Do Bulkhead Seats Have TV Screens? Everything You Need to Know
Introduction
When booking a flight, choosing the right seat can make a big difference in your comfort, especially on long-haul journeys. do bulkhead seats have tv screens, which are located directly behind a partition or wall, offer unique advantages like extra legroom. But one common question passengers have is:
? Do bulkhead seats have TV screens?
The answer depends on the airline, aircraft type, and seating configuration. In this blog, we’ll explore how in-flight entertainment works in bulkhead seating, the pros and cons of TV placement, and what to expect when booking these seats.
Do Bulkhead Seats Have TV Screens?
Yes, most modern aircraft have TV screens for bulkhead seats, but their placement is different from regular seats. Instead of being attached to the seatback in front, bulkhead seat screens are usually:
Mounted on the bulkhead wall – Passengers pull them out or watch them directly from the partition.
Stowed in the armrest – Some airlines store TV screens inside the seat’s armrest, and passengers can fold them out when needed.
Overhead screens – On older aircraft, some bulkhead sections have shared overhead monitors instead of individual screens.
So while bulkhead seats do have entertainment options, the location and usability of the TV screens can vary.
How TV Screens Work in Bulkhead Seats
? Bulkhead Wall-Mounted Screens
Many airlines, especially on newer aircraft, install individual screens directly on the partition wall in front of bulkhead seats. These screens are typically:
Larger than standard seatback screens
Fixed in place and non-adjustable
Easier to view without holding or repositioning
However, they may be positioned slightly higher than eye level, which can be uncomfortable for some passengers.
? Fold-Out Screens from the Armrest
On some aircraft, bulkhead seats don’t have fixed screens on the wall. Instead, the in-flight entertainment (IFE) screen is stored inside the armrest and must be manually pulled out. These screens:
Provide a more adjustable viewing angle
Can be stowed away when not in use
May be smaller than wall-mounted versions
A downside of armrest screens is that passengers must stow them during takeoff and landing, meaning you can’t watch entertainment until cruising altitude.
? Overhead Screens (Rare Cases)
Some older aircraft or budget airlines use overhead drop-down screens instead of personal IFE systems. This is less common today, but if your flight has no personal screens in bulkhead seats, you may need to rely on overhead entertainment or bring your own device.
Pros & Cons of TV Screens in Bulkhead Seats
✅ Pros
Larger Screens – Wall-mounted bulkhead screens are often bigger than seatback ones.
Unobstructed View – No seat reclining in front means a clear screen view.
More Personal Space – Screens don’t get smudged or touched by other passengers.
❌ Cons
Higher Screen Placement – Wall-mounted screens may be positioned too high for comfortable viewing.
Armrest Screens Must Be Stowed – You can’t use them during taxi, takeoff, and landing.
No Touchscreen in Some Cases – Wall-mounted screens may require remote controls, which can be less convenient.
Which Airlines Offer the Best Bulkhead TV Screens?
Emirates, Qatar Airways, and Singapore Airlines – Premium carriers often have large, high-resolution bulkhead screens with touchscreen functions.
Delta, United, and American Airlines – Most U.S. airlines have armrest fold-out screens in bulkhead seats, depending on the aircraft type.
Low-Cost Airlines (Ryanair, Spirit, EasyJet, etc.) – Budget carriers often don’t have in-flight entertainment, so bring your own device.
For specific aircraft types and seating layouts, it’s best to check SeatGuru or the airline’s website before booking.
Tips for Choosing Bulkhead Seats with TV Screens
Check the airline’s seat map – Websites like SeatGuru can tell you if bulkhead seats have fixed or fold-out screens.
Choose newer aircraft – Planes like the Boeing 787, Airbus A350, and A380 usually have better bulkhead entertainment options.
Bring your own device – If your bulkhead seat has a stowed screen, a tablet or phone can keep you entertained during takeoff and landing.
Request a seat with a wall-mounted screen – Some airlines let you choose between armrest or bulkhead-mounted screens during booking.
Conclusion
So, do bulkhead seats have TV screens? Yes, but their placement varies. Some planes have wall-mounted screens, while others store them inside the armrest. While these screens can be larger, they may not be as conveniently placed as seatback screens.
