British Airways recently announced they would be trialling the use of customer devices for delivering entertainment content. On certain flights departing London Heathrow, passengers will be able to connect to the onboard WiFi network and watch films and TV shows using their own devices.
BA’s plan provides the perfect opportunity to assemble your own inflight entertainment travel kit for the very best onboard experience. And remember, this kit can be used on any flight with any airline – including Ryanair (although you may have to sort out your own music, movies and shows in advance!)
Check out our Complete Guide to Ryanair Hand Luggage for ten excellent carry-on bags for your inflight entertainment kit.
Premium Tablets: Your Portable Entertainment Hub
Apple iPad Pro 12.9″ – The Ultimate Laptop Replacement
The Apple iPad Pro 12.9″ stands out as the pinnacle of tablet entertainment for serious travellers. Its generous screen size provides an immersive viewing experience that rivals many laptop displays, whilst remaining compact enough for airline tray tables. For anyone who need to work whilst airborne (or once they reach their destination), this tablet genuinely serves as a laptop replacement.
Consider pairing it with the Magic Keyboard if your travel plans include significant productivity work. The combination transforms your entertainment device into a proper workstation, perfect for catching up on presentations during those red-eye flights or drafting important emails at 35,000 feet. Linda swears by hers.
We have recommended the WiFi+Cellular model for true ‘anywhere’ connectivity – but the WiFi only model is also an excellent choice (and slightly cheaper too).
Immersive Viewing on the Go: The iPad Pro 12.9″ boasts a generous screen size that’s perfect for watching movies or streaming content during long flights, offering a laptop-like display in a compact form that fits easily on airline tray tables.
Productivity Powerhouse for Travellers: Transform it into a full workstation with the optional Magic Keyboard, making it an ideal laptop replacement for business trips.
Superior Battery Life and Portability: With up to 10 hours of battery life and a lightweight design, this tablet keeps you entertained or productive throughout extended journeys without weighing down your carry-on luggage.
Cellular Connectivity for Seamless Travel: Opt for the Wi-Fi + Cellular model to stay connected anywhere, with built-in GPS for navigation and eSIM support for easy international data plans.
Enhanced Multitasking Capabilities: The large display excels at split-screen multitasking, letting you jot notes, browse itineraries, or edit photos side-by-side, invaluable for staying organised while travelling.
Apple iPad Entry-Level – Kid-Friendly Entertainment
For families travelling with children, the entry-level iPad offers excellent value without the premium price tag. Its robust build quality can withstand the inevitable drops and bumps that come with young travellers, whilst providing access to thousands of games, educational apps, and movies to keep little ones occupied throughout the journey.
Portable Entertainment Powerhouse: The iPad 11-inch with A16 chip weighs just 477g, making it incredibly lightweight and easy for kids to carry in travel bags, perfect for keeping them entertained on long flights.
All-Day Battery for Non-Stop Fun: With impressive all-day battery life, this iPad ensures children can watch movies, play games, or explore educational apps throughout extended journeys.
Vibrant Display for Immersive Viewing: An 11-inch Liquid Retina display with True Tone technology delivers crisp visuals that adjust to any lighting, ideal for kids binge-watching shows or learning via AR experiences during air travel.
Kid-Friendly Performance and Durability: Powered by the super-fast A16 chip, it handles multitasking like gaming and note-taking smoothly, while compatible rugged cases provide shockproof protection against drops—essential for active young travellers.
Seamless Connectivity on the Go: Fast Wi-Fi 6 and optional cellular options keep kids connected for streaming or video calls, with Touch ID for secure access to apps, making it a reliable companion for family adventures anywhere.
Audio Solutions: Block Out the World
AirPods Pro 2 – Premium Wireless Audio
The AirPods Pro 2 deliver exceptional sound quality in a remarkably compact package. Their outstanding noise cancellation capabilities are particularly valuable in the noisy environment of aircraft cabins, effectively blocking out engine noise and chattering passengers. The lightweight design ensures comfort during extended wear, making them ideal for long-haul flights.
Superior Noise Cancellation for Peaceful Journeys: Block out the roar of plane engines and cabin chatter with pro-level Active Noise Cancellation, letting you immerse in podcasts or music without distractions on long flights.
Adaptive Audio for Smart Awareness: Automatically blends noise cancellation with transparency mode to adjust to your surroundings, so you hear important announcements while tuning out unwanted noise.
Compact and Comfortable for All-Day Travel: Lightweight design with customisable silicone tips ensures a secure, comfortable fit for hours of wear, perfect for red-eye flights, without the bulk of over-ear headphones.
Impressive Battery Life On the Go: Enjoy up to 6 hours of listening with ANC enabled, or 30 hours total with the charging case, keeping you powered through international trips.
Easy Tracking and Durability for Worry-Free Adventures: Built-in Find My technology helps locate lost earbuds via your iPhone.
iClever BTH12 – Budget-Friendly Kids’ Headphones
Children’s headphones need to balance durability with safety, and the iClever BTH12 ticks both boxes brilliantly. With an impressive 60-hour battery life, these headphones will outlast even the longest international flights. The folding design makes them easy to store in carry-on luggage, whilst the funky LED lights add that special touch that children love.
Most importantly, at their modest price point, parents won’t panic if they’re accidentally left behind or damaged during travel.
Epic Battery Life for Non-Stop Fun: With up to 85 hours of playtime on a single charge, the iClever BTH12 headphones ensure your kids stay entertained throughout long flights without needing a recharge, making them a reliable choice for family travel.
Kid-Safe Volume Controls: Featuring adjustable safe volume limits (74dBA for everyday use and 85dBA for noisy environments like plane cabins), these headphones protect young ears while allowing clear audio for movies, games, or learning apps during travel.
Cool LED Lights to Spark Excitement: The funky, colourful RGB LED lights with multiple modes (including revolving and flashing) add a fun, engaging element that kids adore, turning boring journeys into an exciting light show without distracting from the entertainment.
Foldable and Comfortable Design: Lightweight and foldable for easy packing in carry-on luggage, with adjustable headbands and cushioned ear cups that provide all-day comfort.
Versatile Connectivity Options: Seamless Bluetooth pairing for wireless freedom, plus a wired mode with included cable for when battery runs low or devices aren’t Bluetooth-enabled.
Power and Connectivity Essentials
Amuvec 4-in-1 Charging Cable – Simplify Your Cables
Nothing’s more frustrating than carrying multiple charging cables for different devices. The Amuvec 4-in-1 charging cable eliminates this problem by charging multiple devices simultaneously through a single cable. This clever design significantly reduces the number of plugs and adapters cluttering your carry-on bag.
Streamline Your Travel Essentials: The Amuvec 4-in-1 charging cable lets you power up multiple devices like phones, and tablets simultaneously with its Lightning, Type-C, and Micro USB connectors, cutting down on the clutter of carrying separate cables during flights or layovers.
Portable and Tangle-Free Design: Its retractable feature adjusts from 20cm to 100cm, making it ultra-compact for easy storage in your carry-on, while the durable TPE material withstands over 10,000 bends—perfect for the rigours of travel without knots or breakage.
Fast Charging on the Go: Delivering up to 3A fast charging, this cable ensures quick power-ups for your gadgets even when charging multiple at once, ideal for long-haul trips.
Anker Zolo Power Bank – Reliable Backup Power
Aircraft USB ports are notoriously unreliable, making a quality power bank essential for any entertainment setup. The Anker Zolo power bank provides peace of mind with its 10,000mAh capacity and 30W charging support, ensuring your devices stay powered throughout your entire journey, regardless of seat-back power port functionality.
Reliable Power on the Go: With a compact 10,000mAh capacity and 30W fast charging, the Anker Zolo ensures your devices stay juiced during long flights, even if the plane’s USB ports fail— perfect for charging an iPhone twice without needing extra cables.
Built-in Convenience for Travellers: Featuring a durable, foldable USB-C cable tested for over 10,000 bends, this lightweight power bank (just 212g) slips easily into your carry-on, making it an essential for hassle-free travel and quick top-ups on the move.
Airline-Approved and Versatile: Safe for flights with multi-device charging via USB-C and USB-A ports, it offers peace of mind with a digital display for battery monitoring, turning unpredictable journeys into powered adventures.
Comfort and Viewing Accessories
KDD Airplane Tablet Holder – Ergonomic Viewing
Balancing a tablet on the seat-back tray whilst trying to maintain a comfortable viewing angle is a recipe for neck strain and dropped devices. The KDD Airplane tablet holder clips securely over the tray table edge, positioning your iPad at optimal eye level and significantly reducing the risk of accidentally knocking your expensive device onto the floor.
The folding design means it packs flat in your carry-on, taking up minimal precious luggage space.
Ergonomic Viewing on the Go: The KDD Airplane Tablet Holder clips securely onto your seat-back tray, elevating your iPad or tablet to eye level with 360-degree rotation for perfect angles, reducing neck strain and preventing accidental drops during turbulent flights.
Versatile and Portable Design: Lightweight and foldable, this holder fits easily into carry-on luggage while being compatible with devices from 5.3 to 12.9 inches, making it ideal for planes, cars, or desks – ensuring hands-free entertainment or work wherever you travel.
Stable and Reliable Performance: Built with durable ABS and metal materials, it locks devices firmly in place with anti-slip pads, offering stability during long journeys.
JETech Privacy Screen Protector – Discrete Viewing
Whether you’re catching up on work emails or binge-watching your favourite series, the JETech privacy screen protector ensures your screen content remains private. The protector comes with a special tool to ensure it is properly aligned as you install. Once fitted, the screen protector effectively prevents nosy neighbours from peering at your display.
Enhanced Privacy on the Go: Shield your screen from nosy seatmates during flights with the JETech privacy screen protector’s anti-spy technology, ensuring only you can view your content clearly from straight on while darkening side angles for ultimate discretion in crowded cabins.
Effortless Installation for Busy Travellers: Featuring an easy-install tool that delivers bubble-free application in minutes, this tempered glass protector fits seamlessly on your device, providing full coverage and scratch resistance.
Durable Protection with Crystal Clarity: Enjoy high-definition visibility and responsive touch sensitivity on long-haul journeys, as the JETech’s robust design guards against impacts and fingerprints, making it an essential add-on for maintaining device security and usability in the air.
Reading Alternative: The Humble Kindle
Amazon Kindle – Digital Library in Your Pocket
Whilst tablets dominate modern entertainment, the Amazon Kindle remains an unbeatable choice for dedicated readers. Its exceptional battery life means you won’t be hunting for charging points, and the e-ink display is easier on the eyes during extended reading sessions than backlit screens.
The Kindle’s compact size means it fits easily in any bag pocket, and with access to millions of titles, you’ll never run out of reading material. For your next holiday read, consider checking out Benjamin Lloyd’s collection of summer blockbusters.
Endless Entertainment Without the Weight: Pack thousands of books into one slim, lightweight device that fits easily in your carry-on, perfect for long flights where you want to switch between novels without lugging heavy paperbacks.
Eye-Friendly Reading On the Go: The glare-free e-ink display reads like real paper even in bright cabin lighting, with weeks of battery life to keep you immersed in stories from takeoff to landing.
Travel-Ready Durability and Convenience: Waterproof design handles unexpected spills or poolside reading on holiday, plus adjustable warm light for comfortable nighttime flights without disturbing fellow passengers.
Building Your Perfect Inflight Entertainment Travel Kit
Creating the ideal inflight entertainment travel kit involves balancing your specific needs with luggage constraints. Business travellers might prioritise the iPad Pro and productivity accessories, whilst families with young children will focus on durable, kid-friendly options.
Consider your typical flight duration when selecting battery capacities, and always pack charging cables in easily accessible locations. Most importantly, test all devices and download content before your departure to avoid disappointment at altitude.
Modern air travel doesn’t have to mean hours of boredom or discomfort. With the right combination of devices, accessories, and planning, your next flight can be productive, entertaining, or simply more comfortable. Whether you’re crossing continents or hopping between cities, a carefully-chosen entertainment kit transforms travel time from endurance test to enjoyable experience.
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