One of the few conveniences when traveling is the capability to watch movies or listen to music. Traveling is indeed stressful, particularly traveling by air. You have sat still for a very long time during travel. Headphones keep you engaged with a podcast or movie while you are traveling for long hours on a flight. It can be a great advantage whenever you are boarding a flight. Others even say that headphones help with airplane pressure.
Some people raise questions like: Can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane? Do Bluetooth works on airplanes? Don’t worry everything will be explained. Well, in this post I’m gonna share with you more information regarding that concern.
Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones On A Plane?
The simple answer is yes! We can use Bluetooth headphones on airplanes, but they may be subject to certain limitations. Some devices like mobile phones usually need to be in airplane mode and headphones may not be available during takeoff and landing, but this changes by destination and airline.
With the appearance of new technology and constant advancement, with Bluetooth built into almost everything, along with keyboards, Airpods, and other top-of-the-line wireless headphones, airlines and the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) have changed their approach and are now utilizing all sorts of Bluetooth devices allowed during the flight.
Why Are Headphones Not Allowed During Takeoff And Landing?
The primary reason passengers are not allowed to use headphones during takeoff and landing is that you need to be able to hear all announcements. Follow the crew’s instructions in case of emergencies. Airlines are normally concerned about headphone cables obstructing movement during an evacuation, but there is no problem if you’re using Bluetooth wireless headphones.
How Can You Use Wireless Headphones On A Plane?
It’s quite simple, put your phone or device into airplane mode. This will disable cellular connections or cellular data, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth. You can then turn on Bluetooth or WiFi as required. Switching on Bluetooth doesn’t take your mobile phone out of flight mode.
As mentioned below, all airlines allow Bluetooth in the United States. Some airlines may require you not to use headphones during takeoff and landing. Just to ensure you are ready in case of an emergency.
Can You Use Any Bluetooth Devices On Board?
There’s no problem with using Bluetooth on a plane, with the most widely Bluetooth devices like a mouse/keyboard, laptops, or phones. Remember that, the same rules apply. It means that you are not able to utilize these devices during landing and takeoff. Manually enable Bluetooth on devices like phones and laptops once you have enabled airplane mode.
Airlines Allow Bluetooth Headphones On Planes
The last say on whether to use Bluetooth headphones on a flight depends on the airline you fly with. Let’s check on the most known airlines’ rules below:
American Airlines
It’s allowed to use Bluetooth headphones, but not during the takeoff and landing. They have an inflight entertainment app that you can watch on your phone/tablet together with your Bluetooth headphones.
British Airways
Bluetooth headphones are authorized, but not during the takeoff and landing. You are not able to use Bluetooth headphones together with their inflight entertainment system.
Delta
Though Delta is adding Bluetooth support for their inflight entertainment systems, it still isn’t available yet on most flights, so you will be able to use it only with wired headphones. Bluetooth headphones are allowed, but not during the takeoff and landing.
Emirates
Emirates is among the few airlines to offer Bluetooth connectivity for its in-flight entertainment system on most flights. Bluetooth headphones may be used but must be put away during takeoff, landing, and safety information.
Lufthansa
Lufthansa is one of the several airlines that allow the use of Bluetooth headphones and wireless devices while flying. Your headphones stay on all the time, during takeoff and landing.
Here are other airlines that allow you to carry and use Bluetooth headphones on a plane:
- Ryanair
- Southwest Airlines
- JetBlue
- Alaska Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- Air Canada
- Air France
- Allegiant Air
- EasyJet
- Frontier Airlines
- Qantas Airlines
- WestJet
Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones With An Inflight Entertainment System?
On long trips, airlines offer in-flight entertainment services that let you watch the latest movies on the built-in screens in the front seats. The problem, however, is that most in-flight entertainment systems use an AUX cable for audio and not Bluetooth. To observe airline etiquette, you’ll need to use wired headphones or use the ones your airline provides.
Can You Charge Bluetooth Headphones On A Plane?
You’ll be able to access a couple of USB ports to charge your devices depending on the airline you will be flying with. Sadly, most older flights don’t have any USB ports. You could charge your headphones through a laptop or a power bank. American Airlines, Delta, Alaska Airlines, JetBlue, and United flights are more probably to have USB ports.
Bottom Line
Generally, every airline has its own rules. Consider speaking to a person from the specific airline you will be flying with regarding that concern before you board. Most airlines allow you to carry and use Bluetooth headphones and wireless devices.
