Spotify users will be able to stream their favourite albums, playlists, podcasts and audiobooks from their own accounts as United Airlines plans to add the app to their digital screens, powered by Starlink.
Spotify and United Airlines
United Airlines will be the first airline to feature a new function which allows for those with pre-existing Spotify accounts to use the app, as they normally would on the ground, at 30,000 feet. The app is due to be integrated into each aircraft’s digital screens and powered by Starlink connectivity, with the roll out already taking plane on authorised and Starlink-equipped aircraft.
This will allow users to resume content from where they left off, and explore new titles and customised recommendations at their fingertips, as the in-flight app can be quickly accessed through a QR code, with accounts being automatically unlinked at the end of a flight.
It is important to note that the use of Spotify on-board depends on your account’s subscription plan and corresponding market.
Ian Geller, vice president of business development at Spotify, said:
“Bringing personal Spotify accounts to United seatback screens is a major milestone, creating a new way to experience Spotify in flight.
With a quick QR code scan, passengers can bring their personalised Spotify experience to the screen in front of them- their recommendations, saved library, and favourite songs, podcasts, audiobooks, and videos- and enjoy it all on a big screen at 35,000 feet.
The venture aims to allow passengers a more personalised flying experience, with plans of extending the Spotify integration to over half of its fleet for Spring 2027 in the northern hemisphere.
Starlink Expansion
United and Starlink have been in close collaboration since September 2024 where the largest agreement of its kind was settled, as Starlink connectivity was first tested on-board an Embraer E-175 regional commercial flight in February 2025, then officially launched in November 2025 on-board the flight 2940 from Newark to Houston.
Starlink Wi-Fi is slowly being rolled out across United’s fleet, with reports of its connectivity being available on around half of its daily flights, and to be fully integrated by the end of 2027- those with MileagePlus memberships gaining full access to its connection across multiple devices.
June of 2025, when United introduced a smaller Spotify scheme onboard their aircraft which allowed passengers to browse an exclusive selection of content within its in-flight entertainment systems, which has been used by 2.3 million passengers since its introduction.
Will you be using the new feature? Let us know in the comments!
