Do they edit movies on flights? Your inflight entertainment questions answered

Settling into your seat for a long flight? You're probably eyeing that screen in front of you, ready to dive into hours of movies, TV shows and games. But there's more to inflight entertainment than just tapping 'play'.

Let's explore some common questions about how it all works, from passenger etiquette to how airlines handle content editing.

How does inflight entertainment work?

Most long-haul aircraft are equipped with seat-back screens connected to a central server on the plane. This server stores hundreds of hours of content, including movies, TV shows, music and games.

Some airlines also offer wi-fi-based streaming to your personal devices. The content is typically refreshed monthly, with new releases and seasonal favourites cycled in.

Do airlines edit the movies they show on flights?

Yes, they often do! Airlines typically use edited versions of films that have been modified for inflight viewing.

This process, sometimes called ‘airline editions’, involves removing or toning down scenes with graphic violence, sexual content or excessive profanity. They also tend to edit out scenes that might be unsettling in a flight context, like plane crashes.

A spokesperson at KLM gave us some insight into their content curation process. They told TravelSupermarket: "We curate based on the categories profanity, violence and gore, sex and nudity, and airline safety."

However, they clarify that this doesn't mean a blanket ban on all content in these categories. For example, "it's okay to have scenes that include movie blood, but we don't include real footage of people or animals being slaughtered. We also don't show commercial airline crashes with inflight scenes, but it's okay to have action movies with fighter jets fighting in the air."

KLM also mentions that they sometimes modify content, "but only if there are some scenes in a movie that we really would like to show to our passengers. Then we decide to purchase a modified 'airline' version.”

Do airlines ever change too much of the content?

Edits in inflight entertainment have sparked controversy over the years, with travellers noticing changes that go beyond just trimming for time or format. Some of the most egregious examples, as noted by The Points Guy, include reportedly censoring the word “Jew” in an episode of Will & Grace on Oman Air.

Similarly, airlines like Delta and Etihad reportedly removed scenes from Booksmart, including same-sex love scenes and words like “genitals”. Delta faced backlash and later restored the missing content after the film’s director, Olivia Wilde, publicly expressed her frustration.

Rocketman, a film about Elton John’s life, also had same-sex love scenes reportedly cut by Delta, though these were restored following public outcry.

If you want to be certain you’re seeing the movie exactly as its creators intended, our advice is to download it to your own device before you board.

Why do some movies or TV shows look different on planes?

Apart from content editing, you might notice visual differences for a few reasons.

The aspect ratio might be adjusted to fit the seat-back screens. Colour and contrast are often optimised for viewing in a brightly lit cabin.

You might also find that some special effects or fast-moving scenes have been toned down to prevent motion sickness.

I'm travelling with my kids. Any tips on using inflight entertainment with children?

As a parent, you're in charge of keeping your kids entertained but try not to do it at the expense of other passengers' peace. Always use headphones – built-in speakers are a no-go, no matter how cute your kid's movie is. It's a good idea to bring child-sized headphones, as adult ones often don't fit well and can lead to volume issues.

Before letting your children loose on the entertainment system, preview content for age-appropriateness. Just because it's available doesn't mean it's suitable for all ages. Consider downloading kids' content to your own devices as a backup. And don't forget to remind your children to be mindful of their screen brightness, especially during night flights.

Some airlines, such as KLM, told us they offer automatic parental control features that restrict content to kids-rated material based on whether a child is sitting in a certain seat. To disable this feature, cabin crew action is required, adding an extra layer of protection for young viewers.

What if I’m using my own device?

When using your own tablet or laptop for inflight entertainment, remember that you're in a shared space.

Be mindful of your content choices, as those around you might be able to see your screen. Consider adjusting your viewing angle to minimise visibility to others. And don't forget to manage your screen brightness, especially during night flights.

What's the future of inflight entertainment?

The future of inflight entertainment looks promising, thanks to advances in satellite internet technology. Companies like SpaceX are working with airlines to equip planes with high-speed internet services such as Starlink. This means passengers can expect much faster and more reliable connectivity in the coming years.

One of the most significant changes will be the cost. Many airlines are planning to offer this improved internet service either for free or at a much lower price than current inflight wi-fi. For example, United Airlines intends to provide free Starlink wi-fi on over 1,000 of its planes.

These improvements will allow for better streaming, video calls and overall internet use during flights, meaning that traditional inflight entertainment might be used less than before.