Rough Trade Hi Altitude

In an exciting and innovative move, Rough Trade is partnering with leading airlines to launch groundbreaking initiative Rough Trade Hi Altitude.

The new partnership aims to bring the in-store experience to the skies, allowing passengers the unique opportunity to shop vinyl while flying over land, sea, and beyond - making it possible for music lovers to discover and purchase records thousands of feet above the earth.

Taking off this summer, Rough Trade Hi Altitude will be available on select international flights, offering travellers the chance to browse, sample and shop a diverse selection of vinyl albums directly from their seats. Whether you're crossing the Atlantic, heading to Asia, or embarking on a cross-continental journey, you’ll be able to flip through and sample a curated catalog of records while soaring through the clouds.

"We're always looking for fresh, exciting ways to connect people with music, and Rough Trade Hi Altitude is the perfect extension of our mission. Vinyl has always been about more than just music - it's about the experience, the discovery, and the culture. With this partnership, we’re taking that experience to new heights, literally. Rough Trade Hi Altitude will allow passengers to shop for vinyl while flying over some of the world’s most iconic landscapes!"

Nigel House, Director

The In-Flight Vinyl Experience

Accessible through the airline’s in-flight entertainment system, Rough Trade Hi Altitude gives passengers the ability to explore a range of albums, from the latest releases to exclusive Limited Edition vinyl and special Rough Trade Exclusive pressings. Once you've selected a release, purchasing it is as simple as navigating the interactive menu and completing the transaction. The records will then be shipped directly to your destination or home, ensuring your precious vinyl arrives safely after your flight.

"We wanted to bring the Rough Trade experience to a new, global audience in a way that truly reflects our commitment to vinyl and music culture. Flying has always been about the journey. Now, passengers can make the journey even more exciting by discovering the perfect soundtrack to their travels. Rough Trade Hi Altitude is a celebration of the joy of vinyl, wherever you are in the world."

Sam Allison, Head of Events and Partnerships

An Exclusive Vinyl Shopping Experience

The onboard record store will feature not just the latest big names, but rare and exclusive releases as well as the best up and coming new artists, making it the perfect destination for collectors and music fans looking for something unique. Each flight will feature a tailored selection of albums, ensuring that every musical taste is catered to - from indie and rock to jazz, soul, and electronic. Whether you’re an avid vinyl collector or simply someone who appreciates the rich sound of analog records, Rough Trade Hi Altitude promises a bespoke shopping experience that transforms a long flight into a musical adventure.

Bringing Vinyl to New Heights

Vinyl has seen a resurgence in popularity over the past decade, and Rough Trade Hi Altitude is taking that trend to the skies. As more travellers seek unique and memorable experiences, Rough Trade’s innovative partnership with airlines reflects the changing ways in which we interact with music. Rough Trade Hi Altitude not only brings a piece of the storied record store to the air, but also continues to redefine what it means to connect music lovers with the world of vinyl.

Early Acclaim from the Air Transport Sector

The launch of Rough Trade Hi Altitude has been met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the airline industry, with British carrier Anarchy in the Skies hailing it as "a game-changer for music-loving jet setters who crave more than just duty-free snacks at 35,000 feet." Meanwhile, US airline I Wanna Be Sedated Airways called the initiative "the most punk thing to happen to air travel since the mile-high mohawk," emphasising its commitment to keeping the in-flight experience as rebellious and culture-driven as its brand. Both airlines are set to roll out the service on select international routes this summer, promising passengers a journey where the soundtrack is as epic as the destination.

Rough Trade Hi Altitude will be available on select flights from early Summer 2025, with more airlines and routes to be added in the future.