Can You Use Wireless Bluetooth Headphones on Planes?

Traveling by air can be stressful. It is not always easy to pass the time during air travel, and you have to sit for a long time. The only way to pass the time is by listening to music, watching a movie, or other digital entertainment to keep you busy. So, this brings the question: can you use wireless Bluetooth headphones on planes. Are there set rules and restrictions against Bluetooth headphones you should be aware of? The answer is yes: you can comfortably wear Bluetooth headphones, and they will work without causing any interference.

Whenever you are boarding a flight, headphones can be a great asset. Headphones will keep you engaged before reaching your destination.

Let’s have an in-depth look at using Bluetooth headphones on a plane and discuss more about restrictions or any set rules you should know about.

Can You Use Bluetooth Wireless Bluetooth Headphones or any Wireless Device Inside a Plane?

Bluetooth headphones with a battery life of more than 2 hours will offer you high-quality audio until the end of your flight. They are simple to use, and you won’t bother anyone with a mess of wires. Bluetooth headphones are designed to connect within seconds, and they offer you the flexibility to move around with them without carrying your phone.

Other than headphones, you might have other wireless devices, such as smartwatches, wireless keyboards, and laptops. Switching off these devices whenever boarding a plane is not practical, but do you have to switch them off? Luckily, nowadays, you are not required to do so anymore. Bluetooth headphones and similar devices using Bluetooth connections are considered “short-range devices”.

Short-range devices have no major impact on aircraft operations, and for the most part, these devices are allowed to be used inside a plane. However, some airlines have restrictions and rules that must be followed. They won’t permit you to use these Bluetooth wireless devices during takeoff and landing.

So, buy a headphone that uses an AUX cord. Still, you can pack AirPods because they are similar to Bluetooth headphones. Their rules remain the same, but you can only use them when a flight attendant clears you.

Why are You Restricted From Wearing Headphones During Take-Off and Landing?

Well, the answer to this question is just simple. You aren’t permitted to use headphones during takeoff, and landing is for you to hear announcements. With your headphones on, it can be tricky to listen to instructions. Moreover, headset cables can obstruct passengers while trying to evacuate the plane in an emergency. But with Bluetooth headphones, this is not an issue.

Are There Airlines that Allow the Use of Bluetooth Headphones?

The decision whether or not you will use the pair of your headphones is determined by the airlines. However, investing in noise-canceling headphones is necessary, especially for frequent travelers who love listening to music or enjoying a movie while traveling. But before you purchase your new pair, it is good to know which airlines will allow you to use the Bluetooth headphones on the airplane. Below, we will talk about several airlines and their set rules regarding Bluetooth headphones.

United Airlines

In United Airlines, Bluetooth headphones are permitted during the whole flight. Up to now, you won’t be able to use Bluetooth headphones with their entertainment systems. However, some flights allow you to use their app for streaming. Currently, United Airlines are upgrading its entertainment systems to support Bluetooth.

British Airways

British airways also allow the use of Bluetooth headphones. However, they restrict them during takeoff and landing. Besides, Bluetooth headphones do not work with the flight’s entertainment system.

Delta

Another airline allows Bluetooth headphones, but not during takeoff and landing. They are adding Bluetooth support for the entertainment systems, but the Bluetooth feature is unavailable on most flights. So, you can only use it with wired headphones.

Southwest Airlines

You can only use your Bluetooth headphones throughout the flight, but not during takeoffs and landings.

Spirit Airlines

This is one of the best airlines that permits Bluetooth headphones during every part of the flight. Their only negative is the lack of in-flight entertainment systems. So, be prepared for this before booking a flight with Spirit Airlines.

Emirates

Fortunately, it is one of the few airlines with Bluetooth connectivity for inflight entertainment systems on almost all flights. They allow you to use headphones, but you must keep them away during takeoff, landing, and briefings.

Hawaiian Airlines

They allow Bluetooth headphones, but you have to switch them off until the aircraft has reached at least 10 000ft altitude. Also, you have the freedom to access their inflight entertainment app.

Will Bluetooth Headphones Work when my Smartphone is in Airplane Mode

Airplane mode restricts any network that transmits data wirelessly, whether NFC, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi. Bluetooth is a transmitting signal, and any time you press “airplane mode”, some devices switch off immediately. Most Bluetooth users assume that you cannot use Bluetooth any time the airplane mode is switched on.

Luckily, nowadays, Bluetooth has been advanced such that you can switch on Bluetooth while in airplane mode. The process is simple; where you only need to enhance Bluetooth after enabling airplane mode.

Can Bluetooth Headphones be Charged During a Flight

Depending on the airlines and the flight model, you will have access to USB ports to charge your headphones and other devices. However, older aircraft and budget airlines don’t have to charge outlets. You can bring your laptop or a power bank to charge your headphone via these devices, but at a slower rate.

For example, Southwest Airlines does not offer to charge ports, and Delta force provides charging ports only for first-class tickets on 737, 757, and 767-300. American airlines have charging USB ports on most of their planes. Before booking, reach out to each airline for a detailed guide and instructions.

Is it Possible to Use Bluetooth Headphones with In-flight Entertainment Systems?

The inflight entertainment system is beneficial for watching TV shows and movies. However, most of the systems are outdated, where they only use the AUX port for audio and don’t use Bluetooth. Luckily, there is a hack for this.

If you travel frequently and experience these issues, purchase a Bluetooth transmitter. This transmitter allows you to connect headphones to inflight entertainment systems that still use the two-pin AUX input.

In addition, some airlines like American Airlines provide entertainment apps you can download on your device. After downloading the app, you will access Bluetooth headphones without needing any tech-savvy hacks.

---

Using headphones to watch movies or listen to music will keep you occupied before your long-distance flight reaches its destination. However, most passengers are always worried about whether airlines will allow them to use their Bluetooth headphones. For the most part, most airlines allow passengers to use headphones, but not during takeoff, landing, or short briefs. Before you book a flight, do thorough research on what is required and not to help you prepare well.