The Best Airline Boarding Music: Here Are My 9 Picks

Being an aviation geek, I think about my favorite airlines not only while flying but also at home. Listening to airline boarding music is one of my most consistent ways I incorporate my favorite airlines into my everyday life. Although it may sound crazy to some to listen to airline music while on the road, you might find some inspiration by these tracks.
The best airline boarding music

Although I'm a strangeo, I have a real passion for music from airlines. Music can be a way for us to associate many memories, depending on the music we were listening to at the time. Or because different music can sum up different moods.

Being obsessed with flying and reliving many memories, I am always struck by the boarding music used by airlines. It's a subtle touch that sets the tone for a flight.

Nearly every time, I can recall the boarding music that airlines use. Many people find boarding stressful. A good soundtrack can help to set the mood for a relaxed flight.

For a few reasons, I wanted to create an updated list of my top airline boarding music.

People who have been working remotely since the outbreak of the pandemic feel that some music can help them be more productive. For most people, the music from the airline boarding music is great for this purpose. It's meant to be soothing and not distracting.

This is a great way for many to remember our favorite airlines.

Let's get that out of the way. Here is a list of my favourite airline boarding music (interestingly, there's a lot of overlap between this list & my list of best airline brands).

1. Qatar Airways

This boarding music was introduced by Qatar Airways a few years back, to coincide with Qsuites' introduction. However, I find it so relaxing and calming! Dana Al Fardan, a local Qatari composer is featured in the boarding music.

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2. Etihad Airways

Etihad is next on my list, as the Abu Dhabi-based airline has two generations of incredible boarding music. I personally prefer Etihad's boarding music, which dates back several years ago. This is the track that I use while working.

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However, the more recent track is also great.

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3. Qantas

Although Qantas is not an airline that I have felt a strong emotional connection with, it does have soothing music on board, which I find a great track to listen to when I'm trying to relax or work. Haydn Walker, an Australian composer, and Nathan Cavaleri, a guitarist, created the soundtrack.

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4. Emirates Airline

Although I still love the old Emirates boarding music, unfortunately they no longer play it. Emirates now plays radio hits which I find incomparable. It was so easy to step onto an Emirates A380 and hear the following music.

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5. All Nippon Airways

Listening to the track below makes me close my eyes, and I imagine myself boarding ANA First Class with endless thanks for waiting and many sorry apologies. Japan is so beautiful!

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6. Oman Air

Yes, Gulf carriers do get the boarding music right. I love flying with Oman Air, but especially the Muscat-based carriers' boarding music.

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7. Turkish Airlines

Although this isn't actually boarding music I cannot talk about airline music without mentioning Turkish Airlines insanely addictive (and probably in a bad way) hold music.

PSA: LISTEN AT YOUR OWN DISCRETION. The music could be stuck in your head for several weeks.

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Turkish boarding music isn't bad at all, in all honesty.

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8. Singapore Airlines

The music of Singapore Airlines is beautiful. It is not as upbeat or as relaxing as other boarding music, but it is still beautiful.

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9. Japan Airlines

It's not the most pleasant music to listen to, but it is a great song. Japan Airlines uses a theme song called "I Will Be There with You" during boarding. It was created by Katharine McPhee, David Foster and launched in conjunction with Japan Airlines' 777-300ER flight to the United States.

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Bottom line

Since years, I have been listening to airline music on my home stereo. It's relaxing music that isn't distracting and great for working to. There are many great tracks available. I listen to it for at least two hours every day while working.

OMAAT readers would love to share their favorite boarding music! Please include links to the songs. I would love to add more music into my playlist.