What is in-flight entertainment (IFE)?

How is in-flight entertainment delivered?

The delivery model is the route by which content reaches the passenger. A seat-back system puts a screen in the cabin; a streaming system sends content over the aircraft's onboard network to a phone or tablet; audio-only and live television are other formats. In-seat power is a separate cabin feature and should not be assumed from the presence of a screen.

Emirates' system is called ice. The airline says passengers can choose from up to 6,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music and games, on demand and in multiple languages. [1] It also describes a moving map and external cameras, weather, news and sport reports, and music, radio or podcasts. [1] Emirates promotes large IFE screens in its First Class, Business Class and Economy Class cabins. [1] Its site also lists an "ice TV Live" section alongside the on-demand library and onboard Wi-Fi. [1] Passengers can create an ice playlist in The Emirates App and sync it on board. [1]

Singapore Airlines' KrisFlyer page lists a personalised KrisWorld inflight entertainment system among the benefits of membership. [5] The same page says KrisFlyer members can enjoy free unlimited onboard Wi-Fi on all Singapore Airlines flights if they add their KrisFlyer number to the booking before departure. [5]

Why can an aircraft change affect the screen you booked?

IFE is tied to the aircraft and its configuration, not just to the route name. Emirates says it operates a mixed fleet of earlier and later models of Airbus A380, Airbus A350 and Boeing 777 aircraft. [1] It also says products, services and features on actual flights may vary depending on routes and aircraft configuration, and that operational requirements may cause last-minute changes to the aircraft used on scheduled flights. [1]

That warning matters when a particular screen or system is part of why you chose a flight. A last-minute aircraft substitution can change the cabin and the entertainment available, even when the route and flight number stay the same. [1] Emirates advises passengers with specific requirements to contact the airline before booking. [1] If a particular IFE feature is essential, that pre-booking check is the practical step. [1]

What should you set up before boarding?

Emirates gives one clear pre-flight task: build an ice playlist in The Emirates App, then sync it on board. [1] That lets you arrive with a planned list rather than browsing the whole library after departure. [1] For a personal-device streaming system, the equivalent preparation is to have the airline's app or portal ready and the device charged; for a seat-back system, no download is needed beyond any content the airline provides. In-seat power is separate, so check the cabin page if you rely on it.

For Singapore Airlines, the pre-flight step is administrative. The free unlimited onboard Wi-Fi benefit for KrisFlyer members applies when the KrisFlyer number is added to the booking before departure. [5] If you want the personalised KrisWorld experience tied to your membership, make sure the booking carries the KrisFlyer number. [5]

What are the exceptions and limits?

• Route and aircraft limits. Emirates says onboard Wi-Fi is available on selected routes depending on aircraft type, model and configuration. [1] The same variation warning applies to products and features on actual flights. [1]
• Last-minute changes. Emirates says operational requirements may cause last-minute changes to the aircraft used on scheduled flights. [1] A scheduled aircraft is not a guarantee of a specific IFE configuration. [1]
• Membership conditions. Singapore Airlines' free unlimited onboard Wi-Fi benefit applies to KrisFlyer members who add their KrisFlyer number to the booking before departure. [5]
• Not a universal standard. This page covers Emirates and Singapore Airlines only; other airlines may set different IFE, Wi-Fi and cabin rules. [1] [5]

Frequently asked questions

Does Emirates offer the same inflight entertainment on every aircraft?

Emirates says it operates earlier and later models of the A380, A350 and B777, and that products, services and features may vary by route and aircraft configuration. It also warns that last-minute aircraft changes can occur. [1]

How many channels does Emirates ice offer?

Emirates advertises up to 6,500 channels of movies, TV shows, music and games, on demand and in multiple languages. [1]

Can I build an Emirates ice playlist before I fly?

Yes. Emirates says passengers can create a playlist in The Emirates App and sync it on board. [1]

Is Emirates onboard Wi-Fi available on every route?

Emirates says onboard Wi-Fi is available on selected routes depending on aircraft type, model and configuration. [1]

Do KrisFlyer members get free Wi-Fi on Singapore Airlines?

Singapore Airlines says KrisFlyer members can enjoy free unlimited onboard Wi-Fi on all Singapore Airlines flights if they add their KrisFlyer number to the booking before departure. [5]

Related pages

In-flight Wi-Fi explains the connectivity side of the cabin experience. Equipment change covers what happens when the aircraft scheduled for a flight is swapped. Cabin classes explained sets out the cabin types you may see on a route. All glossary terms.

Sources

Sources accessed on 18 October 2026. Emirates and Singapore Airlines are covered; Delta Air Lines and other airlines are not covered here.

1. Emirates inflight entertainment: ice, live TV and onboard Wi-Fi, checked 18 October 2026
2. Singapore Airlines KrisFlyer member benefits: KrisWorld and onboard Wi-Fi, checked 18 October 2026