United partners with Spotify to stream music, podcasts, and audiobooks on flights
A user browses Spotify’s personalized playlists on a mobile device. Spotify content — including music, podcasts, and audiobooks — is now available for free on United Airlines seatback screens. (Photo Illustration by Michael M. Santiago/Getty Images))
LOS ANGELES - United Airlines and Spotify have launched a first-of-its-kind partnership that brings streaming content directly to the skies — with Spotify now available on more than 130,000 seatback screens across United’s fleet.
Passengers can now enjoy curated playlists, video and audio podcasts, and audiobooks — all for free — as part of United’s inflight entertainment system. According to the airline, this marks the first time Spotify’s audiobooks and video podcasts have been offered onboard an airline.
More than 65 pieces of Spotify content are already available, including titles like "Good Hang with Amy Poehler," "The Dave Chang Show," and "The Comment Section with Drew Afualo."
What United passengers can expect
Spotify content now appears under a new "Spotify" category on the seatback screen, replacing the traditional "Audio" menu. Travelers will find dedicated channels for:
- Podcasts
- Video podcasts
- Audiobooks
- Music playlists
In the coming months, a dedicated "Spotify" featured channel will roll out across most aircraft, making it easier for passengers to explore the full catalog.
The content will be available on more than 680 aircraft equipped with 4K, Bluetooth-enabled screens — a recent upgrade as part of United’s broader tech overhaul.
A more personal experience coming in 2026
The backstory:
Beginning next year, United passengers will be able to log into their personal Spotify accounts directly from the inflight seatback screen. That means they’ll be able to pick up where they left off in their playlists, podcasts, or audiobooks — even in mid-air.
Spotify also plans to integrate its in-flight experience with Starlink-equipped aircraft, allowing customers to stream audio content gate-to-gate using their own devices, provided they’re logged in through the United app.
What they're saying:
"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," said Richard Nunn, CEO of United’s MileagePlus program.
Ian Geller, Spotify’s VP of Business Development, added: "At Spotify, we’re dedicated to being everywhere our users are. I’m especially looking forward to bringing an even more personalized app streaming experience to seatbacks next year."
Why you should care:
This partnership blends two giants in travel and entertainment, creating a unique listening experience for passengers and extending Spotify’s reach into a new market: inflight content.
The move also positions United as a leader in premium onboard experiences — and signals how airlines may continue to partner with tech platforms to differentiate service in an increasingly competitive sky.
What's next:
In addition to the new inflight options, Spotify is teaming up with United’s new ad network, Kinective Media, to promote Spotify Premium offers throughout the travel journey. MileagePlus members new to Spotify’s Premium Individual plan can now earn up to 1,000 bonus miles for signing up.
Messages about the promotion will appear across United’s owned media channels, including inflight screens, the United app, and United Club lounges.
The Source: This article is based on an official press release jointly issued by United Airlines and Spotify on June 5, 2025. Statements from company executives and product feature details were provided directly by United and Spotify through PR Newswire.