As airline passengers, we've come to expect decent inflight entertainment to help pass the time. It's easy to touch the screen on the seat in front of you, fire up a movie you were half-interested in seeing six months ago, and passively watch the film for a few hours (or fall asleep in the process).

But recent reports say that many airlines are purchasing new aircraft without seatback TV screens, meaning passengers will have to bring their own device and hook up to an entertainment system via WiFi. If you've always used the seatback TV screens, the thought of losing them can be a little overwhelming. Here's a couple of tips to adjust to these changes:

Choose Your Device Wisely

What device is best for your flying needs? There are five solid options:

• Stick with your smartphone. While a smartphone screen doesn't provide a first-class movie experience, it'll get the job done and take the least amount of space. Plus, you're bringing it anyway. Perfect for: The casual flyer, just looking to watch an episode or two of their favorite show.
• Bring your tablet. iPads and Android tablets provide the same basic streaming service, but with a larger screen. Just make sure to download the airline's preferred app. Perfect for: Anyone with a tablet, which are small enough to store easily in your bag but large enough to provide superior watchability.
• Haul your laptop. With an even bigger screen, a laptop provides the best viewing experience, but some people find it's not worth the hassle of lugging their laptop on vacation. If you choose a laptop, be sure to download any necessary plug-ins. Perfect for: The business traveler, who is likely bringing a laptop anyway.
• To invest for the future, buy a VR. Many airline experts think that virtual reality is the next stage of inflight entertainment. Qantas Airlines offers a VR experience that takes its passengers on a virtual tour of Australia's best attractions, including a flyover at Uluru / Ayers Rock. Perfect for: The high-tech savant or gamer.
• Ignore all this and bring an eReader. Or even a physical book! Perfect for: the Henry Thoreau-esque literary type.

Know Your Airline's Entertainment Portal and Plan Ahead

Many airlines want you to download an app or plug-in to watch inflight entertaintment. Don't wait until you're on the flight to do this—it's essential that you download the app before your flight, otherwise you may have to purchase WiFi to download the required software. Here's how to handle some of the most-popular airlines' policies:

American Airlines inflight entertainment

Before your flight: Make sure to download the American Airlines app.
When you're onboard: Use that or your browser to access the airline's entertainment portal.
What's on? Movies, TV shows, music, and games.

Delta Airlines inflight entertainment

Before your flight Download the GoGo Entertainment app before your flight. If you're using a laptop, be sure to have Adobe Flash updated.
When you're onboard: Connect to the "gogoinflight"network, then use your browser to go to airborne.gogoflight.com.
What's on? More than 1,000 hours of entertainment, including movies, TV shows (from Showtime and HBO), music, and podcasts.

Southwest Airlines inflight entertaintment

Before your flight: Download the Airtime Player app.
While you're onboard: Connect to "SouthwestWiFi" and open your browser.
What's on? Free live TV and access to on-demand shows (movies typically cost extra).

United Airlines inflight entertainment

Before your flight: Download the United Airlines app.
When you're onboard: Connect to "United_Wi-Fi" on your WiFi settings (you will not be charged), and open the United app. If you're on a laptop, open your browser, go to "www.unitedwifi.com" and pick the entertainment tab. Note that United offers complimentary earbuds.
What's on? Plenty of movies and shows, since United has partnered with HBO, the Tribeca Film Festival, and Vevo.