United Airlines just added another perk for frequent flyers: a new in-flight entertainment partnership with Spotify. Starting today, you can access over 450 hours of curated music playlists, video podcasts, and audiobooks right from the seat-back screen, no Spotify account required.

What’s New With Spotify On United

United’s latest upgrade brings a wide range of Spotify content to more than 130,000 seat-back entertainment screens. Highlights include:

  • Free, account-free access to Spotify’s library
  • Over 450 total hours of playlists, podcasts, and audiobooks
  • Video podcasts with host-produced visuals

MileagePlus CEO Richard Nunn notes that this is Spotify’s first-ever in-air partnership featuring audiobooks and video podcasts onboard an airline.

United and Spotify Team Up to Bring Playlists, Podcasts, and Audiobooks Onboard.

Content Highlights

Here’s a quick look at what you’ll find in the new catalog:

Content Type Total Hours Sample Titles
Music Playlists 300+ Curated by mood, genre, and travel occasions
Podcasts 100+ Good Hang with Amy Poehler
The Dave Chang Show
The Comment Section
Audiobooks 50+ Best-selling fiction and non-fiction titles

In-Seat vs Personal-Device Options

United is making it easy to choose how you stream:

Option Access Method Login Required Availability
Seat-back Entertainment Screen Built-in interface No Now
Personal Device via Starlink Wi-Fi streaming MileagePlus Now
Seat-back with Spotify Login Screen + mobile sign-in Yes 2026
  • Seat-back screens: Stream Spotify content directly—no sign-in, no extra steps.
  • Starlink-equipped planes: Log into MileagePlus to browse and stream Spotify (plus YouTube, Apple Music, etc.) on your own device, gate-to-gate.
  • Future sync: Coming in 2026, you’ll be able to log into your Spotify account on the seat-back screen, pick up where you left off, and enjoy synced playlists or audiobooks.

How to Make the Most of It

  1. Browse the new Spotify tab in the in-flight entertainment menu.
  2. Select your playlist, podcast, or audiobook—no login needed.
  3. Use the noise-canceling headphones included in Polaris and Premium Plus—or bring your own—to immerse yourself in the experience.
  4. On Wi-Fi-equipped flights, log into MileagePlus on your device for a broader streaming library.
  5. Look out for the 2026 software update that lets you sign in to your personal Spotify account on the seat-back screen.

Ready to Stream at 35,000 Feet?

Plan your next award flight with AwardFares and enjoy free Spotify onboard:

  • ✈️ Search United saver and partner award availability
  • 📆 Compare date options in the Timeline View
  • 🔔 Set alerts for seat openings—never miss a chance
  • 🎶 Fly and flow with your favorite playlists at altitude

👉 Sign up here.

Explore more in-flight innovations and cabin upgrades: