The Airbus A220 is known for its modern cabin and passenger-friendly amenities, particularly its in-flight entertainment (IFE). A common question from travelers is whether Apple AirPlay works on the A220. Below we explain what A220 IFE typically offers, how device connectivity generally works onboard, and what to expect regarding AirPlay.
In-Flight Entertainment Systems on the A220
The A220’s cabin and IFE are highly configurable and vary by airline and even by individual aircraft. For an overview of the platform’s flexibility, see Airbus’s A220 family page. airbus.com
Here’s what some major operators provide:
- Air Canada: Many A220 seats include personal touchscreens with a wide selection of movies, TV, and music, plus in-seat power and USB ports for charging. aircanada.com
- JetBlue: JetBlue’s A220s use the Thales AVANT IFE system with 10.1-inch HD screens, live TV, on-demand content, and personal device pairing that lets your phone act as a remote or game controller. Some aircraft also support Bluetooth audio for wireless headphones. jetblue.com | inflight-online.com
- Delta Air Lines: Many A220 flights feature Delta Studio®, offering hundreds of free movies, TV shows, music, and podcasts on seatback screens, along with USB power at the seat. Availability can vary by route and aircraft. delta.com
Note: Features change by airline, route, and even tail number. Always check your carrier’s aircraft page or seat map for the most current details.
AirPlay Functionality on the A220
AirPlay is Apple’s wireless streaming protocol for mirroring or streaming content between Apple devices. apple.com Most A220 seatback systems do not natively accept AirPlay or similar inbound media streams from passengers’ personal devices. Where “personal device pairing” is offered, it typically allows your phone to act as a remote, input device, or controller—not to stream DRM-protected video directly to the seatback display.
Airlines generally avoid accepting direct streams from passenger devices for several reasons: technical complexity, content-licensing restrictions, and security considerations. When airlines provide onboard streaming, it is usually delivered through the carrier’s Wi‑Fi portal to your own device (bring‑your‑own‑device, BYOD), not to the seatback screen.
Device Connectivity Options
Even if AirPlay to the seatback isn’t available, the A220 often offers useful ways to stay powered and entertained:
- USB ports: Most A220 seats include USB ports for charging phones and tablets. Some airlines are also adding USB‑C alongside USB‑A. aircanada.com
- In-seat power outlets: Many configurations include standard AC power outlets suitable for laptops and larger devices (availability varies by airline and cabin).
- Personal device pairing: Systems such as Thales AVANT let you pair a smartphone to act as a remote or controller, but this is different from streaming video via AirPlay. thalesgroup.com
- Bluetooth audio: Some A220s support Bluetooth headphone pairing directly with the seatback screen, so you can use your own wireless headphones. Check the seatback menu or your airline’s aircraft page for availability. jetblue.com
Tips for Watching Your Own Content
- Download before you go: Save movies, shows, and playlists to your device for offline viewing in apps such as Netflix, Prime Video, or Apple TV before boarding. For details on offline downloads see Netflix’s guide: help.netflix.com
- Bring the right headphones: Most seats still have a 3.5 mm jack; carry wired earbuds or a small Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the jack if the seatback doesn’t support native Bluetooth.
- Pack charging essentials: Bring USB cables, adapters, and a portable battery pack to keep devices charged throughout your trip. Many flights have limited access to in-seat power, so a power bank is a practical backup.
- Use onboard streaming when available: If your airline offers content via the onboard Wi‑Fi portal, stream directly to your device rather than attempting to mirror to the seatback. Check the carrier’s Wi‑Fi/entertainment page for instructions.
- Know the regulations: Airlines and regulators require devices be in airplane mode during flight and may restrict connections during taxi, takeoff, and landing. For general guidance on portable electronic devices, see the FAA’s information: faa.gov
Conclusion
The Airbus A220 offers a polished entertainment experience with seatback screens, ample charging options, and — on some operators — extras like Bluetooth audio and personal device pairing. However, native AirPlay streaming to the seatback is not currently supported. For the smoothest experience, use the onboard IFE or an airline’s BYOD streaming service, download content ahead of time, and confirm your carrier’s specific A220 features before you fly.
