Wireless earbuds and headphones, particularly the Apple AirPods, are becoming increasingly popular. AirPods and wireless earbuds are undeniably more convenient in daily life and on the road than over-ear headphones and wired earphones. This is especially true when traveling, so there is no faffing around with cables.
But … they rely on Bluetooth right? And airplanes, well, they don’t like WiFi or other wireless tech being used while flying, so here is the question: can you take AirPods with you on a plane? Can you use AirPods on a plane?
If you’re confused, don’t worry, we will go through the basics in this post.
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Can You use AirPods on a plane?
Yes, you can use them on planes along with other Bluetooth headphones according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). Federal Aviation Administration has approved the use of portable electronic devices (PEDs) by passengers throughout all phases of flight.
Passengers are permitted to bring along lightweight electrically powered items as well as short-range Bluetooth accessories. AirPods are well-known for being standard wireless headphones that require a Bluetooth connection. As a result, Airpods can be used on a plane without worry including takeoff and landing.
What about Airplane mode?
When traveling by plane, keep in mind that your iPhone’s cellular connection must be turned off. That is why you must activate airplane mode. When you put on airplane mode on an iPhone for the first time, it switches off all radios except Bluetooth.
As a result, your AirPods should continue to function. If you turn off Bluetooth later while in airplane mode, your iPhone will remember this so when you turn on airplane mode again, it disables all radio connectivity including Bluetooth.
When you enable airplane mode in this situation, your AirPods will be disconnected. This may lead you to believe that you will not be able to use AirPods on a flight because airplane mode disables Bluetooth.
The simple answer is to turn on airplane mode, then return to the control center and re-enable Bluetooth if necessary. Your AirPods will be able to connect to your phone and you will be able to use them on the plane in this manner.
Do AirPods work with the In-Flight Entertainment system?
Many airlines allow customers to connect their wired headphones to the plane’s in-flight entertainment system. Because they have divided the stereo input into two different plugs the audio quality is really poor. There are, however, a few ways to get around this and connect our AirPods or any other Bluetooth device to the plane’s audio system.
Using the WiFi Network or an App on the Plane
In a few rare circumstances, there will also be an in-flight WiFi network available inside the plane. You may be able to connect without paying any additional fees depending on how this network is configured, but it is best to ask before attempting to avoid any unpleasant surprises. You can access the movies and other information, such as travel guides and other information, on the Airline’s welcome page once you have connected.
If you choose to watch movies on the plane using the WiFi connection, you can listen to the audio using any Bluetooth headphones or AirPods that are linked to your device. You can bridge the in-flight entertainment systems with a mobile or laptop in this way.
Using the Airline App, you can accomplish the same. By entering your flight details, you can have access to the entertainment systems. In this manner, you should be able to watch movies and videos while listening to music through your AirPods.
Using a Bluetooth Adapter
For the more advanced and geeky user, Bluetooth devices may be purchased in any store to relay the audio signal from your chair’s output headphone jack to your Bluetooth devices like headsets or AirPods. There are numerous brands available, but almost any model will do.
They include a small headphone port that must be connected to one of the two accessible headphone outputs. There is one additional step you must complete: the transmitter and your Airpods must be paired for effective functioning. You should be able to hear the plane’s entertainment system audio if everything is set up correctly.
Keep in mind that airlines have a tendency to turn down the level on these outputs, but most Bluetooth transmitters have dedicated volume control. All you have to do is turn up the volume on your transmitter.
Consider AirPods Pro or Max For Noise Canceling
On planes, headphones with a noise cancellation feature are a lifesaver. Not only will you be able to get a better grasp of what you are listening to, but they will also help you sleep on planes.
The noise levels in the cabin are one of the issues with using regular AirPods on a plane. It is quite loud due to the engine’s noise and air resistance. You find yourself having to crank up the volume on your AirPods.
AirPods are cool headphones, but they are not good for your ears if you listen to them at maximum volume for lengthy periods of time, and they do not sound great on an aircraft.
AirPods Pro, on the other hand, offer active noise cancellation, making them far more comfortable to use on planes. Check out the Apple AirPods Max as well. They are noise-canceling over-ear headphones that would also improve the sound quality on the plane. If you’re taking a long flight, they also offer a lot longer battery life.
Traveling through TSA with your AirPods
You will have to get through security with your AirPods in order to use them on the airline in the first place. Headphones are allowed in both checked and carry-on luggage, according to the Transportation Security Administration (TSA).
Furthermore, when going through security, you do not need to take your AirPods out of your luggage. Personal electronic devices larger than a cell phone will be asked to be removed from your carry-on bag and placed into a container with nothing placed on or beneath them for X-ray screening.
So, if you have a tablet, laptop, game console, or other electronic devices, remove them. You can, however, retain your AirPods and other small electronics in your bag.
There are a number of things to consider when packing your electronics. Traveling with gadgets is quite popular these days, and you’ll want to make sure you pack them properly to avoid damage while also making sure you are not breaking any restrictions. Here are the top three effective tips for protecting and properly traveling your electrical devices:
1. Pack Smart
All of your electronics should be carefully packed at the top of your carry-on, where they will be easily accessible without having to dig through your luggage. You will be able to know where everything is so you can easily unpack and repack your bag in the security queue, spending as little time as possible.
2. Protect Your Devices with Proper Cases
Traveling can cause a lot of damage to your electronics. Most electronics, such as smartphones, tablets, and chargers will come with protective cases that you may purchase but you can also use a universal travel case to protect your device. They will be protected from the weather and other dangers by a thick outer shell.
3. Review Travel Rules and Restrictions
You must familiarise yourself with the rules if you are traveling by plane. When flying, the size and weight of your luggage is significant. Check the airline’s website for the weight limits to make sure your baggage do not end up being overweight.
The TSA’s electronic limits are pretty lenient and they say that headphones, drones, and laptops can be carried in both carry-on and checked luggage but airlines are more restrictive and their policies change frequently, so check their websites as well.
Can you use AirPods on planes – final thoughts
Because to their dependability and efficiency, AirPods have become incredibly popular. They are absolutely satisfactory in terms of performance. In 2013, the FAA allowed the use of Bluetooth aboard flights. That means you can use your AirPods from gate to gate in a secure and legal way.
However, you must still put your phone in airplane mode because cell data poses a risk during active flight. Finally, the TSA accepts AirPods in both carry-on and checked luggage, and you are not required to remove them from your bag at security checkpoints.