Spotify launches on United Airlines seatbacks powered by Starlink

Summarised from 2 outlets · Updated 5 Nov, 13:34 · Archive

United Airlines passengers can now stream Spotify on seatback screens using Starlink satellite Wi-Fi.

United Airlines has launched a custom Spotify app on seatback displays, allowing passengers to log into their personal accounts and stream music, podcasts and video content during flights. The integration is powered by Starlink's satellite Wi-Fi, which the airline is currently installing throughout its entire fleet. Nearly half of United's daily departures already offer Starlink internet.

Passengers access Spotify by connecting their phone to United's inflight Wi-Fi and scanning a QR code on the seatback screen. They can then log in or, if already logged into the Spotify app, the screen will automatically load their profile. The seatback app works similarly to Spotify's tablet apps. Wi-Fi access for Spotify is free and requires no separate inflight internet pass.

Mark Muren, United's managing director for product marketing, said the personalised experience—allowing customers to access their actual account and all their material—represented the logical next step after an initial partnership announcement over a year ago. Grant Milstead, United's VP for digital, noted that the integration would not have been possible without Starlink's network of over 11,000 satellites in low Earth orbit, which offers lower latency than geostationary satellites.

How it is being reported

• Spotify is coming to United Airlines seatbacks — with help from StarlinkUnited has built a custom, native Spotify app for seatback displays, allowing passengers to log directly in to their personal accounts and stream their own libraries, playlists, and video podcasts while flying 35,000 feet in the air. The new integration is being powered by Starlink's satellite Wi-Fi, which is currently being installed throughout United's entire […]The Verge · 5 Nov, 13:00
• Spotify is coming to United's seatback screensThe streaming service's entire library of content will be available in the air.Engadget · 5 Nov, 13:00

In this story: United Airlines · Spotify · Starlink · Mark Muren · Grant Milstead

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