I’ve been using wireless Bluetooth headphones on every flight I’ve taken for a few years now and I’ve never had any issues. I always thought that they might be banned, but to be honest, I didn’t care too much. I mean, the worst thing that could happen is a flight attendant would tell me to turn them off.
I also bring regular wired earbuds with me, just in case the battery runs out, but I rarely use them. My Bluetooth headphones offer much deeper sound and they’re better at canceling noise. I’m sure a lot of people can relate to that!
In this article, we’ll cover these topics:
- Are Bluetooth headphones allowed on planes;
- What are the rules for different airline regulators and the most popular airlines;
- Do Bluetooth headphones work with devices in airline mode;
- How to connect wireless headphones to the in-flight entertainment system to watch movies;
- Which noise-canceling headphones are the best for airplanes.
Can You Use Wireless Bluetooth Headphones on a Plane?
Do Bluetooth headphones even work on airplanes? The short answer is yes, they work, and you can use Bluetooth headphones on most flights. Bluetooth headphones are considered to be a short-range Bluetooth device, similar to Bluetooth keyboards. The aircraft interference from short-term Bluetooth devices is minimal, so most of the time, they’re allowed.
That said, some airlines and airline regulators don’t allow using any Bluetooth devices on flights. For instance, you won’t be able to use Bluetooth headphones on some Canadian flights. And while some airlines allow using Bluetooth headphones during the takeoff and landing, some will ask you to switch them off during the flight.
But in general, my advice would be to just take them anyway and pack a pair of wired earbuds just in case. The worst-case scenario would be that the flight attendant will ask you to switch off your Bluetooth headphones. You won’t get into any trouble. Just be respectful and turn them off if anyone asks you to rather than arguing.
What About Airpods?
AirPods works similarly to other Bluetooth headphones. The only thing you’re truly paying for is the name. They do have some interesting features such as pausing when you take one pod out and automatically resuming sound when you put it back in. They also use Bluetooth connections so if the airline you’re using doesn’t allow Bluetooth devices, you won’t be able to use them at all.
Your AirPods will work on a plane and you can easily connect to the Wi-Fi and watch on-light entertainment through them, too. You will have to buy an adapter that needs to be charged separately, though. As far as I can tell, there aren’t any airlines that won’t allow you to use them during a flight but you likely will be told to take them off during take-off and landing.
Why Can’t Headphones Be Worn During Take-Off and Landing?
The main reason that you’re not allowed to use headphones during take-off and landings is that you need to be able to hear the crew and other announcements. If there is an emergency, you need to be able to hear instructions and directions from crew members. Usually, the airlines are worried about headset cables obstructing movements in case of evacuation though this isn’t an issue with Bluetooth headphones. Make sure that your cellular device is in airplane mode as cellular data is still forbidden! The reason for this is because our phones use Wi-Fi or short radio transmitters to send and receive data. This can interfere with communication and navigation systems on the plane. Though it’s hard to say exactly how much these devices cause interference, the FAA has decided to stay on the safe side and ban the use of cellphones that arent on airplane mode during flights.
Which Airlines Allow Using Bluetooth Headphones on Planes?
The final decision for using Bluetooth headphones on flights is based on which airline you’re flying with. Let’s take a look at some of the more popular airline’s rules here.
American Airlines
Bluetooth headphones are allowed, but not during the takeoff and landing.
Delta
Bluetooth headphones are allowed, but not during the takeoff and landing.
United Airlines
Bluetooth headphones are allowed during the whole flight.
Southwest airlines
Bluetooth headphones are allowed, but not during the takeoff and landing.
JetBlue
Bluetooth headphones are allowed during the whole flight.
Alaska Airlines
Bluetooth headphones are allowed during the whole flight.
Spirit Airlines
Bluetooth headphones are allowed during the whole flight.
Air Canada
Bluetooth headphones are allowed during the whole flight but only once the plane gets to the height of 10, 000 feet, and the battery must be removable.
Lufthansa
Bluetooth headphones are allowed during the whole flight.
Air France
Bluetooth headphones are allowed during the whole flight.
Ryanair
Bluetooth headphones are allowed during the whole flight.
British Airways
Bluetooth headphones are allowed, but not during the takeoff and landing.
What Do Different Airline Regulators Say About Using Bluetooth Headphones?
Airline regulators each cover a different region, which is why it’s important to understand their rules when flying internationally. For instance, on a flight to China, you’ll be allowed to use Bluetooth headphones during the largest part of the flight. But you’ll be asked to switch them off when you enter China, where Bluetooth devices aren’t allowed on planes. Make sure that you know what to expect on your flights!
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)
The FAA controls the U.S. airspace, which means that the following rules apply to all flights operating within the U.S. In 2013, the FAA made some positive changes in electronic device usage during flights. Short-range Bluetooth devices, such as wireless keyboards and Bluetooth headphones can be used during the whole flight, including takeoff and landing.
Keep in mind that the only items that are restricted are devices that use a cellular connection (mobile phones, smartwatches, laptops) therefore they must be in airplane mode at all times. You might find that some airlines don’t follow these guidelines and don’t allow using Bluetooth headphones during the takeoff and landing. If you’re asked to remove your Bluetooth headset, it’s best to do so without an argument. Always bring backup, wired headphones!
TCCA (Transport Canada Civil Aviation)
Transport Canada says that transmitting electronic devices shouldn’t be used on airplanes, but some are okay to use. They haven’t specifically mentioned Bluetooth devices, and they say that the final decision rests with the specific airline. So if you’re flying within Canada, you should check with the airline you’ll be flying with.
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
IATA, which essentially governs the rest of the world (82% of total air traffic,) hasn’t mentioned Bluetooth headphones specifically. However, IATA prohibits Bluetooth usage during critical stages of the flight, such as takeoff and landing, which means that you shouldn’t use Bluetooth headphones during the critical stages of the flight.
Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones with In-Flight Entertainment to Watch Movies?
On longer flights, airlines offer in-flight entertainment services, where you can watch the latest movies through the built-in screen in the front seat. I don’t go to the cinema that often, so I usually use this chance to watch the latest movies that aren’t available on Netflix.
Unfortunately, the built-in entertainment systems usually are quite outdated, and you can’t connect them to your Bluetooth headphones. Most of them still use the two-pin AUX input, which means that you’re stuck with the headphones provided by the airline. However, you’ll be happy to know there is a hack for this.
Some airlines, such as American Airlines, offer entertainment apps that you can download on your device and use through the airplane’s Wi-Fi. If you download this app, you’ll be able to use your Bluetooth headphones without any tech-savvy hacks. Bear in mind that only some airlines offer this, which is why most of the time, you’ll have to use Bluetooth transmitters to connect your Bluetooth headphones.
Do Bluetooth Headphones Work with Phones on Airplane Mode?
Bluetooth is considered a transmitting signal, which is why some devices switch off Bluetooth as soon as you press “Airplane mode.” That’s why a lot of people think that Bluetooth headphones won’t work while the phone is in Airplane mode. However, you should still be able to switch Bluetooth back on by clicking the Bluetooth icon once again.
Here’s how you do that:
iOS (Apple Devices)
On Apple devices, turning the Airplane mode on won’t switch off Bluetooth. It used to be a problem but they fixed that issue with the introduction of Apple Airpods.
Android
On Android devices (Samsung, Huawei, Xiaomi, LG, Google, OnePlus) switching the Airplane mode on will turn off Bluetooth. You can enable it once again opening up the phone settings and switching Bluetooth back on (Click on the grayed-out Bluetooth icon, so that it turns blue once again.) This will enable Bluetooth once again, and the airplane mode will still be turned on.
Read Next: Everything You Need to Know About Traveling with Laptops and PC’s
Which Are the Best Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headphones for Travel?
Noise-canceling headphones work miracles on planes. Not only will you be able to listen to movies and music on a much deeper level, but they’re also great for sleeping on planes. I usually turn up some relaxing background noises in my noise-canceling headphones and start to fall asleep almost immediately. Without them, I have trouble sleeping, especially if I’m sitting close to children.
Almost everyone agrees that either Sony or Bose makes the best noise-canceling headphones. Two popular models, in particular, get featured almost everywhere as the best possible choices. Although they’re really expensive, they’re well worth the price. Let’s take a look at both of these options so you can decide which one will suit your personal needs!
1. Sony WH1000XM3 Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Headphones
On the side of these headphones, you’ll find that they have built-in touch support. For instance, if you’re listening to music, and suddenly need to stop and talk to someone, just move your hand over the touch panel, and the music will stop. You’ll start to hear everything without taking the headphones off! They also come with built-in Alexa support.
They’re also very convenient for traveling. They come with an audio cable and a two-pin adapter for the older airplane entertainment systems. You can also fold them up and store them in an organized bag, that also holds the charger, audio jack, and the adapter. The battery boasts 30-hours of use and they also come with quick-charge which charges 5 hours of juice in just 10 minutes.
To purchase: Amazon
2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headphones
They come with built-in Alexa support and very impressive noise-canceling hardware. Instead of having a touch control system that comes with Sony, the Bose headphones are controlled with buttons or voice. Overall, they’re very comfortable and slightly lighter than the Sony WH1000XM3 headphones. The batter life isn’t as impressive at only a 20-hour battery, but many people said that they’ll last longer, closer to 25 hours.
The Bose headphones are also foldable and come with a nice case that’s great for traveling. You’ll also find an audio wire in the case, but unfortunately, there aren’t any two-pin adapters included, which means that you won’t be able to connect to older airplane entertainment systems. I prefer the Sony WH1000XM3 headphones over Bose QuietComfort 35 II. It doesn’t matter which ones you get, because both of them are damn-near perfect for traveling on airplanes!
To purchase: Amazon
Final Words
In the end, each airline will have its own rules when it comes to Bluetooth headsets. If you want to be proactive to make sure that you won’t come across any issues on your flight, consider calling and speaking to someone from your specific airline to get the green light before you board. Most airlines will allow you to use Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods.
You might find that the crew will ask you to remove your headphones during taxiing, takeoff, and touch down so make sure that you listen to their instructions! When it comes to the best Bluetooth headphones on the market, you’ll find nothing but glowing reviews for Sony WH1000XM3 Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Headphones, though Bose QuietComfort 35 II is still a solid option. Both of these were basically made for travelers so you can’t go wrong!
