itself by offering travel planning tools mid-flight.

The Vueling onboard entertainment platform has been developed in partnership with Viasat and complements the airline’s existing connectivity offer. Many aircraft are already equipped with wifi, which includes 15 minutes of free internet access for passengers.

Melanie Berry, chief customer officer at Vueling, says: “With this new onboard entertainment offering, Vueling continues to improve the customer experience by giving customers more ways to enjoy their time in the air. The platform makes it easy to access content and services from any personal device throughout the flight.”

Don Buchman, president at Viasat Aviation, adds: “We are incredibly proud to partner with Vueling to deliver an enriched, connected onboard experience, powered by the European Aviation Network. The service puts free entertainment into the hands of Vueling’s passengers and underscores our shared commitment to elevating the in-flight experience and passenger satisfaction.”

Vueling, part of the IAG group, operates around 220 routes across 30 countries and carried 38 million passengers in 2024. The airline has positioned itself as a digital-focused carrier, and this latest development builds on its existing use of mobile boarding passes and app-based services.

By combining offline streaming with limited free connectivity, the Vueling onboard entertainment platform reflects a growing shift in aviation towards hybrid digital experiences that balance connectivity with onboard systems.