Planning a flight with Avianca in 2025? You might be wondering what to expect from their in-flight entertainment, especially since the airline has undergone significant changes to its onboard experience. The good news is that Avianca has substantially upgraded its offerings, moving away from a historically limited selection to a robust, modern digital system. As of today, the key to your journey's entertainment is the platform known as Avianca on Air, which delivers a fresh library of content right to your seat or personal device.
This comprehensive guide breaks down the five most crucial facts about Avianca’s current entertainment setup, detailing the content, how to access it, and the major differences you’ll find depending on the specific aircraft you are flying on—a critical distinction for any traveler. From premium streaming partnerships to aircraft-specific hardware, here is everything you need to know to maximize your journey.
1. The 'Avianca on Air' System: Your Free Digital Entertainment Hub
Avianca’s current in-flight entertainment system is called Avianca on Air. This is a complimentary, state-of-the-art digital platform designed to keep passengers entertained on both short-haul and long-haul routes. The system represents a major investment in the overall passenger experience, shifting from older, less reliable hardware to a modern streaming model.
A Massive, Free Content Library
The core of the offering is a substantial and frequently updated content library. Passengers can enjoy a wide variety of media at no additional cost.
- Volume: The system boasts over 350 free titles.
- Categories: The selection includes a diverse mix of content such as blockbuster movies, full TV series, documentaries, and dedicated children’s programming.
Premium Streaming Partnerships Are Now Standard
One of the freshest and most notable updates to Avianca on Air is the introduction of premium content through major partnerships. This move significantly elevates the quality of the entertainment available.
- HBO Max: Avianca now offers a selection of content from HBO Max, providing access to popular and critically acclaimed films and series.
- Formula 1 TV: For sports enthusiasts, content from Formula 1 TV is available, a rare and exciting offering for an airline IFE system.
2. The Critical Difference: A320 vs. Boeing 787 Dreamliner
The method you use to access Avianca on Air depends entirely on the type of aircraft operating your flight. Avianca primarily uses two fleet types for its routes, and the entertainment hardware varies drastically between them. Understanding this difference is essential for planning your trip.
Narrow-Body Aircraft (Airbus A320 Family)
The Airbus A320 family, including the A319, A320, and A321, typically serves Avianca’s short- and medium-haul routes across the Americas. These aircraft operate on a Bring Your Own Device (BYOD) model.
- Access Method: Passengers must connect to the on-board Wi-Fi network and stream the Avianca on Air content directly to their personal devices (smartphone, tablet, or laptop).
- Preparation Tip: Ensure your device is fully charged and consider downloading the Avianca app before your flight, although the entertainment is generally accessed via a web browser once connected to the aircraft's internal network.
- Power: The A320 fleet features Type A and C USB charging ports, allowing you to keep your personal device powered for the duration of the flight.
Wide-Body Aircraft (Boeing 787 Dreamliner)
The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is used for Avianca’s long-haul international flights, such as routes to and from Europe. These aircraft offer a traditional, high-end IFE experience.
- Access Method: Entertainment is delivered via integrated seat screens embedded in the back of the seat in front of you. This provides a true cinema-like experience.
- Dual Access: While the seat screens are the primary method, passengers can often still connect their personal devices to the Avianca on Air Wi-Fi network for a second-screen experience or to use their own headphones.
- New Business Class: Flights on the B787 also feature the "Insignia by Avianca" business class, which includes lie-flat seats and an enhanced service, complementing the superior entertainment system.
3. Wi-Fi Connectivity: A Separate, Inconsistent Offering
It is crucial not to confuse the free in-flight entertainment streaming network with the internet Wi-Fi service. While Avianca on Air is free for all passengers, general internet connectivity remains a separate, less consistent offering across the fleet.
- Availability: As of 2025, Wi-Fi for general internet use (email, social media, web browsing) is not consistently available on all Avianca aircraft.
- Where to Find It: Limited Wi-Fi is generally offered on select widebody aircraft, such as the Boeing 787s used for long-haul routes.
- Cost Structure: Where available, the service is typically offered for purchase. Reports suggest costs can vary, with some packages around $19 USD for the flight. However, passengers in Business Class may receive a complimentary voucher for access.
- Streaming vs. Internet: Remember, you can stream the Avianca on Air content library for free on the A320 fleet without purchasing the paid internet Wi-Fi package.
4. Beyond the Screen: Other Onboard Amenities
While movies and TV shows dominate the entertainment landscape, Avianca’s overall onboard experience includes several other amenities and entities that contribute to a comfortable journey.
- In-Flight Magazine: Passengers can still enjoy the traditional in-flight magazine, offering articles on destinations, travel tips, and airline news.
- Flight Map: While not explicitly detailed, most modern IFE systems, including those on the B787, feature a moving flight map, allowing passengers to track their route, altitude, and estimated time of arrival.
- Food and Drinks: The onboard service includes a selection of food and drinks, which varies depending on the route length and fare class purchased.
- VIP Lounges: For eligible travelers, the experience begins before boarding at Avianca VIP Lounges, which offer a comfortable waiting area with refreshments and Wi-Fi.
5. Maximizing Your Avianca In-Flight Entertainment Experience
To ensure you have the best possible experience with Avianca on Air, a little preparation goes a long way, especially if you are on a narrow-body flight where the entertainment is streamed to your device.
- Charge Your Devices: Even with USB charging ports available on the A320 fleet (Type A and C), starting your journey with a fully charged phone or tablet is the safest bet.
- Bring Headphones: On all flights, bringing your own comfortable headphones is highly recommended. While the B787 may provide them, your personal set will ensure better audio quality and comfort, especially for long-haul flights.
- Download the App (Optional): While the IFE is generally browser-based, downloading the official Avianca app can sometimes streamline the process of connecting to the Avianca on Air network.
- Confirm Your Aircraft: Always check the aircraft type (Airbus A320 or Boeing 787) listed on your booking confirmation. This will immediately tell you whether to expect a seat screen or a personal device streaming experience.
Avianca's commitment to enhancing its onboard entertainment through partnerships with entities like HBO Max and Formula 1 TV, combined with the two-tiered system for its narrow-body and wide-body aircraft, positions it as a competitive option in the Latin American market. By knowing the difference between the A320's personal device entertainment and the B787's integrated seat screens, you can board your flight prepared for a comfortable and entertaining journey.
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