Has anyone flown United recently?

[kcrc]

We have a flight booked on United for July. I was going to do the "pre-pay" for the direct tv before we left so it would be cheaper. But then, per United's website, not all planes are equipped for that yet. Also, my niece just flew them a couple weeks ago and said all sets were given the direct tv, whether or not they had paid for it. Does anyone know the real story on how this should work? Or where to go to find out the policy for our specific flight? Thanks!

[vamaggie]

Don;t know if there is anywhere to go to find the real story-and then who knows if it will be the case in July. We flew United in January. The plane we were on had the TVs on each seat back. Everyone did get the direct TV for a short period of time then if you wanted it to continue you had to pay. They had a special that if you paid for 3 or more with the same credit card you got $1 off each. I would not prepay unless you got some major discount.

[SandmanGStefani24]

my last flight with united did not have directv in either plane, as i had a connecting flight, but both my planes were ex continental planes. not sure if this had anything to do with it..

[MNNHFLTX]

I fly United all the time and while many planes have DirecTV, it is as vamaggie stated--you get a limited window of "free" time and then you have to pay for it with a credit card. Personally, I would not pay ahead of time either, as not all the planes have DirecTV and you wouldn't want to be stuck paying for an amenity that you can't even use.

[BelleBeauty]

I fly United all the time, and you really don't know until you get on the plane if you will have DirectTV sets or not. I have not pre-paid for the service, but imagine if that is an option you are scheduled to have a plane on your route that does have DirectTV. There is always the last-minute possibility that they will need to change planes, or something will happen that causes all TVs to be free (usually a big delay or malfunction of the system once you board). If that is the case, I'm sure you can call and get the TV credited to your account. I have had to move seats before after purchasing TV (weird request from flight crew to accommodate another passenger) and I was able to get one of the TV charges credited very easily.

[ukyrob28]

I work for United (in planning), and here is the story.
The 737's that we acquired with the merger with Continental are all equipped with DirectTV in the seatbacks. (We are getting BRAND new 737's delivered every month that don't, but there are only about 2-4 of them flying right now, so a very small chance you get those.)
If you book a ticket and it says you will be on a 737, chances are you will have DirectTV.
Keep in mind things happen and a late change could happen.
Hope this helps.

[Disney_pups2]

Just last month our first flight had the Direct tv and the second and third did not. I would see if they list it on the information for the "type" of airplane it is.

[Dewdrop034]

Same here. Our first flight out had Direct TV and the connecting flight did not. I remember the TV screen had a credit card swiper if you wanted to continue service.

[kcrc]

Thanks all for your replies! We ended up getting switched to an airbus, so no direct tv. They had those screens that dropped down every few rows. They showed a series of sitcoms on the flight, and provided sound for free. I have to say though, for an early morning flight to Orlando, filled with lots of families, the sitcoms they showed were very questionable. Luckily my kids had other things to keep them occupied!

[epceddie]

JetBlue has free tv on all of its flights. I can't believe United would offer limited tv and then make you pay for it. That would tick me off. Shows what a chintzy airline they really are. We only fly Southwest and JetBlue and we're lucky that both are based in Providence, which is one of the easiest airports to use on the planet.

[AvaNellMouse]

From Houston to DC we had tv available. I didn't subscribe because I sleep really well on planes.

You should keep in mind that any time they make an annoucement your show will be inturrupted. During the "free preview" I lost a good portion of the news I was watching to the safety review and "we will be flying at 30,000 feet..." weather, flight time info.

However, the Tapas snack box was really yummy and after paying DC prices, very reasonable for all that you get.

[#1donaldfan]

I just used United and of the 4 planes I used with them, both ways, did not have any TVs ..... now when I use JetBlue, different story !! LOVE JetBlue....free bag, free snack, cheaper fare and free TV !!!! PLUS they're cleaner.....

[MNNHFLTX]

JetBlue has free tv on all of its flights. I can't believe United would offer limited tv and then make you pay for it. That would tick me off. Shows what a chintzy airline they really are. We only fly Southwest and JetBlue and we're lucky that both are based in Providence, which is one of the easiest airports to use on the planet.

Actually we loved Continental before they merged with United. They had great customer service and FF program and were one of the last airlines to offer amenities like a free meal/snack. We are not so thrilled with United. :/