Air Canada Entertainment: The Ultimate In-Flight Experience

When you fly with Air Canada, entertainment is more than just a “nice to have” but becomes a key part of the travel experience. In 2024, Air Canada was named “Best In-Flight Entertainment in North America” by passengers among over 600 airlines on nearly a million flights. With thousands of hours of movies, TV shows, music, audiobooks, and even live TV, Air Canada entertainment ensures your journey flies by literally.

What is the Air Canada In-Flight Entertainment

• Air Canada offers one of the most complete entertainment systems in North America. On many flights, you can enjoy more than 1,000 movies, over 3,500 TV episodes, 200+ music options, and a wide selection of podcasts and audiobooks.

• On select routes, Air Canada also provides Live TV, which is not common among most airlines. This feature lets you watch live sports, breaking news, and other real-time programs through nine Canadian channels on flights within Canada and some U.S. routes.

• The entertainment system is available in more than 15 languages, making it easier for international travellers to enjoy content in the language they prefer.

Air Canada continues to grow its entertainment library through partnerships with Crave and Stingray for video and audio content. Apple TV+ titles are also included, giving passengers access to popular original series and films while flying. Whether you like movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, or live sports, Air Canada entertainment offers something for everyone.

Air Canada On Board Entertainment and Connectivity

A major advantage of flying with Air Canada is how well the entertainment system works together with onboard connectivity.

• On most flights, including every Air Canada Rouge service, you can stream movies, shows, and other content directly to your own device. Simply connect your phone, tablet, or laptop to the onboard Wi-Fi or entertainment portal.

• Air Canada offers high-speed Wi-Fi, sponsored by Bell, across most of its mainline aircraft and on the entire Rouge fleet. This makes it easy to browse, stream, or stay connected throughout the journey.

• If you are seated in Business Class or Signature Class, you will have access to power outlets, and USB charging is available at every seat. This is especially helpful when streaming long movies or downloading content before landing.

• On select aircraft, such as the upgraded Airbus A321, Air Canada is also testing new technology like Bluetooth audio compatibility and even exterior cameras that show real-time views outside the aircraft.

All these features make entertainment more flexible. You can bring your own device, keep it charged, connect to Wi-Fi, and enjoy a modern and easy-to-use entertainment experience.

Also read How to Make Air Canada Reservations

Air Canada Rouge Entertainment & the “player” Streaming System

If you are flying with Air Canada Rouge, the entertainment experience works a little differently.

• Instead of seat-back screens, Rouge uses the “player,” a wireless streaming in-flight entertainment system that sends movies, TV shows, kids' content, music, and other programs straight to your personal device.

• To use it, you only need to download the free Air Canada app from the Apple App Store or Google Play before your flight to access “player.” Laptop users can access the service through a browser as well.

• On some Rouge flights, especially in Premium Rouge, you may receive a preloaded iPad at no extra cost. If you forget your device, you can also rent an iPad for a small fee.

• Rouge passengers can also access more than 7,000 newspapers and magazines through the PressReader app as part of their onboard digital offering.

This streaming-focused approach reflects a growing industry trend. More airlines are moving away from heavy seat-back screens and adopting lighter, more flexible systems that let passengers use their own devices comfortably throughout the flight.

How to Access Air Canada Entertainment

Accessing Air Canada entertainment is quick and effortless, whether you’re using a seatback screen or your own device. Just follow a few easy steps before and during your flight to enjoy movies, shows, music, and more throughout your journey.

Before your flight:

• Download the Air Canada app on iOS or Android.

• Charge your device fully.

• Bring good quality headphones, wired or Bluetooth, depending on the aircraft, and your charger or a power bank.

Once onboard:

• Connect to the onboard Wi-Fi or entertainment portal to access the streaming system or “player” on Rouge flights.

• Browse available movies, TV shows, music, podcasts, audiobooks, and on select flights, Live TV for real-time news and sports.

• If live TV is available, simply tune into one of the available channels to catch news or sports while you fly.

Enjoy and relax:

• Stream, watch, listen as long as your device is charged or plugged in.

• If on Rouge and you forgot a device, some flights allow renting an iPad for a small fee to access entertainment.

Also read Best Guide to Air Canada First Class Seats, Food, and Routes

Why Air Canada Entertainment Stands Out

• Award-winning experience: Air Canada has been recognized across North America for its high-quality in-flight entertainment.

• Huge content library: More than 1,000 movies, over 3,500 TV episodes, 200+ music options, plus podcasts and audiobooks.

• Live TV on select routes: A rare feature among airlines, offering live sports, news, and real-time updates.

• Flexible streaming: Use your own device, pick your preferred language, and enjoy consistent access without relying solely on seatback screens.

• Regular content updates: Partnerships with Crave, Stingray, Apple TV+, and others ensure a fresh and diverse selection for every journey.

Conclusion

Air Canada delivers a smooth and enjoyable journey with a reliable Air Canada in-flight entertainment experience that keeps travelers engaged throughout the flight. Rouge passengers get a different but seamless option through the Air Canada Rouge in-flight entertainment platform designed for personal-device streaming.

On every route, the airline’s Air Canada on-board entertainment ensures access to movies, TV, music, and more, whether on seatback screens or your own device. Travelers can also enjoy flexible streaming through the Air Canada entertainment app, making it easy to watch content anytime.

The latest Air Canada entertainment system upgrades, including Bluetooth audio and enhanced Wi-Fi, make the experience even better.

For a smooth booking experience and great fares, reserve your next trip with Flightsquest and enjoy Air Canada’s comfort from departure to arrival.

FAQs About Air Canada Entertainment

Q1. Does Air Canada offer in-flight entertainment on all flights?

Most Air Canada mainline and all Air Canada Rouge flights entertain, either through seat-back screens or streaming to your own device.

Q2. What kind of content is available?

You can access more than 1,000 movies, thousands of TV episodes, music, podcasts, audiobooks, and, on select flights, Live TV.

Q3. Do I need the Air Canada app to watch entertainment?

You need the Air Canada app for Air Canada Rouge flights that use the “player” streaming system. For mainline flights with seat-back screens, the app is not required.

Q4. Is the Wi-Fi free on Air Canada flights?

Wi-Fi is not free. You can purchase different Wi-Fi packages depending on the length of your flight.

Q5. Can I use Bluetooth headphones?

Bluetooth audio is available on select upgraded aircraft, such as the modernized Airbus A321, but not across the entire fleet yet.

Q6. Does Air Canada provide Live TV?

Yes. Live TV is offered on select domestic and transborder flights, giving access to news and sports channels.

Q7. Are seat-back screens available on Air Canada Rouge?

No. Rouge uses a wireless streaming system, so you watch content on your own device or on a provided or rented iPad.