American Airlines is testing technology that lets passengers watch streaming video of movies and TV shows on their own Internet-capable devices.
The airline said Tuesday that it's testing the service on two Boeing 767 aircraft used on cross-country trips. Customer testing will begin early this summer. American will then offer the service more broadly starting this fall.
Prices were not disclosed.
Airlines often match each other on fares, so they are rushing to improve in-flight entertainment as a way to gain advantage over rivals.
American claimed it is the first airline in North America to test streaming video during flights. It's using technology provided by Aircell for a fee typically around $13 per flight for a laptop, less for using a smaller device. Aircell also offers Internet access aboard many airlines.
American, a unit of AMR Corp., also said it is adding WiFi service to about 140 additional planes this year and next year, at which point its entire domestic fleet will have Internet capability.
