United And Spotify Announce New Collaboration: Music, Podcasts, And Audiobooks Now Available On 130,000+ Seatback Screens

United and Spotify today announced a first-of-its-kind collaboration that delivers an even more entertaining travel experience in the sky, with 450+ hours of content now available for free on the airline's 130,000+ seatback screens, many of which offer stunning 4K quality and Bluetooth audio compatibility.

This is the first time Spotify has offered audiobooks and video podcasts onboard an airline, allowing United flyers to enjoy more than 65+ pieces of content, including popular titles like Good Hang with Amy Poehler, The Dave Chang Show, and The Comment Section with Drew Afualo.

In addition, next year, United passengers will be able to use their personal devices to log into the Spotify app on the inflight entertainment screen. This will allow passengers to enjoy their favorite personalized content on the seatback so they can pick-up their favorite podcasts, music, and audiobooks from right where they left off.

"Spotify has a huge audience and people love their content. And now our customers can enjoy it all in a simple and easy way, at 35,000 feet," said Richard Nunn, CEO of MileagePlus. "Together, we're giving millions of customers an entirely new way to experience and explore premium content from the world's most popular artists, authors and podcasters –all while flying with the latest technology in the sky."

"As a frequent United flyer myself, it's incredibly exciting to see Spotify now available on the world's largest airline," said Ian Geller, VP of Business Development at Spotify. "At Spotify, we're dedicated to being everywhere our users are, giving creators opportunities to reach new platforms and engage different audiences. I'm especially looking forward to bringing an even more personalized app streaming experience to seatbacks next year."

Onboard Experience

Spotify content will be available on more than 680 United aircraft and appear as a new content category – "Spotify." This replaces "audio" under the home menu and includes 'Podcast', 'Video Podcasts', 'Audiobooks', and 'Playlists' channels. Additionally, in the coming months, a majority of aircraft will receive a dedicated 'Spotify' featured channel where all Spotify content will be housed together for quick and easy enjoyment.

On Starlink-equipped aircraft, travelers can stream Spotify content on their personal devices from gate-to-gate without interruption. All they will need to do is log in to their MileagePlus® account and accept the terms and conditions for using Starlink. From there, travelers can open their Spotify app and stream content, just like they do at home.

Collaboration Beyond the Skies

To celebrate the launch, MileagePlus members who are new to Premium Individual can sign up for a subscription and earn up to 1,000 bonus miles. Spotify is also partnering with Kinective MediaSM by United Airlines – the airline industry's first traveler media network – to share the offer with United customers throughout their travel journey. Travelers may see prompts to sign up for Spotify Premium and earn miles based on their MileagePlus status. These messages will be served across United's owned and operated media channels, including inflight entertainment screens, the United app, United Club screens, email and more.

To learn more visit united.com/spotify.

Tourists Detained At U.S. Airports Prompt Travel Warning Updates Across Europe

U.S. immigration enforcement policies cause uncertainty for international travelers.

EvgeniyShkolenko/Depositphotos (EvgeniyShkolenko/Depositphotos)

In recent weeks, several European governments—including the United Kingdom, Germany, Denmark, and Finland—have updated their travel advisories for citizens visiting the United States following a series of detentions involving European tourists at U.S. ports of entry.

These actions reflect growing concern over the consequences of U.S. immigration enforcement policies and highlight increasing uncertainty for international travelers—even those with valid documents.

The detentions have sparked concern among the affected nations, human rights advocates, and immigration attorneys, who note that the discretionary power of Customs and Border Protection officers at ports of entry can lead to unpredictable outcomes.

Multiple German Citizens Detained

Germany was among the first to revise its travel advisory after at least three German citizens were denied entry and detained upon arrival in the U.S. despite holding what they believed were appropriate travel documents.

One German tourist was held in a U.S. immigration detention center for 16 days after reentering the U.S. from Mexico. Another German citizen spent over six weeks in detention.

The German Foreign Office clarified that having a valid visa or an approved Electronic System for Travel Authorization (ESTA) does not guarantee entry. “The final decision on whether a person can enter the U.S. lies with the U.S. border authorities,” the advisory stated.

Travelers are now urged to be prepared for possible secondary screening and to ensure that their travel plans, financial support, and intended activities align with their visa or ESTA conditions.

UK’s Strengthened Travel Warning

The United Kingdom updated its travel advisory after several British citizens were reportedly detained under similar circumstances.

In one case, a British woman was held for more than ten days over concerns she may have breached visa conditions. UK officials emphasized that U.S. immigration laws are “strictly enforced,” and even minor perceived violations can lead to detention or removal.

The Foreign, Commonwealth & Development Office is now advising UK travelers to double-check their visa conditions and ensure they are not engaging in activities—such as unpaid work or extended stays—that could be interpreted as outside the bounds of their visa or ESTA.

Nordic Countries Warn Transgender Travelers'

Denmark and Finland issued targeted warnings for transgender individuals planning to travel to the U.S., citing specific risks tied to documentation and identity recognition.

Travelers whose passports include a gender marker of "X" or who have recently changed gender markers are advised to contact the U.S. embassy before traveling to clarify how border officials will interpret their documents.

Denmark’s advisory highlighted the possibility of entry denial or distressing experiences at airports for transgender travelers. These nations recommend proactive communication with U.S. authorities before travel to avoid unexpected detention or refusal of entry.

New Risks for Travelers at U.S. Borders

EvgeniyShkolenko via Getty Images

Tourists from friendly nations with traditionally uncomplicated entry procedures are now being advised to prepare for increased scrutiny. These updates caution that even routine visits can result in detainment if border authorities suspect a violation—intended or not—of visa terms.

International travelers should now factor immigration risks into their travel planning more than in years past, particularly as U.S. enforcement practices tighten and the threshold for entry denial appears to have lowered.

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New Sculpture, In Plain Sight, Unveiled At Cherry Street Pier For Pride Month In Philadelphia

Visit Philadelphia has unveiled In Plain Sight, a large-scale sculpture at Cherry Street Pier honoring Transgender, Queer, Intersex and Asexual members of the LGBTQ+ community. On display throughout Pride Month this June, the installation serves as a bold celebration of the TQ+ community — a group facing increased scrutiny as LGBTQ+ rights remain at the center of national debate. The sculpture underscores Philadelphia's longstanding commitment to being a welcoming and affirming destination for LGBTQ+ residents and travelers.

To bring In Plain Sight to life, Visit Philadelphia consulted with local artists and creatives, including Philadelphia-based Bill Adair, an independent arts and culture consultant and former director of the Pew Center for Arts & Heritage. The concept was developed in partnership with local agency A&G (Allen & Gerritsen) and the final piece was fabricated by Outshaped, a family-owned 3D design and manufacturing studio.

Standing at 10 feet tall and weighing 250 pounds, the sculpture's design incorporates colors from the different LGBTQ+ pride flags, each representing a segment of the community:

Transgender (T): Light blue, white and pink stripes from the Transgender Pride Flag.

Queer (Q): Elements from the traditional Rainbow Pride Flag, featuring red, orange, yellow, green, blue and violet.

Plus (+): Yellow and purple from the Intersex Pride Flag, symbolizing autonomy and visibility; black and white from the Asexual Pride Flag; and black and brown from the Progress Pride Flag, representing people of color and other marginalized groups within the LGBTQ+ community.

The sculpture also features carved grooves throughout, symbolizing the layered identities and lived experiences within the community. These design choices were intentionally selected to reflect the diversity and intersectionality of the TQ+ population.

"Visit Philadelphia is honored to present In Plain Sight as a meaningful tribute to the TQ+ community. This sculpture is a visible reminder of Philadelphia's commitment to being a welcoming place for all," said Angela Val, president and CEO of Visit Philadelphia. "When travelers come here, we want them to feel our city's love, pride and spirit. Representation matters and research supports that. LGBTQ+ travelers spend more, travel more often and are more likely to choose destinations where they feel seen and affirmed."

According to Community Marketing & Insights (CMI), 63% of LGBTQ+ travelers view Philadelphia as a welcoming destination. A separate Booking.com study found that 73% of LGBTQ+ travelers say increased inclusivity has made them feel more comfortable while traveling. The community also represents an estimated $1.4 trillion in annual purchasing power, with LGBTQ+ travelers spending 33% more than their non-LGBTQ counterparts and taking an average of four to six trips per year.

Cherry Street Pier, located on the Delaware River Waterfront, is hosting the installation throughout June. Visit Philadelphia is currently seeking a permanent home for In Plain Sight following Pride Month. Businesses or cultural institutions in Philadelphia or the surrounding counties whose values align with Visit Philadelphia's welcoming mission are encouraged to apply for the opportunity to host the sculpture next. The deadline to submit is Monday, June 23, 2025.

"We're proud to host In Plain Sight during Pride Month," said Joseph Forkin, president of the Delaware River Waterfront Corporation. "The waterfront is a place for everyone, and Cherry Street Pier — home to a vibrant and diverse creative community — is the perfect location to spotlight this important symbol. We're honored to be part of its journey and can't wait to see where it goes next."

Philadelphia's connection to LGBTQ+ history is long and significant. The city was the site of the "Annual Reminder" protests at Independence Hall in the 1960s, one of the first organized gay rights demonstrations in the United States. In 2004, Visit Philadelphia launched Get Your History Straight and Your Nightlife Gay, the country's first LGBTQ-specific tourism television commercial. Two decades later, the organization introduced In Pursuit of a More Perfect Union: Drag Queen Story Time on Independence Mall and in 2024 it sponsored Philadelphia Gay News' successful effort to secure a Guinness World Records title for the largest drag story time reading.

"2025 calls for marketers to be bold and brave," said Neil Frauenglass, chief marketing officer, Visit Philadelphia. "Our TQ+ sculpture sends a message to the community that they are seen and welcome in Philadelphia today, next year when we celebrate the country's 250th birthday and always."

Visit Philadelphia's welcoming message to LGBTQ+ travelers is also prominently featured in a current New York City advertising takeover, which launched May 5 and runs through June 8. The campaign also includes bonus placements during the Tony Awards and NYC Pride weeks — June 9–15 and June 23–29 — reaching an additional 4.7 million impressions.

To learn more about In Plain Sight, please visit http://visitphilly.com/inplainsight.

United Airlines Tries To Lure Customers Back To Newark With Lower Prices As A Shuttered Runway Reopens

Newark Liberty International Airport will reopen a runway on Monday that had been under construction and contributed to its recent chaos, as United Airlines (UAL) looks to win back customers who began avoiding the beleaguered airport altogether.

Photo: KENA BETANCUR / Contributor (Getty Images)

Runway 4L-22R is reopening 13 days early after “around-the-clock work” accelerated its project schedule, according to the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey. The $121 million project began in early March and required a full 24/7 runway closure that started on April 15 and was set to conclude on June 15.

The work caused delays and disruptions, exacerbated by serious air traffic controller issues still plaguing the facility. Many controllers took leave after twice losing contact with planes out of Newark, forcing airlines to cancel and delay thousands of flights.

Secretary of Transportation Sean Duffy posted on X that his department “will continue our work to harden the telecoms infrastructure and improve the staffing pipeline for the airspace” now that the runway is fixed.

United, which has a hub in Newark, was hit the hardest by the chaos at the airport. Its CEO Scott Kirby said the airline lost innumerable bookings amid the disruptions and that the company is going to slash prices to try to convince customers to go back to Newark.

A ticket price is “going to be the cheapest it’s probably ever going to be in history,” he told the Wall Street Journal during a live event. “I don’t really like that, but you ought to book.”

Kirby said Thursday that many passengers had chosen to go to the other major airports in the region, John F. Kennedy and LaGuardia in New York City, instead.

But customers who want to fly United out of JFK will soon have an easier time. The company also announced Thursday that it is partnering with JetBlue (JBLU), allowing customers to book JetBlue flights out of JFK through United.

“This collaboration with United is a bold step forward for the industry — one that brings together two customer-focused airlines to deliver more choices for travelers and value across our networks,” JetBlue CEO Joanna Geraghty said in a news release.

Ben Kesslen

Guadalajara Convention And Visitors Bureau Shares 2025 PRIDE Events

From parades and live performances to art showcases and cultural festivals, this LGBTQ+ friendly city welcomes the world to experience its inclusive heart

The birthplace of iconic heritage including mariachi, tequila and charrería, Guadalajara is renowned as a premier destination for inclusive travel and home to one of the largest Pride festivals in Latin America. With a dynamic calendar of events slated for June 7 – 14, 2025, the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau shares some of the city’s most anticipated celebrations that spotlight the Mexican city’s thriving community of LGBTQ+ owned businesses and deep commitment to equality.

Pride Week Events

Guadalajara Pride 2025 will feature two major parades. On Saturday, June 7, the Marcha del Orgullo GDL steps off at 3 p.m. from the statue of La Minerva, the Roman goddess of wisdom and strategic warfare, and moves through the city under the theme “Breaking Barriers, Building Dreams,” with a focus on accessibility and inclusion for LGBTQ+ individuals with disabilities. The official Guadalajara Pride Parade will take place on Saturday, June 14, starting at 3:00p.m. This special edition of the march will begin at Andador Alcalde in downtown and conclude at the iconic Minerva roundabout around 10:00p.m. For the first time ever, this year’s parade is designed as a sunset celebration and is primed to be one of the most memorable yet. Attendees can look forward to an amazing concert and surprises throughout the route and enjoy the evening at the Pride Fair at the Arcos Minerva parks.

Between both parades, a week of cultural programming takes place across the city, including art exhibitions, film screenings, panel discussions and nightlife. A standout is the Marica Festival, running June 13-14 at the Roxy Room, showcasing live music and performances that bring together the LGBTQ+ community and allies in celebration.

A Leading Destination for LGBTQ+ Travelers

Guadalajara’s emergence as a leading destination for inclusive travel is supported by meaningful policies and national recognition. State-level anti-discrimination protections and marriage equality have helped shape a welcoming environment. In 2018, the state introduced the role of Director of Sexual Diversity to further support LGBTQ+ residents and visitors. With continued backing on national levels and strong community leadership, the city attracts travelers seeking both culture and inclusion.

The city is also home to more than 50 LGBTQ+ businesses, from bars and cafés to boutiques and salons, most of which are in Zona Centro along Avenida Prisciliano Sanchez. In 2023, Guadalajara made international headlines as a co-host of the Gay Games XI, the world’s largest LGBTQ+ sporting and cultural event. The city also maintains membership in the International Gay and Lesbian Travel Association (IGLTA), underscoring its commitment to safe and inclusive travel.

“Guadalajara is an international reference point for LGBTQ+ travelers thanks to progressive efforts and authentic partnerships with like-minded organizations that have enhanced the visibility of this vibrant community,” said Gustavo Staufert, CEO of the Guadalajara Convention and Visitors Bureau. “We want travelers of all orientations and all corners of the world to experience our inclusive sporting events, museums, galleries, and nightlife, because Guadalajara is a city that takes great pride in creating spaces where everyone feels welcomed and celebrated.”

Faces and Places Behind Guadalajara’s LGBTQ+ Scene

Guadalajara’s LGBTQ+ culture is driven by local artists and entrepreneurs who have built spaces that reflect the city’s creative energy. Among them is Alex Serratos, an advocate and business owner who helped secure Guadalajara’s role as a co-host of the Gay Games XI. His ventures include Antiturista, a socially focused city guide spotlighting LGBTQ+ owned and friendly businesses and tours, as well as the welcoming restaurants Banda Pizza and Peligro al Fondo, which is especially popular for its weekly drag shows and weekend nightlife.

Guadalajara is also home to a thriving drag scene, with queens like Jenary Bloom and Horacio Potasio, who appeared on Drag Race México, and Cristian Peralta, winner of the show’s first season. Venues such as Xiquito Baresito host standout drag performances, showcasing local talent.

For more information about Guadalajara, please visit https://gotoguadalajara.com/.

Global Universities Seek To Lure US-Bound Students Amid Trump Crackdown

Universities around the world are seeking to offer refuge for students impacted by U.S. President Donald Trump's crackdown on academic institutions, targeting top talent and a slice of the billions of dollars in academic revenue in the United States.

Osaka University, one of the top ranked in Japan, is offering tuition fee waivers, research grants and help with travel arrangements for students and researchers at U.S. institutions who want to transfer.

Japan's Kyoto University and Tokyo University are also considering similar schemes, while Hong Kong has instructed its universities to attract top talent from the United States. China's Xi’an Jiaotong University has appealed for students at Harvard, singled out in Trump's crackdown, promising "streamlined" admissions and "comprehensive" support.

Trump's administration has enacted massive funding cuts for academic research, curbed visas for foreign students - especially those from China - and plans to hike taxes on elite schools.

Trump alleges top U.S. universities are cradles of anti-American movements. In a dramatic escalation, his administration last week revoked Harvard's ability to enrol foreign students, a move later blocked by a federal judge.

Masaru Ishii, dean of the graduate school of medicine at Osaka University, described the impact on U.S. universities as "a loss for all of humanity".

Japan aims to ramp up its number of foreign students to 400,000 over the next decade, from around 337,000 currently.

Jessica Turner, CEO of Quacquarelli Symonds, a London-based analytics firm that ranks universities globally, said other leading universities around the world were trying to attract students unsure of going to the United States.

Germany, France and Ireland are emerging as particularly attractive alternatives in Europe, she said, while in the Asia-Pacific, New Zealand, Singapore, Hong Kong, South Korea, Japan, and mainland China are rising in profile.

SWITCHING SCHOOLS

Chinese students have been particularly targeted in Trump's crackdown, with U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio on Wednesday pledging to "aggressively" crack down on their visas.

More than 275,000 Chinese students are enrolled in hundreds of U.S. colleges, providing a major source of revenue for the schools and a crucial pipeline of talent for U.S. technology companies.

International students - 54% of them from India and China - contributed more than $50 billion to the U.S. economy in 2023, according to the U.S. Department of Commerce.

Trump's crackdown comes at a critical period in the international student application process, as many young people prepare to travel to the U.S. in August to find accommodation and settle in before term starts.

Dai, 25, a Chinese student based in Chengdu, had planned to head to the U.S. to complete her master's but is now seriously considering taking up an offer in Britain instead.

"The various policies (by the U.S. government) were a slap in my face," she said, requesting to be identified only by her surname for privacy reasons. "I'm thinking about my mental health and it’s possible that I indeed change schools."

Students from Britain and the European Union are also now more hesitant to apply to U.S. universities, said Tom Moon, deputy head of consultancy at Oxbridge Applications, which helps students in their university applications.

He said many international students currently enrolled at U.S. universities were now contacting the consultancy to discuss transfer options to Canada, the UK and Europe.

According to a survey the consultancy ran earlier this week, 54% of its clients said they were now "less likely" to enrol at an American university than they were at the start of the year.

There has been an uptick in applications to British universities from prospective students in the U.S., said Universities UK, an organisation that promotes British institutions. It cautioned, however, that it was too early to say whether that translates into more students enrolling.

REPUTATIONAL EFFECTS

Ella Ricketts, an 18-year-old first year student at Harvard from Canada, said she receives a generous aid package paid for by the school's donors and is concerned that she won't be able to afford other options if forced to transfer.

"Around the time I was applying to schools, the only university across the Atlantic I considered was Oxford... However, I realised that I would not be able to afford the international tuition and there was no sufficient scholarship or financial aid available," she said.

If Harvard's ability to enrol foreign students is revoked, she would most likely apply to the University of Toronto, she said.

Analytics firm QS said overall visits to its 'Study in America' online guide have declined by 17.6% in the last year — with interest from India alone down over 50%.

"Measurable impacts on enrolment typically emerge within six to 18 months. Reputational effects, however, often linger far longer, particularly where visa uncertainty and shifting work rights play into perceptions of risk versus return," said QS' Turner.

That reputational risk, and the ensuing brain drain, could be even more damaging for U.S. institutions than the immediate economic hit from students leaving. "If America turns these brilliant and talented students away, they will find other places to work and study," said Caleb Thompson, a 20-year-old U.S. student at Harvard, who lives with eight international scholars.

By Laurie Chen, Larissa Liao, Sam Tabahriti and John Geddie

American Airlines Now Offers TSA PreCheck Touchless ID For AAdvantage Members At Select Airports

Starting May 29, AAdvantage® members traveling through Ronald Reagan Washington National Airport (DCA), LaGuardia Airport (LGA), Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL) and Salt Lake City International Airport (SLC) will be eligible to enjoy a streamlined process at Transportation Security Administration (TSA) airport security checkpoints through TSA PreCheck® Touchless ID.

This program provides eligible members who choose to participate with the ability to move through security with ease at select airports. After an identity match compares a customer’s image to photos they previously provided to the government, such as those in a passport, Global Entry or a visa card, the customer will be able to move through security faster with ease.

“We’re examining every aspect of the customer experience,” said Heather Garboden, American’s Chief Customer Officer. “TSA Precheck® Touchless ID helps streamline our customers’ travel experience and makes travel with us even more enjoyable. We look forward to it becoming available to even more customers in the coming months.”

Expansion will continue at airports across the system in the coming months in close collaboration with TSA, with a focus on hub airports.

A simple process for AAdvantage members

Before travel, AAdvantage® members, 18 years and older, will be prompted to opt in by providing the following to confirm their eligibility:

AAdvantage® number

Valid passport information

Known Traveler Number (KTN)

Members can opt in anytime in their AAdvantage® profile on aa.com. They will only have to renew enrollment once per year and may choose to not participate and use their ID at any time. AAdvantage® members will receive more information about new participating airports.