Spotify Brings Personalized Podcast Picks To United Airlines Seatback Screens.

United Airlines passengers can now pick up any podcast where they left off at home, even at 35,000 feet. Spotify is rolling out the ability for travelers to log into their personal accounts directly on United’s seatback entertainment screens, giving them access to their favorite podcasts, including video episodes, along with personalized recommendations, music and audiobooks.

The upgrade marks the next phase of a partnership announced last year, when United became the first airline to offer Spotify video podcasts as part of its inflight entertainment system. Until now, passengers were limited to a curated selection of Spotify programming on seatback screens. The new system opens access to each listener’s own Spotify account and library.

The feature is initially rolling out on United aircraft equipped with Starlink internet service, with additional aircraft scheduled to receive the capability through 2027.

For podcast listeners, the change means they can resume an episode already in progress, browse their saved shows or discover new programming through Spotify’s personalized recommendations. Video podcasts can also be viewed directly on the seatback display.

The expansion builds on a June 2025 agreement that brought Spotify podcasts, video podcasts, music and audiobooks to more than 130,000 seatback screens across United’s fleet. That initial offering included more than 65 selections, with podcasts such as “Good Hang with Amy Poehler,” “The Dave Chang Show” and “The Comment Section with Drew Afualo” among the featured programs. The curated Spotify channel remains available across United’s fleet, offering 450 hours of programming at no additional charge.

But the new account integration removes the limitation of choosing from a preset collection. Instead, passengers can browse their own Spotify libraries and recommendations, much as they would on their phones or computers.

“Bringing personal Spotify accounts to United seatback screens is a major milestone, creating a new way to experience Spotify in flight,” says Ian Geller, VP of Business Development at Spotify. “With a quick QR code scan, passengers can bring their personalized Spotify experience to the screen in front of them — their recommendations, saved library, and favorite songs, podcasts, audiobooks, and videos — and enjoy it all on a big screen at 35,000 feet.”

Connecting At 35,000 Feet

Passengers access the new feature by connecting their phones to United’s WiFi network, selecting Spotify on the seatback screen and scanning a QR code. They then confirm the connection on their phones, allowing the seatback system to access their Spotify accounts.

No separate WiFi pass or MileagePlus login is required for the seatback feature.

Once connected, passengers can navigate Spotify using the seatback touchscreen or use their phones as a remote control. Audio continues playing while they browse other inflight features, including the flight map, with a small on-screen player providing playback controls.

Spotify says login credentials are never entered directly on the seatback screen. Accounts are automatically logged out at the end of each flight, although passengers can disconnect earlier.

Both Spotify Free and Premium users can access the service, with available features depending on their subscription plan and market.