Top 10 Airline Boarding Tracks Unveiled
You might think I’m nuts, but as an aviation enthusiast, airlines aren’t just on my mind when I’m hopscotching across time zones. Nope, they’re right there with me at home too, especially through that often-unnoticed hero of the skies: airline boarding music. Wait, seriously? Boarding music at home? Yes! And once you’ve lent an ear to a few of these tracks, you might just get where I’m coming from.
The Best Airline Boarding Music
Okay, I might be unique, but the tunes airlines pump out during boarding hold a special spot in my heart. We tend to link music with memories—be it the soundtrack of a pivotal life moment or tunes that capture a certain vibe. For an ardent flyer like myself who equates traveling with countless memories, it’s hard to ignore the ambience set by boarding music. It can really tune your mood, setting the stage for a calming flight.
If there’s a soundtrack to my flights, I’m acutely aware of it. For many, boarding is a cacophony of stressed travelers and overhead bins, but cue the right melody and suddenly the chaos softens. More airlines are updating their playlists, rolling out fresh tunes to match their latest offerings. If you’re wrenching away at a home office, or can afford to play music on the job, these tracks make stellar background music. They’re soothing without demanding center stage.
Now, without further ado, let’s unravel my favorite airline boarding tracks. Spoiler: they overlap quite a bit with my list of top airline brands.
1. Qatar Airways
Qatar Airways jazzed things up with new boarding music as they welcomed their plush Qsuites. It’s not just a single track but a full-fledged trilogy crafted by Qatari virtuoso Dana Al Fardan. Titles like “The Awakening,” “The Dawn,” and “The Ascent” drift seamlessly through your eardrums, blanketing you with calm. It’s genuinely hard to pick a favorite—they all offer something special.
If you’re onboard with Qatar and fancy a deep dive, they’ve got a 15-minute video dedicated to Al Fardan in their entertainment lineup. Worth the watch, I say.
2. Cathay Pacific
Come 2024, Cathay Pacific rolled out its latest aural gem, dubbed “Song of Cathay.” It’s got all the heart and soul of Hong Kong wrapped in musical form. Partners with sound legends Sixième Son, Cathay’s atmospheric offerings certainly struck a chord on my recent jaunts.
3. Etihad Airways
Etihad breaks onto the list with not one, but three groovy generations of boarding music. The old school tune is still my go-to jam for focused crafting. The newer vibes don’t disappoint, but that classic tune? A masterpiece in its own right. Got introduced to another track in 2021, which didn’t quite steal the spotlight, but stood its ground nonetheless.
4. Singapore Airlines
When it comes to serenity, Singapore Airlines captures that essence perfectly. While their melodies don’t spring with the pep of others, their calming prowess is second to none. Oh, and if you’re Spotify savvy, Singapore Airlines drops entire playlists to set the mood whether you’re boarding or lounging.
5. Qantas
Qantas isn’t exactly my soulmate in the sky, but hats off to them for their breathtakingly peaceful boarding track. It’s an Australian creation courtesy of maestro Haydn Walker and guitarist Nathan Cavaleri—perfect for unwinding.
6. Emirates Airline
Ah, Emirates! Forever fondly remembered for their old boarding tunes. These days, their system feeds on contemporary hits, but those cherished melodies still evoke nostalgia every time I think of stepping onto an Emirates A380. An iconic sonic flashback worth cherishing.
7. All Nippon Airways
Just imagine yourself perched in an ANA first class seat, Japan looming on the horizon. That’s the magic of ANA’s soundtrack. It’s transportive—every note gets me, and probably you too, closer to Japan.
8. Oman Air
Gulf carriers undeniably hit the boarding music sweet spot. Oman Air whisks you into relaxation, harking back to my fond memories of soaring amidst calm and clouds.
9. Turkish Airlines
Okay, confession time. This isn’t exactly boarding music. It’s the infamous Turkish Airlines hold tune—a melody that, love it or loathe it, worms into your memory. Caution: it might loop continuously in your mind, well past the call.
That said, their actual boarding track isn’t half-bad either.
10. Japan Airlines
The vocals might throw you off if you’re working, but Japan Airlines’ themed “I Will Be There With You” is no less captivating. Launched alongside their 777-300ER to the States, it’s a song steeped in history—much like Japan Airlines themselves, ever-evolving with their newest A350-1000.
Bottom Line
So there you have it. I’ve been a disciple of airline boarding music at home for ages. It’s like sprinkling calm over chaos—perfect for a working backdrop. These tracks are a fixture in my routine, a near-daily serenade that creates peace as I tackle the to-do list.
Drop me a line on your preferred boarding tracks! And yes, links to these auditory wonders are always welcome in my ever-evolving playlist.