Alaska Airlines offers a diverse range of in-flight entertainment options, including movies, TV shows, and music, accessible through their Beyond Entertainment platform. Accessing this content typically requires using your personal device, connecting to the aircraft’s Wi-Fi (free for messaging and often available for purchase for streaming), and utilizing the Alaska Airlines mobile app or a web browser.
Accessing Alaska Airlines’ Beyond Entertainment
Alaska Airlines understands that keeping passengers entertained during flights is crucial. That’s why they’ve invested in Beyond Entertainment, a streaming platform designed to provide hours of content directly to your devices. Think of it as your personal cinema in the sky, offering a mix of Hollywood blockbusters, binge-worthy TV series, and curated playlists to suit every taste. But how exactly do you unlock this in-flight entertainment treasure trove?
The process is surprisingly straightforward:
-
Enable Airplane Mode: Before takeoff, ensure your device is in airplane mode. This is a non-negotiable safety requirement.
-
Connect to Alaska Airlines Wi-Fi: Once the plane reaches cruising altitude and the cabin crew announces it’s safe, enable Wi-Fi on your device. Look for the Alaska Airlines network in your Wi-Fi settings. Note: You don’t necessarily need to purchase internet access to access the free Beyond Entertainment content. The free Wi-Fi is specifically designed for streaming.
-
Open the Alaska Airlines App or Browser: Launch the Alaska Airlines mobile app or open a web browser (Safari, Chrome, etc.).
-
Navigate to Beyond Entertainment: In the app, you’ll typically find a dedicated “Entertainment” or “Beyond Entertainment” tab. In a browser, you may be redirected to the Beyond Entertainment portal automatically, or you may need to manually type in a provided URL (check your seatback card or the in-flight magazine for the address).
-
Start Watching!: Browse the available content, select your desired movie or show, and enjoy. You’ll likely need to click “Play” within the Beyond Entertainment platform to begin streaming.
Understanding Device Compatibility
Beyond Entertainment is designed to be compatible with most modern smartphones, tablets, and laptops. Both iOS and Android devices are generally well-supported. However, ensure your device is running a relatively recent operating system to avoid compatibility issues. While compatibility is widespread, it’s always a good idea to test the connection at home before your flight by visiting the Alaska Airlines website.
Utilizing Your Own Headphones
Alaska Airlines does not provide complimentary headphones for Beyond Entertainment. Therefore, it is essential to bring your own headphones, preferably noise-canceling ones for an optimal viewing experience. Wired or Bluetooth headphones are both generally acceptable. Consider bringing a headphone splitter if you plan to watch with a travel companion.
Maximizing Your In-Flight Entertainment Experience
Beyond simply knowing how to watch, there are several tips and tricks to enhance your overall experience:
- Download Before You Fly: While Beyond Entertainment offers a wide selection, you may prefer to have some content pre-downloaded, especially if you anticipate intermittent Wi-Fi or prefer not to rely solely on the airline’s offerings. Utilize streaming services like Netflix, Amazon Prime Video, or Disney+ to download movies and shows onto your device before your flight.
- Charge Your Devices: This should be obvious, but a fully charged device is crucial for uninterrupted entertainment. Bring a portable charger or power bank to ensure you don’t run out of battery mid-movie.
- Adjust Your Screen Settings: Dim your screen to conserve battery life and reduce eye strain, especially during long flights.
- Pack a Comfortable Neck Pillow: Make your viewing experience as comfortable as possible with a supportive neck pillow.
- Explore Alternative Entertainment: While movies and TV shows are a great option, consider also bringing books, magazines, or downloaded podcasts for a change of pace.
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about Alaska Airlines’ In-Flight Entertainment
Here are some frequently asked questions to provide even more clarity and practical information:
1. Is Alaska Airlines Wi-Fi really free for entertainment?
Yes and no. Alaska Airlines offers free messaging via Wi-Fi on most flights. However, free access to the Beyond Entertainment streaming service does not require purchasing a Wi-Fi pass. Think of them as separate services running on the same infrastructure. You can stream movies and shows without paying for full internet access. However, purchasing a Wi-Fi pass will let you do other things like browse the internet or send emails.
2. What types of content are available on Beyond Entertainment?
Alaska Airlines typically offers a rotating selection of movies (both new releases and classics), TV shows (including popular series and children’s programming), and curated music playlists. The content library is updated regularly, so there’s always something new to discover.
3. How often is the content on Beyond Entertainment updated?
The specific update schedule varies, but Alaska Airlines generally refreshes the content library every month or two. This ensures a relatively fresh and engaging selection for frequent flyers.
4. Can I use my own streaming subscriptions (Netflix, Hulu, etc.) on Alaska Airlines flights?
Yes, but you’ll need to purchase a Wi-Fi pass to stream from these services. While Beyond Entertainment is free, accessing external streaming platforms requires a paid internet connection.
5. Is there a cost for watching movies and TV shows on Beyond Entertainment?
No, access to Beyond Entertainment is free for all passengers. This is a core component of Alaska Airlines’ commitment to providing a positive in-flight experience.
6. What happens if the Wi-Fi connection is unstable during my flight?
Wi-Fi connectivity on airplanes can be variable. If you experience intermittent connectivity issues, try refreshing the Beyond Entertainment page or reconnecting to the Wi-Fi network. It’s also wise to have downloaded content as a backup. Unfortunately, the experience is heavily reliant on the satelitte’s signal.
7. Are there age restrictions or parental controls on Beyond Entertainment content?
Alaska Airlines offers a range of content suitable for all ages. While there are no explicit parental control features within Beyond Entertainment, parents should be aware of the content ratings and make informed choices for their children. Consider pre-downloading content appropriate for your children before the flight.
8. What if I don’t have the Alaska Airlines app?
You can still access Beyond Entertainment through a web browser on your device. Simply connect to the Alaska Airlines Wi-Fi and navigate to the provided URL (usually found on a seatback card or in the in-flight magazine).
9. Can I cast content from my device to the in-flight screens?
No, Alaska Airlines’ Beyond Entertainment system does not currently support casting from personal devices to any screens on the airplane, since most of their planes don’t have seat back screens. You are limited to viewing content directly on your own device.
10. Is there live TV available on Alaska Airlines flights?
Currently, Alaska Airlines does not offer live TV as part of their Beyond Entertainment platform. The focus is primarily on on-demand movies, TV shows, and music.
11. How do I report a technical issue with Beyond Entertainment?
If you encounter a technical issue, alert a flight attendant. They may be able to assist you or report the problem to the appropriate technical support team. You can also contact Alaska Airlines customer support after your flight to provide feedback.
12. Can I use Beyond Entertainment on regional flights operated by Horizon Air or SkyWest for Alaska Airlines?
While the availability of Beyond Entertainment on regional flights operated by partner airlines may vary, it is generally available on aircraft equipped with Alaska Airlines Wi-Fi. Check with the flight attendant upon boarding to confirm the availability of the service. Keep in mind that the type of aircraft you will fly on may change without notice. Therefore, downloading material beforehand is still a good strategy.
By following these guidelines and taking advantage of the available resources, you can transform your next Alaska Airlines flight into an enjoyable and entertaining journey.