Using Bluetooth Headphones on a Plane | Safe and Allowed

Earphones and headsets alike have long been allowed on flights all over the world.

They have always had a hardwired connection, which passengers would plug into the armrest of the seat they were sitting in.

using bluetooth headphones on a plane while in snow

Then came the age of Bluetooth devices, the use of wireless headphones and the Bluetooth headset.

Next, was the convenience of Bluetooth earbuds that are even more compact and fit easily into your carry-on luggage and even your pocket.

Ever wondered, how that person next to you on that short haul or long-haul flight can use their Bluetooth headphones or earbuds to watch in-flight entertainment? Look no further, the answer is right here.

We will tell you how you can be free of wires when you leave home to travel to the airport as well as travel on an airplane thanks to Bluetooth technology. Get rid of those wired headphones and replace them with Bluetooth headphones or earbuds that can be used on the airplane.

Using Bluetooth earbuds and headphones on airplanes is made possible by using a simple little device called a Bluetooth Adapter. A Bluetooth Adapter allows your Bluetooth earbuds and headphones to connect directly to the airplane’s in-flight entertainment service, making it possible to use your favorite earbuds or headphones while you travel.

Using Bluetooth Earbuds and Bluetooth Headphones on A Plane

If you have Bluetooth Headsets, earbuds, or headphones, you will need an adapter for air travel, which will allow you to use your Bluetooth earbuds onboard an aircraft. Often, this adapter is called a dongle and is a handy piece of tech.

Pairing a dongle is very similar to pairing a pair of wireless earbuds to your phone or any other device through Bluetooth connectivity. Once you have paired your wireless Bluetooth earbuds to the dongle plugged into the airplane audio jack, you can sit back, relax and enjoy your flight with your own headphones.

There are plenty of modern headphones that will give you enough battery power to last an entire flight. Even if you travel on a long-haul flight, the earbud charging case will charge them back up reasonably quickly, so you can continue to have quality sound. No more airline headphones with broken wires that drop out or crackle every time you move.

Do Wireless Bluetooth Earbuds or Headphones Work on Planes?

Why wouldn’t they?

They are perfectly fine while flying and where space can be an issue, not having wires getting in the way is just better in every way.

in flight entertainment screens you can use bluetooth headphones and earbuds

As long as you have your earbuds or headphones set up correctly, you have clear sound from your own listening equipment and no worries about them being cleaned as they are your own, and you know where they have been.

Does Airplane Mode Affect Bluetooth on My iPhone or Other Bluetooth Devices?

Flight mode can affect Bluetooth, depending on how you have your phone set up. Most mobile devices’ default mode is to turn off all connections when in airplane mode. Nonetheless, if you would like to make Bluetooth mode active, so you can connect your Bluetooth earbuds during a flight, you can.

It is as easy as going into your Bluetooth settings and turning on Bluetooth connectivity mode. Your phone will remain in flight mode, but Bluetooth is now active and will allow you to connect your devices as required.

Bear in mind, though, if you are using wireless Bluetooth headphones with a dongle connected directly to the in-flight entertainment service, you are not going to have to worry about this, as you won’t need to use your phone.

Bluetooth Earbud & Headphone checklist for use on Airplanes

  • Bluetooth earbuds with long battery life
  • Or headphones with long battery life
  • Bluetooth adapter of your choice
  • Two-pin adapter if required
  • Enjoy your airplane travel with your earbuds or headphones

Are Bluetooth Earbuds Allowed by Airlines and What are the Rules?

Passengers are allowed to bring any of their electronic devices such as Bluetooth wireless headphones or earbuds on a flight, whether they are hardwired or of the portable Bluetooth type. The only policy restrictions generally are that the passengers won’t be able to use Bluetooth devices during takeoff and landing.

Most airlines’ policy today is to allow passengers to use their Bluetooth devices, so you’ll be able to use headphones for the rest of the flight in general.

However, just make sure your phone stays in flight mode as per airline regulations. Although, there are airlines that offer flights now with Wi-Fi available for use during the flight as well.

When can’t I use Portable Earbuds and Headphones on Airplanes?

Generally speaking, most airlines used to enforce the turning of all Bluetooth devices for landing and takeoff. In saying that, from our own personal experiences, it seems to vary between airlines.

We find that when we fly, most times there are no restrictions on the use of Bluetooth earbuds from when you get on the plane until you arrive at the terminal again at your destination. Although, unless it has changed, there does appear to be legal regulations for takeoff and landing.

Airlines that Allow Use of Bluetooth Earbuds or Headphones During the Flight

Generally speaking, most airlines will allow you to bring Bluetooth earbuds or headphones onto a flight when you travel. Most times the only restriction you will come across is being required to turn them off when the plane is departing and arriving.

The two most common reasons for not using Bluetooth headphones airlines use are for safety reasons and also that these types of devices may interfere with the aircraft systems. In saying that each airline has their own rules regarding the usage of electronic devices and will implement them accordingly.

The following airlines will allow you to bring and use Bluetooth earbuds and headphones on a plane, but be aware that you may have to turn them off during different parts of the flight. For example, when the plane is landing or taking off.

  • Ryanair
  • Delta
  • United Airlines
  • EasyJet
  • American Airlines
  • Southwest
  • Emirates
  • Qantas
  • Air New Zealand
  • Lufthansa
  • British Airways
  • Alaska Airlines
  • Air Canada
  • Air France
  • KLM
  • Jet Blue

Wireless Bluetooth Headphones and Earbuds for In-Flight Entertainment

Bluetooth earbuds along with Bluetooth headphones will predominantly work just fine with in-flight entertainment systems. With some headphones, there can be latency issues, which will make the sound out of sync to the video. As a result, the voices in a movie may be slightly delayed, which can make it quite annoying.

The best tip here, if you find it too annoying, is to get wireless headphones that don’t have this happen by having the latest technology installed.

How do Portable Headphones Work with Airplane Entertainment?

Bluetooth headphones and earbuds work by connecting through Bluetooth connection to a dongle that acts as the Bluetooth receiver for the earbuds.

This plugs into the in-flight entertainment service jack that is normally located at the end of the armrest of your seat on the plane.

inflight entertainment which can work with bluetooth headphones

Once this connection is achieved through the Bluetooth adapter, your wireless Bluetooth earbuds or headphones will work much the same as a wired pair of headphones, allowing you to enjoy crystal clear uninterrupted sound from your own listening device.

Are Bluetooth Headphones Usable to Watch Movies while I Travel on an Airplane?

When it comes to headphones with Bluetooth for airplane movies, as long as you’re connected to the in-flight entertainment service, you will have access to all the movies you want to watch.

Your wireless headphones and earbuds are going to work just fine, as long as they have good latency, so the delay from the picture to the sound you are hearing is minimal or is not present at all.

How do I connect Bluetooth Headphones to Airplane TV?

If you want to watch airline TV with Bluetooth headphones or earbuds, this is achieved the same way as connecting to the airplane’s in-flight entertainment service.

Airplane TV is just another part of this, so if you have successfully connected your headphones to the in-flight entertainment service, you will also be able to access TV on the plane that you are on.

Devices Needed to use Bluetooth Earbuds and Headphones on Airplanes

To be able to use your quality sounding Bluetooth earbuds or headphones on an aircraft one of the simplest and best tips is to use a dongle that will broadcast the audio from the airplanes in-flight entertainment service allowing it to be received by wireless devices like your headphones or earbuds.

A simple pairing of your headphones to the dongle is all that’s required and your set. Lay back and enjoy your flight with a fantastic sound to pass the time.

Using Bluetooth Airplane Adapters aka A Dongle Adapter on an Aircraft

There are many airplane adapters (dongles) that will work to allow you to connect your wireless Bluetooth earbuds or Bluetooth headphones to the airlines’ in-flight entertainment service among other devices.

Another one of those tips is to find a quality product that is going to do the job well. We have chosen 3 relatively inexpensive dongles, which are small and easy to use to provide you with quality sound when you’re on your next flight.

AirFly

With the Twelve South AirFly adapter, the in-flight entertainment services and wireless headphones work well together.

This is a quality brand with 4 different devices, one of which can surely meet your requirements.

There is the AirFly Classic model, which is the basic model that gets you around 8 hours of playtime and is perfect for short-haul flights.

However, if you are flying long-haul flights, one of the other new models such as the AirFly Duo or AirFly Pro will give you more playtime between charges.

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The only thing to make note of and one of the best travel tips to remember is if you decide to purchase one of the AirFly dongles, you will need to also purchase a dual plug adapter, so you can plug this dongle into the plane’s dual plug in-flight entertainment service.

However, if you are flying long-haul flights, one of the other new models such as the AirFly Duo or AirFly Pro will give you more playtime between charges.

AirFly Duo

AirFly Pro

Duo
  • Allows audio sharing
  • 33 foot range
  • 20 hour battery life
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Pro
  • Totally wireless
  • Battery life 16 hours
  • 33 foot range
  • Bluetooth 5.0
Dual 2 Pack
  • Gold plated adapter
  • Airplane to headphone jack
  • 3.5mm (2 pack)
  • Use Bluetooth transmitters

The only thing to make note of and one of the best travel tips to remember is if you decide to purchase one of the AirFly dongles, you will need to also purchase a dual plug adapter, so you can plug this dongle into the plane’s dual plug in-flight entertainment service.

These adapters are pretty inexpensive and will prevent disappointment when the dual plug is the only option. Another handy little piece of tech not to leave home without.

Dual 4 Pack
  • Gold plated adapter
  • Airplane to headphone jack
  • 3.5mm (4 pack)
  • Use Bluetooth transmitters
Lenik
  • Gold plated adaptor
  • Lenik (2 pack)
  • 3.5mm jack
  • Use Bluetooth transmitters

Taotronics

Another make of Bluetooth transmitter with Bluetooth 5.0 technology is the Taotronics Bluetooth transmitter. With a massive amount of positive reviews online, this is one of the most trusted Bluetooth devices that will work well for connecting your wireless Bluetooth earbuds or headphones in-flight.

It holds an ideal amount of battery life for short-haul flights, with 10 hours of playtime before a recharge is needed.

Taotronics Transmitter
  • transmitter and receiver
  • Battery life 10 hours
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • 33 foot range

RHA

The RHA wireless flight adapter, depending on where you sit when you fly, may be the best choice of all devices. The adapter has a single and dual plug option available, which each pin simply opens out and will fold away as required.

With 16 hours of playtime, you’re going to have enough sound to get you through most long-haul flights, except for a few.

The RHA wireless flight adapter pairing is simple and will get your Bluetooth earbuds for flying connected to the in-flight entertainment service and let you relax while you travel.

The only downfall with this adapter is, it may be easily knocked if somebody needs to get past your seat in a row.

Other than this little problem, the RHA wireless flight adapter is the perfect Bluetooth Adapter for turning your wireless Bluetooth earbuds into airline headphones.

RHA Adapter
  • aptX and aptX low latency
  • Bluetooth 5.0
  • 16 hours battery life
  • Dual play

1mii Airline Bluetooth Adapter with Charging Case

Something a little different and wasn’t even available until recently. This Bluetooth adaptor from 1mii comes with its very own little charging case.

This is not a bad option for that frequent long haul flyer who likes to use their own Bluetooth wireless headphones or earbuds. It has plenty of features and most likely everything you need when it comes to a Bluetooth adaptor for connecting your headphones to in-flight entertainment.

One feature that stands out here is dual link with minimal delay thanks to aptX low latency. Now you and your partner can enjoy a movie together without having to worry about how to share your audio.

Of course, Bluetooth 5.0 is included for best transmission and energy conserving. Range is one of the best for Bluetooth adaptors, with a maximum of 60 feet.

Lastly, once you have paired the adapter, it remembers your device and will auto-connect for you the next time you use it.

1mii Airline Adapter
  • 6hrs playtime
  • Total 30hrs playtime
  • aptX low latency
  • Bluetooth 5.0

If you’re after a good value product that will give you hours of use, then this little adapter may be just what you have been looking for.

Headphones and Earbuds for Flights with Long Battery Life

ImageProductFeaturesPrice
Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ Earbuds

Cambridge Audio Melomania 1+ Earbuds

  • Playtime 9hrs
  • Charging case 36hrs
  • Total playtime 45hrs
Buy on Amazon
JLab Epic Air ANC Bluetooth Earbuds

JLab Epic Air ANC Bluetooth Earbuds

  • Playtime 12hrs
  • Charging case 36hrs
  • Total playtime 48hrs
Buy on Amazon
MIFO O5 Plus Gen 2 True Wireless Earbuds

MIFO O5 Plus Gen 2 True Wireless Earbuds

  • Playtime 7hrs
  • Charging case 100hrs
  • Total playtime 107hrs
Buy on Amazon
Creative Outlier Air V3 True Wireless Sweatproof Earbuds

Creative Outlier Air V3 True Wireless Sweatproof Earbuds

  • Playtime 10hrs
  • Charging case 30hrs
  • Total playtime 40hrs
Buy on Amazon
Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones

Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth Headphones

  • Playtime 24hrs
Buy on Amazon
Sony WH-1000XM4 Bluetooth Headphones with Battery Bank

Sony WH-1000XM4 Bluetooth Headphones with Battery Bank

  • Playtime 30hrs
  • Wireless Power Bank
Buy on Amazon

Landing at the Conclusion

Now that you have an understanding of how to use Bluetooth earbuds and headphones on airplanes, you will be able to travel with your favorite Bluetooth headphones and earbuds on your next flight.

With one of those new smart little Bluetooth adapters, you will have quality clear sound with you on the plane, just like when you do whatever else you do with your wireless Bluetooth earbuds.

a plane in which you can use bluetooth earbuds and headphones