Key Takeaways
• United Airlines and Spotify launched in-flight entertainment partnership on June 5, 2025, featuring audiobooks and video podcasts.
• Passengers access 450+ hours of Spotify content on 130,000+ seatback screens with 4K and Bluetooth audio systems.
• 2026 will introduce Spotify login on flights; Starlink Wi-Fi allows free streaming on personal devices in select planes.
United Airlines and Spotify Launch First-Ever In-Flight Entertainment Partnership
United Airlines and Spotify have joined forces to change the way passengers enjoy entertainment while flying. On June 5, 2025, the two companies announced a new partnership that brings Spotify’s huge library of music, podcasts, audiobooks, and video podcasts directly to United Airlines’ in-flight entertainment systems. This is the first time Spotify has offered both audiobooks and video podcasts on any airline, making United Airlines the first to give travelers this unique experience.
This partnership is important for several reasons. It improves the travel experience for millions of passengers, helps United Airlines stand out from other airlines, and shows how technology can make long flights more enjoyable. For immigrants, frequent travelers, and families flying between countries, having access to familiar content in the air can make journeys feel shorter and more comfortable.
Let’s look at what this partnership means, how it works, and why it matters for travelers, the airline industry, and anyone interested in the future of in-flight entertainment.
What’s New: Spotify Content on United Airlines Flights
Starting now, passengers on United Airlines can enjoy more than 450 hours of Spotify-curated content on over 130,000 seatback screens across the airline’s fleet of more than 680 aircraft. This new entertainment option includes:
- Audio podcasts: Listen to popular shows and stories from around the world.
- Video podcasts: Watch engaging video content, a first for airline entertainment.
- Audiobooks: Enjoy full-length books during your flight, another first for in-flight entertainment.
- Curated playlists: Access special versions of Spotify’s most popular music playlists.
Some of the featured titles include “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “The Dave Chang Show,” and “The Comment Section with Drew Afualo.” These shows are well-known and loved by many people, making the in-flight entertainment feel more like home.
Many United Airlines planes now have modern 4K screens with Bluetooth audio. This means passengers can use their own headphones for better sound quality and a more personal experience.
How to Access Spotify on United Airlines
The new Spotify content is easy to find on United’s seatback screens. There’s a dedicated “Spotify” section in the entertainment menu, replacing the old “Audio” category. Inside, you’ll see channels for:
- Podcasts
- Video Podcasts
- Audiobooks
- Playlists
In the coming months, United Airlines will add a special “Spotify” channel on most planes, making it even easier to find all the Spotify content in one place.
Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus (United’s loyalty program), explained why this matters: “Spotify has a huge audience and people love their content. And now our customers can enjoy it all in a simple and easy way, at 35,000 feet.”
What’s Coming Next: Even More Features in 2026
The partnership between United Airlines and Spotify is just getting started. In 2026, passengers will be able to log into their own Spotify accounts directly from the in-flight entertainment screen. This means you can:
- Pick up your favorite podcast, song, or audiobook right where you left off on the ground.
- Enjoy a seamless experience, whether you’re at home, at the airport, or in the air.
This feature will make it much easier for frequent travelers, including immigrants and businesspeople, to keep up with their favorite content during long journeys. You won’t have to search for your place in a podcast or audiobook—you can just continue listening or watching as if you never left.
Streaming Spotify on Your Own Device: Starlink Wi-Fi
United Airlines is also working to improve Wi-Fi on its planes. On aircraft equipped with Starlink, a fast satellite internet service, passengers can stream Spotify content on their own devices from gate to gate, without any breaks. This service is free for travelers who log in to their MileagePlus accounts and accept the terms for using Starlink. Once connected, you can open your Spotify app and use it just like you would at home.
This is especially helpful for people who want to use their own phones or tablets instead of the seatback screen. It also means you can listen to your own playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks without worrying about losing connection during the flight.
Special Offer for MileagePlus Members
To celebrate the new partnership, United Airlines is offering a bonus for MileagePlus members who don’t already have a Spotify account. If you sign up for a Spotify Premium Individual subscription, you’ll receive 1,000 bonus miles. This is a nice perk for frequent flyers and could encourage more people to try Spotify’s premium service.
Why This Partnership Matters: Industry Impact and Customer Benefits
This isn’t the first time Spotify has worked with an airline. In the past, Spotify partnered with Delta Airlines and Virgin America to offer in-flight audio experiences. However, the United Airlines partnership is much bigger. It’s the first to include both audiobooks and video podcasts, and it covers a much larger fleet.
Ian Geller, Spotify’s Vice President of Business Development, shared his excitement: “As a frequent United flyer myself, it’s incredibly exciting to see Spotify now available on the world’s largest airline.”
For United Airlines, this partnership is a smart move. It helps the airline:
- Increase customer satisfaction: Passengers have more entertainment choices, making flights more enjoyable.
- Build loyalty: Offering exclusive content can encourage travelers to choose United Airlines over other carriers.
- Attract new customers: People who value high-quality entertainment may pick United Airlines for their next trip.
- Open new revenue streams: Promoting Spotify Premium subscriptions could bring in extra income.
For Spotify, the partnership means reaching millions of new listeners who may become long-term users. It also helps Spotify stand out from other streaming services by being the first to offer this kind of in-flight experience.
The Bigger Picture: In-Flight Entertainment Is Changing
Airline entertainment has come a long way. In the past, passengers had to settle for a small selection of movies or music. Now, with partnerships like this, travelers can enjoy the same content they love on the ground, even while flying at 35,000 feet.
United Airlines is investing heavily in its entertainment and internet systems. The airline plans to have Starlink Wi-Fi on all its regional planes by the end of 2025, with the first mainline plane getting the service by the end of this year. This means more passengers will have access to fast, reliable internet and streaming options during their flights.
As reported by VisaVerge.com, this move is part of a larger trend where airlines are trying to make the travel experience as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. For people who travel often—such as immigrants visiting family, international students, or business travelers—having access to familiar entertainment can make a big difference.
What Does This Mean for Immigrants and International Travelers?
For immigrants and people who travel between countries, long flights can be stressful and tiring. Having access to a wide range of entertainment options can help pass the time and reduce anxiety. Here’s how this partnership can help:
- Language and culture: Spotify offers content in many languages and covers topics from around the world. This can help immigrants stay connected to their home culture or learn more about their new country.
- Family travel: Parents can find audiobooks and podcasts suitable for children, making family trips easier.
- Staying informed: News podcasts and educational content can help travelers keep up with what’s happening in their home country or around the world.
- Mental health: Listening to music or audiobooks can help reduce stress and make long flights feel shorter.
For people moving to a new country or visiting family abroad, these small comforts can make a big difference.
How Does This Affect the Airline Industry?
The partnership between United Airlines and Spotify sets a new standard for in-flight entertainment. Other airlines may feel pressure to improve their own offerings to keep up. This could lead to:
- More partnerships between airlines and streaming services.
- Better technology on planes, such as faster Wi-Fi and higher-quality screens.
- More choices for passengers, including content in different languages and for different age groups.
For airlines, investing in entertainment is a way to stand out in a crowded market. For passengers, it means a better travel experience.
What Should Travelers Know Before Their Next Flight?
If you’re flying with United Airlines soon, here’s what you need to know:
- Check if your plane has the new Spotify content: Most United Airlines planes now offer the new entertainment options, but it’s always good to check before your flight.
- Bring your own headphones: Many planes have Bluetooth audio, so you can use your own headphones for better sound.
- Sign up for MileagePlus: If you’re not already a member, joining can give you access to special offers, like the bonus miles for new Spotify Premium subscribers.
- Download the Spotify app: If you want to use your own device to stream content, make sure you have the app installed and your account set up.
Official Resources and Further Information
For more details about United Airlines’ in-flight entertainment and Wi-Fi services, you can visit the official United Airlines in-flight entertainment page. This page provides up-to-date information about what’s available on your flight, including movies, TV shows, and now, Spotify content.
Looking Ahead: The Future of In-Flight Entertainment
The partnership between United Airlines and Spotify is just the beginning. As technology improves, we can expect even more features and choices for travelers. In the future, passengers may be able to:
- Personalize their entertainment experience even more.
- Access content in more languages.
- Use new devices, like smartwatches or virtual reality headsets, to enjoy content in new ways.
For now, United Airlines passengers can look forward to a richer, more enjoyable travel experience, thanks to this groundbreaking partnership.
Key Takeaways for Travelers
- United Airlines and Spotify have launched a new partnership that brings music, podcasts, audiobooks, and video podcasts to in-flight entertainment systems.
- Passengers can access over 450 hours of Spotify content on more than 130,000 seatback screens across United’s fleet.
- New features are coming in 2026, including the ability to log into your own Spotify account on the plane and pick up your content where you left off.
- Starlink-equipped planes allow free streaming of Spotify on personal devices from gate to gate.
- MileagePlus members can earn bonus miles by signing up for Spotify Premium.
- This partnership sets a new standard for in-flight entertainment and could lead to more choices and better technology for travelers in the future.
Whether you’re an immigrant traveling to see family, a student flying to study abroad, or a business traveler crossing continents, United Airlines and Spotify are working together to make your journey more enjoyable and connected than ever before.
Learn Today
Audiobooks → Digital recordings of books narrated for listening, now available on United Airlines flights via Spotify.
Video Podcasts → Podcasts in video format, offering visual content alongside audio, newly introduced on United flights.
Starlink Wi-Fi → A satellite internet service providing fast, reliable in-flight connectivity allowing streaming on personal devices.
MileagePlus → United Airlines’ loyalty program that rewards frequent flyers with miles and exclusive offers.
4K Screens → High-definition display technology offering four times the resolution of standard HD screens on planes.
This Article in a Nutshell
United Airlines and Spotify revolutionize flying entertainment by introducing audiobooks and video podcasts onboard, with over 450 hours of content accessible on seatback screens across United’s fleet, enhancing travel experience for millions starting June 2025 and promising personal account syncing in 2026.
— By VisaVerge.com
