Many people want to know can you use bluetooth headphones on a plane? It can be boring to travel on a plane especially when you have a long flight. During flights, you will have to sit still and wait for a long time until your destination comes. This is the reason why people tend to listen to music or watch movies on flights.
This question must be raised in your mind can you use bluetooth devices on flights? To know the answer, you will have to keep reading this complete article that will guide you about using bluetooth headphones during flight, especially in takeoff and landing situations.
Can I Use Bluetooth Headphones On a Plane?
Yes, you can easily use your bluetooth headphones on a plane. However, there are some rules and regulations about using bluetooth devices on planes.
It is not very easy to understand foreign government regulations as you think. It is very important to know the rules before you want to use your bluetooth devices or bluetooth headphones on a plane. Portable electronic devices (PED) restrictions can be changed at any time and may vary by carrier.
Why Can’t Headphones Be Worn During Take-Off and Landing?
Some airlines do not allow using bluetooth devices on flights. For example, you can not use your bluetooth headsets on Canadian flights. On some flights, you can not use bluetooth headphones during takeoff and landing.
Using your wireless devices does not mean that you will get in trouble. In the worst case, the flight attendant will ask you to switch them off. So the solution is to be respectful and switch them off without getting into an argument.
Many airlines do not allow using them because you need to be able to hear announcements during takeoff and landing. If you get caught in an emergency, you will need to hear the emergency guidelines/instructions properly from the staff.
Which Airlines Companies Allow Using Bluetooth Headphones on Planes?
Many airlines have their own rules for using bluetooth devices. It is up to you which airlines you want to use. To not get confused, here we have provided you with some airlines and their international rules regarding bluetooth headphones.
American Airlines
American Airlines allows you bluetooth headphones but not during the takeoff and landing. American airlines provide you with an inflight entertainment system that you can watch on your mobile device with your headphones.
Delta Air lines
Although you can use wireless headphones on these airlines not when the flight is taking off or landing. However, they are adding some in-flight entertainment systems, but on many flights, this service is not available yet. That’s why you can use wired headphones.
United Airlines
You are allowed to use bluetooth headphones for the whole flight. On many flights, you will not be able to use bluetooth headphones together with a flight entertainment system. But now United airlines are upgrading its services and you can use its app for streaming on many flights.
Southwest Airlines
In this airline, you can not use bluetooth headphones during the takeoff and landing. But you can use their inflight entertainment system with Wifi connection on your browser. However, you will be charged an additional $8 for the installed Wifi system access.
JetBlue
On this airline, you can use bluetooth headphones for the whole flight. But there is one thing, you can not use their inflight entertainment system with bluetooth headsets.
Alaska Airlines
Alaska Airlines allows you to use bluetooth headsets during the whole flight but their inflight entertainment system is not compatible with the bluetooth headphones.
Spirit Airlines
You can use wireless headphones on spirit airlines during the whole flight. However, there is not any inflight entertainment system in this airline.
Air Canada
You are allowed to use wireless headphones on Air Canada airlines but only when your flight gets to the height of 10, 000 feet, and the battery of your device must be removable. Unfortunately, you can not connect your bluetooth headphones to its in-flight entertainment system.
Lufthansa
This airline allows you to use your bluetooth headphones during the whole flight. However, you will not find the in-flight entertainment system in some of their aircraft. So, before purchasing the tickets, you should inquire about each aircraft individually.
Air France
You can use bluetooth headsets during the whole flight. They also have an in-flight entertainment system but it can only be used by wired headphones without any charge.
Ryanair
It allows full-flight bluetooth headphones but unfortunately, you will not find any in-flight entertainment systems on this airline.
British Airways
You can use your bluetooth headphones during the flight but not in takeoff and landing positions. Moreover, you can not use their inflight entertainment systems together with bluetooth headphones.
Allegiant Air
You will be asked to switch off your bluetooth headphones during the take-off and landing. However, you are free to use them after the above-mentioned positions.
EasyJet
They allow you to use wireless headphones but they will stow away them during taking off landing, and security briefing. Must switch your device to airplane mode during the flights. They do not offer in-flight entertainment systems because they provide short flights.
Frontier Airlines
We do not find any information neither they informed the audience about the usage of bluetooth devices. However, it works according to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) so there are chances you can use your bluetooth headphones but you will be asked to switch them off during take-off and landing. It does not have inflight entertainment systems.
Qantas Airlines
You can use your bluetooth headphones on Qantas airlines but you will have to off them during taking off and landing. It has an app for in-flight entertainment systems so that you can use it on your cell phone together with bluetooth headphones.
WestJet
This airline allows you bluetooth electronic devices, but you will have to off them during safety and security briefing. It also has an in-flight entertainment system, which means you can use your cell phone with bluetooth headphones together.
Emirates Airlines
It is one of the few airlines that provides you with bluetooth capability on most of their flights. It means you can use your bluetooth headphones or other bluetooth portable devices but they will be stowed during takeoff and landing.
Hawaiian Airlines
You are allowed to use your bluetooth headphones until you get to the height of 10,000 feet. You can also use their inflight entertainment systems on your phone.
What FAA Says About Using Bluetooth Headphones On A Plane?
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulates civil aviation in the US. The administration states the following quote they made on using bluetooth devices during flight.
Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled. You may use the WiFi connection on your device if the plane has an installed Wi-Fi system and the airline allows its use. You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, like wireless keyboards.
Bluetooth headphones are also short-range bluetooth devices that are similar to bluetooth keyboards. These short-range bluetooth accessories cause very minimal aircraft interference which can be neglected. That’s why they are allowed.
What Rules Are Offered By Different Airline Regulators About Using Bluetooth Headphones?
If you are flying internationally, it is best to know the rules and regulations. For example, if you are taking a flight to China, you can use your bluetooth portable electronic device for almost the entire flight until you enter China.
FAA (Federal Aviation Administration)
The U.S air space is controlled by Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). In 2013, it made some major changes that proved to be positive for users. You can use short-range bluetooth accessories and small electronic devices during the whole flight including take-off and landing.
However, you can not use cellular connections such as mobile phones, tablets, and laptops. They must be in airplane mode all the time to reduce interference with the aircraft communication system.
TCCA (Transport Canada Civil Aviation)
Transport Canada says that you should not transmit any electric device on the flight but in some cases it allows. They did not have mentioned bluetooth headphones. So, it is best to know individual airlines if you are flying to Canada.
IATA (International Air Transport Association)
IATA governs the rest of the world (82% of the air traffic) and has not mentioned anything regarding bluetooth headphones. But it prohibits to use of wireless devices during the critical stage of the flight such as take-off and landing.
Air China
it says that you are allowed to use wireless headsets but not during the take-off and landing of the flight. You must switch off all the portable electronic devices.
Can Bluetooth Headphones Work with Smartphones During Airplane Mode?
In most airlines, you will be asked to put your smartphone in flight mode. In this way, your bluetooth network is switched off by default. Therefore, many users think that they can not enable bluetooth function in flight mode.
But it is not true. You can enable bluetooth connectivity after you put your cellular data device into flight mode by going into the settings of your device.
Can We Use Bluetooth Headphones with Inflight Entertainment to Watch Movies?
Many airlines offer their users inflight entertainment systems for long flights. But on many flights, you will find the system quite outdated, and sometimes you won’t be able to connect bluetooth headphones with them. Many airlines still offer two-pin AUX input to the passengers which means you are stuck with the headphones provided by the airlines.
By purchasing the bluetooth transmitter, you can connect your bluetooth headphones to the aircraft entertainment system. You will have to plug the audio jack of the bluetooth headphones into the flight entertainment systems. and your headphones will be connected.
Some airlines such as American airlines provide you with their entertainment apps which can be downloaded on your mobile device and used through the airplane’s Wi fi. However, this option is only available in some airlines that’s why many people prefer using bluetooth connection through bluetooth adapter.
Can You Charge Bluetooth Headphones During the Flight?
Sometimes the battery life of your headphones ends and you need to charge them during the flight. In many old aircraft, you will not find the USB ports for charging your bluetooth headphones. But now many new aircraft are providing USB charging ports for your devices.
For example, you will not find any charging port in Southwest airlines, but you can use charging ports in Delta only for first-class tickets. You should see here each airline individually.
Read Also: How to Charge Bluetooth Headphones
Top 2 Best Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headphones for Traveling
You will find noise-canceling headphones not less than a miracle. You can not only enjoy the sound quality of the music and also watch movies without disturbance. You can also put some relaxing music in the background and get some sleep without getting disturbed by your fellow passengers.
To not get confused, we provide you with the top two brands. Take a look and decide with which headphones you will go!
1. Sony WH1000XM3 Bluetooth Noise-Canceling Headphones
Sony headphones are one of the most popular and high-end headphones. The latest model Sony offers many features. You can fold them and carry them in your bag. These noise canceling headphones come with an audio cable and a two-pin adapter.
The built-in Sony chip makes them quite intelligent. All the important ambient noises will be passed through the chip such as conversations and announcements.
2. Bose QuietComfort 35 II Noise-Canceling Bluetooth Headphones
Bose headphones are also considered as one of the top brands that’s why we have suggested this model. These headphones come up with built-in Alexa support and very impressive noise cancelling hardware.
They are quite comfortable and slightly lighter than the Sony WH1000XM3. These noise canceling headphones also come up with a nice case and are easily foldable that’s why they are good for traveling than wired earbuds.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can You Use Bluetooth on a Plane?
Many airlines allow you to use wireless headphones on a plane but not during the take-off and landing. To use your bluetooth headphones on a plane, you will need to wait until you get to a height above 10,000 feet.
How To Handle Airport Security and Your Bluetooth Devices?
There are some special regulations offered by the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) during the screening of electronics. Airport security suggests stowing PEDs in your bags which can be accessed during screening.
Can you Take Wireless Headphones on a Plane?
You can take any kind of headphones (wireless and wired headphones) with you in your luggage that is checked when traveling by airplane.
Final Words
Most airlines allow you to use short-term bluetooth devices such as bluetooth headphones during flights. However, each airline has its rules and regulations. In many cases, flight attendants can ask you to put your cellular data device in airplane mode and your bluetooth headphones off during the flight operation.
If you do not want yourself to be in any kind of awkward situation, you should ask the crewmember or flight attendant to get the green light when you board. If you get annoyed by the noise of your surrounding, you can use noise cancelling headphones and keep yourself away from getting disturbed.
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