Free seatback streaming is now available across 680 aircraft through the United Airlines Spotify collaboration, with music, podcasts, and audiobooks onboard.
United Airlines Spotify Partnership
United Airlines is expanding its in-flight entertainment with a new collaboration that brings Spotify content to more than 130,000 seatback screens.
The partnership introduces a broad range of curated playlists, podcasts, video podcasts, and audiobooks, now available for free on over 680 aircraft. This is the first time Spotify’s video podcasts and audiobooks have been offered onboard an airline.
Travellers can access over 450 hours of Spotify content, including popular series such as Good Hang with Amy Poehler, The Dave Chang Show, and The Comment Section with Drew Afualo.
These are accessible through United’s new 4 K-capable, Bluetooth-enabled seatback screens.
More Seatback Options United Airlines Spotify
Spotify now replaces the traditional “Audio” menu tab with a new dedicated “Spotify” category. Sub-menus include Playlists, Podcasts, Video Podcasts, and Audiobooks.
In addition to the refreshed navigation, United will introduce a dedicated Spotify channel across most aircraft in the coming months to make browsing quicker and more intuitive.
The upgrade is part of United’s rollout of high-resolution seatback displays, which already allows passengers to pair wireless headphones directly. These are being progressively installed across the fleet, with over 680 aircraft already equipped.
By integrating Spotify into this system, United becomes the first airline to support Spotify’s full range of entertainment formats in-flight.
Starting in 2026, United passengers will be able to use their devices to log into the Spotify app on the seatback entertainment system. This will enable them to access their personalised content and continue playing podcasts, music, or audiobooks from where they left off.
Passengers on Starlink-enabled aircraft can already stream Spotify content directly from their devices, without interruption, from gate to gate. Access is available after logging in with a MileagePlus account and accepting the onboard Wi-Fi terms and conditions. From there, travellers can use the Spotify app as they would on the ground.
At Spotify, we’re dedicated to being everywhere our users are, giving creators opportunities to reach new platforms and engage different audiences
Spotify
To mark the launch, United and Spotify are offering MileagePlus members a bonus. New subscribers to Spotify Premium Individual will receive up to 1,000 MileagePlus bonus miles. The offer will be promoted through United’s owned channels, including seatback screens, email, the United app, and United Club locations.
United continues to invest in in-flight experience technology, and this collaboration builds on that by adding a globally recognisable content partner in Spotify with a diverse range of audio and video entertainment. It also aligns with United’s broader plan to modernise the cabin environment while offering more personalisation to flyers.
Pricing for Spotify Premium remains separate from the onboard experience, but eligible United MileagePlus members may sign up for a Premium Individual subscription and earn up to 1,000 bonus miles.
