Last Updated: June 2, 2022
Can You Use AirPods On A Plane?
Wondering if you’re allowed to use AirPods on a plane? You’ve come to the right place for answers!
AirPods are some of the most popular wireless headphones money can buy, and people will use them anywhere, even in places where they shouldn’t. The good news is that doesn’t include planes, because AirPods are allowed to be used in flight and even gate-to-gate with certain airlines.
Read on to learn more about why AirPods are allowed on planes and how you can use them to drown out the noise and entertain yourself during long-haul flights!
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Are AirPods Allowed On Planes?
The short answer is yes, AirPods and other Bluetooth headphones are allowed on planes. AirPods are short-range Bluetooth accessories, which means that they operate on a frequency that doesn’t interfere with the plane communication systems. The Federal Aviation Administration categorizes them as Portable Electronic Devices and deems them safe for use during all stages of the flight.
One thing to note is that some airlines do not allow the use of AirPods during takeoff and landing. This is because the passengers are required to listen to the announcements and instructions, so just pop them back in the case during these events, no matter if you’re a first-time flyer or you’ve heard them already dozens of times.
Do AirPods Work With Airplane Mode?
Not at first, but that’s because when you enable airplane mode, all radio communication is cut off, including Bluetooth. You can re-enable Bluetooth when the phone is already in airplane mode, and it will connect to your AirPods.
It’s worth noting that this is also true for all other Bluetooth headsets – they will all connect to your phone when the Bluetooth is on even if airplane mode is enabled.
Why Use AirPods On A Plane?
AirPods – or any wireless earphones – are a great option for flying because they are so compact and easy to use. They are so small that they’ll fit in your pocket and they’ve got a great battery life that will last for most shorter flights.
They’re also wireless, which is probably the best thing about them. You don’t have to wear a bulky pair of headphones around your neck and deal with the wires getting tangled with your bag straps. Any wireless headphones will do if that’s the main issue you have with wired headsets, but AirPods are great precisely because they’re so small and compact.
They have much better sound quality than any earphones the airline might provide, plus they outperform most of their competitors. Also, AirPods charge very quickly, which is a life-saver on longer flights. Even if they run out of juice entirely, you can get hours of listening just by charging them for five minutes in the case.
AirPods Or AirPods Pro?
AirPods are great but they lack active noise cancellation, which is an important feature to have during a flight. Noise-canceling headphones will drown out engine noises and screaming babies, which will make your flight a much more comfortable experience. Classic AirPods do not have this feature, so they’re kind of useless if you’re trying to use them to drown out the excess noise.
AirPods Pro headphones are better for flights because they have an active noise cancellation feature. They are much pricier than regular AirPods and if you already own one pair it’s not really worth it to get the other. AirPods Max also have active noise cancellation, but they’re not quite as convenient as AirPods Pro and classic AirPods simply because of their size.
If you want active noise canceling but don’t want to spring for another pricey Apple product, consider picking up a pair of earphones from a different brand. Samsung’s Galaxy Buds are all equipped with active noise cancellation, and there are dozens of other options when it comes to great noise-canceling headphones.
How To Use AirPods On A Plane
The best thing to do with AirPods on a plane is to connect them to the in-flight entertainment systems. However, not every entertainment system is compatible with Airpods, and this is actually possible only when you’re flying with airlines that have a specific in-flight entertainment system.
It’s nice to have wired headphones as a backup if you can’t connect them to the in-flight entertainment system. Another option is to get an AirFly adapter, a Bluetooth device that connects to the entertainment system via the 3.5mm headphone jack. You can then connect your AirPods to the AirFly device and you’ll be able to use AirPods with the in-flight entertainment system on an airplane.
This is a pretty cool gadget to have if you’re a frequent flyer, so definitely look into AirFly adapters if you don’t already have one. Alternatively, you can use your AirPods with other electronic devices like iPods and other short-range Bluetooth devices.
It’s good to have a backup plan if you can’t connect your AirPods to the in-flight entertainment system. Download a few movies, podcasts, or music albums you like listening to, just in case there’s no in-flight WiFi network or it’s not working.
Netflix, Spotify, Tidal, and many other streaming services will allow you to download content for offline streaming, which you can entertain yourself with during a flight.
Where To Pack Your AirPods
Don’t be one of those people who return home after a long flight only to find out that they’ve left their AirPods on a plane. This can happen if you don’t have dedicated storage for them and you just decided to put them in your pocket or keep them in your hand.
It’s great that they’re so small they will fit even into the pockets of women’s jeans, but carrying them in a pocket means you have to take them out while going through security. If you’re in a rush or there’s an issue, you could completely forget about them and just leave them with the TSA.
If you’re traveling with a carry-on backpack, be sure to allocate at least one of the smallest open pockets to your Airpods. Even if you have a personal bag – just keep them in an easily accessible pocket, so that you can quickly grab them whenever you need to. When you’re done with the Airpods, put them back in that pocket for safekeeping.
Try to avoid keeping them somewhere on the airplane seat because they can easily get misplaced or bumped, and it’s no fun trying to find them under other people’s seats.
Traveling Through TSA With AirPods
TSA approves AirPods and other wireless headphones in both carry-on and checked luggage, so you don’t have to take them out while you’re going through security. Only personal electronic devices that are bigger than a smartphone must be taken out of the bag for screening, so AirPods can stay in the bag. Unless you’ve put them in your pocket – then you have to take them out.
One thing to note here is that you shouldn’t ever pack AirPods in your checked bag. For one, you’re not going to have any access to them in-flight, which kind of defeats the purpose of packing them in the first place. The other thing is that AirPods are very easy to steal because they’re so small, and if your suitcase ends up in the hands of a shady TSA agent, you might never see them again.
Also, it’s smarter to pack them in your bag than in a pocket. If you put the AirPods in a pocket, you’ll have to take them out while you’re passing through security, and it’s never entirely impossible you’ll just forget to pick them back up. They’re safer inside your personal bag until you’re comfortably seated on the plane.
To Sum Up…
In conclusion, AirPods are not only allowed on planes, but they’re one of the best things you can have to keep yourself entertained during a long flight. You can use them after you’ve enabled airplane mode, you just need to remember to turn Bluetooth back on.
Also, you can use any kind of wireless headphones you want, they don’t have to be Airpods. It’s worth noting that classic AirPods aren’t even the best option for flying because they lack active noise cancellation. You’ll need AirPods Pro (or Max) if you want headphones that can drown out engine noise, loud passengers, and screaming babies.
AirPods can connect to the in-flight entertainment systems of certain airlines, and that’s the most convenient way to use them. You can stream anything you want if there’s WiFi on the flight, but you’ll most likely be limited to offline content if you don’t have Internet access during the flight.
On top of that, there’s a solution for in-flight entertainment systems that won’t connect to your AirPods – get an AirFly adapter, and you’ll be able to use your wireless headphones in pretty much every airplane there is!
That’s pretty much everything you need to know about using AirPods on planes, and now you’re better prepared for your next flight!
About the Author Anna Timbrook
Anna is the co-owner of expert world travel and can't wait to share her travel experience with the world. With over 54 countries under her belt she has a lot to write about! Including those insane encounters with black bears in Canada.
