“Dream vacation here I come!”
Bags? Check.
Boarding pass? Check.
Hotel reservations? Check.
In-flight entertainment? Now that’s the question.
Can you actually wear AirPods on a plane?
Continue reading to find out:
- 11 US airlines that allow people to use AirPods during flights.
- One device you can use to connect your AirPods to plane TVs.
- Which airlines now have Bluetooth-capable in-flight entertainment systems.
- And much much more…
Can you wear AirPods on a plane?
You can wear AirPods on a plane. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows the use of any short-range Bluetooth device. A category that AirPods fall under. Now whether you can wear them during takeoffs and landings would depend on each specific airline.
Can you use AirPods on a plane TV?
You can use AirPods on a plane TV. Some airlines are already on their way to upgrading their in-flight entertainment system. In fact, some of the current commercial planes are now capable of connecting to an AirPod. But for most planes, you’ll need a Bluetooth transmitter.
In mid-2019, United Airlines announced plans to upgrade its planes.
Delta Airlines would then shortly follow suit.
And now, they both have plane TVs that can connect to Bluetooth. And expect many to follow suit in the years to come.
Wireless headphones are relatively new. So you can forgive airlines if most of their planes have yet to catch up with this technology.
But in the meantime, there’s definitely a workaround available.
And that’s with the use of Bluetooth transmitters.
All about Bluetooth transmitters
Bluetooth transmitters are devices that you can plug in a headphone jack. And from there, they’ll transmit the audio to a paired Bluetooth device. Such as your AirPods.
“Where can I get those?”
They’re readily available online via Amazon and other stores.
Here are some of the best ones you can get:
Price ranges from around $20 to over $40 dollars depending on the brand.
“How do I use it on a plane?”
First, ensure that your AirPods and the transmitter are already paired. The process is simple. As easy as connecting AirPods to a laptop.
Here’s how to set your AirPods on pairing mode:
- Place the AirPods inside the charging case.
- Keep the case’s lid open.
- Press and hold the case’s button.
When the light indicator flashes white, they’re now ready to pair.
As for the transmitter, it will vary per manufacturer. But normally, there’s a button you can press and hold to enter pairing mode.
Both devices should then automatically pair.
And once you’re on the plane…
All you have to do is plug the transmitter into the headphone jack. You should now hear the audio through your AirPods.
Want to see how AirPods pair with a Bluetooth transmitter? Then this video’s for you:
11 airlines that allow AirPods on their planes
Important note: While the information here is current as of writing this article, it’s always subject to change. So always check with your flight attendant before using your AirPods on the plane.
#1: Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines’ website talked about short-range Bluetooth devices. They allow these on their planes. And AirPods are among these.
Their in-flight entertainment doesn’t have Bluetooth connectivity yet. So you’ll have to use a transmitter.
Also, you can only use your device when above 10,000 feet. You have to turn them off during takeoffs and landings.
This is due to local and foreign regulations that they follow.
#2: American Airlines
Since 2013, American Airlines has been allowing the use of portable electronic devices. Gate-to-gate in fact.
It means you can use devices from the terminal. To the boarding and takeoff. Up to the landing and deplaning.
And in late 2021, they also began upgrading their jets.
Some of their select planes now have Bluetooth connectivity. And this is on top of 4K monitors. As well as 17-inch displays for business class seats.
#3: Delta Airlines
Delta’s been allowing Bluetooth devices since 2013. Just like American Airlines.
But they do have a restriction. You have to switch off your device during takeoff and when landing.
Other than that, you’re free to use your AirPods anytime during the flight.
#4: Envoy Air
Envoy Air is one of America’s top regional airlines. This Texas-based company is actually owned by American Airlines.
That’s why their rules and regulations mirror that of their parent company.
So just like with American Airlines, you’re also allowed to use AirPods here. Gate-to-gate as well.
#5: Frontier Airlines
Frontier Airlines is known for its ultra-low fares.
As such, this airline doesn’t offer in-flight movies. Since they want to save as much cost for the customers as they can.
However, they do allow customers to bring their own devices.
You may use your AirPods along with your phone or laptop during the flight. Although you must switch them off during takeoff and landing.
#6: Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaiian Airlines allows the use of small and portable devices.
By their site’s definition, these should weigh no more than 2 pounds. And they must be battery or electronically powered.
AirPods are really light. Much less than the 2 pound-limit.
So you’re absolutely free to use them midflight. Listen to tropical music. And get yourself in the mood on your way to one of Hawaii’s paradise islands.
#7: JetBlue Airways
JetBlue is another airline that allows AirPods.
You can use them through takeoffs and landings. As well as the flight’s entire duration.
The only time you can’t use them is during low-visibility landings.
And the reason is your device may interfere with the signal. Making it even harder for the pilot to land the plane.
But their website did reassure. Landings like that only happen in 1% of their flights.
#8: SkyWest Airlines
SkyWest may not be a major US airline. But they’ve also allowed electronic gadgets since 2013.
And this Utah-based airline also allows gate-to-gate usage of small gadgets. So you can use your AirPods anytime. Before, during, and after the flight.
One of the many great reasons to consider this airline if you’re traveling Mid-West.
#9: Southwest Airlines
SouthWest is one of America’s biggest airlines.
They’re also one of the first to allow electronic gadgets on their planes.
So yes, you can definitely use your AirPods when you’re flying with them.
Their planes actually use a BYOD rule. Bring Your Own Device. Meaning they don’t provide headphones, unlike other airlines.
So not only do they allow devices like AirPods. They actually encourage people to bring them.
#10: Spirit Airlines
“Aruba… Jamaica…”
Want to travel to those places mentioned in the song Kokomo?
Spirit Airlines can take you there.
This Florida-based airline travels mostly to the Caribbean and Latin American destinations.
And yes, you can use your AirPods while on the plane. You can jam to all those reggae hits midflight.
Their only rule is to switch your devices off when below 10,000 feet. The pilots and attendants will let you know of that.
#11: United Airlines
United is one of America’s pioneering airlines.
They’re also one of the first to allow electronic devices during flights.
And I did mention their announcement on upgrading.
It’s currently in a slow roll-out phase.
Their Boeing 737 Max 8 jets, in particular, now have TV monitors that can connect to Bluetooth.
So if you’re one of the lucky few who can catch a flight there…
You’ll be able to enjoy first-class entertainment. With your Bluetooth-connected AirPods.
Can you use AirPods on a plane UK?
You can use AirPods on a plane to the UK. UK’s FAA counterpart is the Civil Aviation Authority. And they have allowed the use of small electronic devices since 2013. This includes short-range Bluetooth devices like AirPods.
Most UK airlines’ restrictions are similar to their US counterparts.
You might also want to know: How Many Years Do AirPods Last? 5 Vital Tips