Sound Above the Clouds: Mastering Spotify on a Plane

Whether you are jetting off on a long-haul vacation or taking a quick hop across the country, few things match the feeling of sinking into your seat, putting on your headphones, and looking out the window as the world shrinks below. But there is one major catch to modern travel: Wi-Fi in the sky can be patchy, expensive, or completely unavailable.

If you have ever stared blankly at a loading screen while cruising at 35,000 feet, you know how crucial it is to prepare your audio gear beforehand. Here is your ultimate guide to keeping your favorite tracks, albums, and podcasts playing smoothly when you are completely off the grid.

1. The Golden Rule: Download Before You Board

It sounds simple, but it is the number one mistake travelers make. Spotify relies on an internet connection to stream music in real-time, and cellular data won’t reach you once you are high in the air.