The Airbus A220 is known for its modern cabin and passenger-friendly amenities, especially its in-flight entertainment (IFE). A frequent question from travelers is whether AirPlay works on the A220. Below, we break down what the aircraft’s IFE typically offers, how device connectivity works onboard, and what to expect when it comes to AirPlay.
In-Flight Entertainment Systems on the A220
The A220’s cabin and IFE are highly customizable and can differ 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: Each seat features a personal touchscreen with a wide selection of movies, TV, and music, plus in-seat power and USB ports for charging. aircanada.com
- JetBlue: A220 aircraft use the Thales AVANT IFE system with 10.1-inch HD screens, live TV, on-demand content, and personal device pairing to use your phone as a remote or game controller. Some aircraft also support Bluetooth audio pairing 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 can vary by airline, route, and aircraft 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 that lets you mirror or stream content between Apple devices. apple.com At this time, there is no indication that A220 seatback systems natively support media streaming via AirPlay. While some airlines offer “personal device pairing,” this typically enables your phone to act as a remote or controller rather than to stream protected video directly to the seatback screen.
In general, airline IFE platforms do not accept inbound media streams from personal devices due to technical, licensing, and security considerations. If your airline offers onboard streaming, it’s usually through the airline’s Wi‑Fi portal to your own device (BYOD), not to the seatback display.
Device Connectivity Options
Even without AirPlay, the A220 provides several useful ways to stay powered and connected:
- USB ports: Most A220 seats include USB ports for charging phones and tablets (some airlines are adding USB‑C alongside USB‑A). aircanada.com
- In-seat power outlets: Many configurations include standard AC power outlets for laptops and larger devices (availability varies by airline and cabin).
- Personal device pairing: On systems such as Thales AVANT, you can pair your phone to use it as a remote or game controller. This is not the same as streaming via AirPlay. thalesgroup.com
- Bluetooth audio: Some A220s now support Bluetooth headphone pairing directly with the seatback screen, allowing you to use your own wireless headphones. Check the seatback menu or your airline’s aircraft page for availabilityhttps://www.ir.jetblue.com/news/news-details/2025/JetBlue-Retires-Embraer-E190-Completes-Transition-to-Next-Generation-Airbus-A220-300/default.aspx. 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 like Netflix, Prime Video, or Apple TV before boarding. For example, see Netflix’s guide to offline downloads: help.netflix.com
- Bring the right headphones: Most seats have a 3.5 mm jack; carry wired earbuds or a small Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the jack if your seatback doesn’t support native Bluetooth.
- Pack charging cables: Keep your USB cables (and any necessary adapters) handy to make the most of in-seat power and arrive with a full battery.
Conclusion
The Airbus A220 delivers a polished entertainment experience with seatback screens, ample charging options, and—on some airlines—handy extras like Bluetooth audio and device pairing. However, native AirPlay streaming to the seatback is not currently supported. For the best experience, use the onboard IFE, download your own content in advance, and check your airline’s specific A220 features before you fly.
