Spotify lets users log into personal accounts on United flights

Spotify listeners can now sign into their personal accounts on seatback screens aboard United Airlines' Starlink-equipped aircraft, Spotify said on Thursday in a statement.

Passengers scan a QR code with their phone to access their personalized Home feed, saved playlists, Your Library and features such as DJ and music videos at 35,000 feet.

Flagship playlists, including Today's Top Hits and New Music Friday, are also available during the flight, and new tracks can be streamed as soon as they are released.

Spotify audio continues playing while passengers use other seatback features such as the flight map, and a small on-screen player allows playback to be controlled without opening the Spotify app.

Ian Geller, vice president of business development at Spotify, said the change was "a major milestone" for the company's partnership with United.

To connect, passengers join the "United" WiFi network, tap the Spotify tile on the seatback screen and confirm pairing on their phone.

Spotify said no WiFi pass or MileagePlus sign-in is needed, and login details are never entered on the seatback itself.

Users are logged out automatically at the end of the flight, and the screen is reset before the next passengers board.

Both Spotify Free and Premium users can use the app, with features depending on their plan and market.

The feature is rolling out across United's Starlink-equipped aircraft and will extend to more planes through 2027.

Passengers on aircraft without the app can still use the Spotify channel launched last year, which offers 450 hours of curated playlists, podcasts and audiobooks free of charge.