The result is a collection of songs that speaks to the nature of travel and warmth of human connection.

[5][6] Reitman asked Chicago-based musician Sad Brad Smith to compose a song for the film after hearing him play in a Chicago coffee shop.

[7]There was strong Oscar buzz for the song,[8] but it was pulled from consideration by Paramount Pictures due to technicalities required by the Academy, which some deemed arbitrary.

[11] Kevin Renick wrote the song "Up in the Air" two years prior to knowing that Reitman was working on a film adaptation to the book.

"The song is about uncertainty, disconnection and loneliness, while alluding to career transition," Renick explained.