Spotify Brings Free Playlists Podcasts Audiobooks to United Flights

United Airlines has teamed up with Spotify to revolutionize in-flight entertainment by offering passengers free access to a vast library of curated playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts directly on seat-back screens. This partnership brings over 450 hours of content, including popular shows like Good Hang with Amy Poehler, The Dave Chang Show, and The Comment Section with Drew Afualo.

This initiative is notable as Spotify’s first-ever offering of audiobooks and video podcasts onboard an airline. Passengers can enjoy this rich content without needing to create or log into a Spotify account, simplifying access and enhancing convenience during flights.

Looking ahead, United plans to introduce a feature in 2026 that will allow passengers to sign into their personal Spotify accounts via the in-flight entertainment system using their own devices. This will enable users to seamlessly continue their playlists, audiobooks, and podcasts from where they left off, and enjoy video podcasts on a larger screen without needing additional hardware.

Additionally, United’s Starlink-equipped aircraft already support streaming Spotify and other services like YouTube and Apple Music directly on passengers’ personal devices, thanks to upgraded in-flight Wi-Fi introduced in March. This Wi-Fi is free for MileagePlus loyalty members and supports streaming from gate to gate, enhancing the digital experience onboard.

Transforming In-Flight Entertainment with Streaming Innovation

The collaboration between United Airlines and Spotify exemplifies how technology and content providers can enhance passenger experience by integrating popular digital media directly into the travel environment. It removes barriers to content access and offers a richer, more personalized entertainment option that caters to diverse tastes and preferences.

For travelers, this means more engaging and enjoyable flights, turning travel time into an opportunity for discovery and relaxation. For airlines, it represents a competitive edge in customer satisfaction and loyalty by leveraging cutting-edge streaming technology and curated content partnerships.

As in-flight entertainment continues to evolve, integrating seamless streaming services like Spotify’s curated playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks will likely become a standard expectation. This partnership sets a new benchmark for how airlines can innovate to meet modern passenger demands.