Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones on a Flight? 9 Airlines Checked

Airplane Window - Bluetooth Headphones on an Flight

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Long-haul flights are tolerable, to say the least. Apart from the cramped seats, tiny legroom, and cabin pressure, you’d also have to deal with the noise. 

Listening to music can make a long flight more pleasant and while many airlines provide headphones or earphones that you can use for in-flight entertainment, most people would prefer using their own. 

So can you actually use Bluetooth headphones or earphones on a flight? Well, you’re about to find out!

Can Bluetooth Headphones be Used on an Airplane?

In general, you can use Bluetooth headphones if the airline you’re flying with allows it. This also applies to Bluetooth earphones or earbuds, and yes, that includes AirPods.

The rules may slight vary from one airline to another. 

Most airlines allow Bluetooth headphones or earphones during the flight, but you’ll have to turn them off during takeoff and landing.

Another important thing to keep in mind is that airlines usually have various types of planes within their fleets. 

An older plane may have equipment that’s 30 years old, so its in-flight entertainment system may not be compatible with your Bluetooth device. In this case, you can still use your headphones but you can only use it with your phone or tablet.

List of Airlines Allowing Bluetooth Headphones on a Flight

Since the rules vary, I’ve included a list of well-known airlines and their policies about the use of Bluetooth devices in their aircraft. 

Bluetooth Headphones on a Flight
Bluetooth earbuds | Make Life Click

Alaska Airlines

Alaska Airlines allows the use of noise-canceling headsets and short-range Bluetooth accessories during all phases of the flight if they’re switched to plane mode. 

There’s also an important part on the policies page written in small letters saying that small electronic devices and Bluetooth gadgets aren’t allowed below 10,000 feet.

American Airlines

If you’re flying with American Airlines, you can use Bluetooth headphones during the flight, except during takeoff and landing. 

You should also know that some planes of this line have built-in entertainment that’s compatible with Bluetooth headphones.

Delta Airlines

Here we have the same situation as with American Airlines. Bluetooth headphones are allowed during the flight, except for takeoffs and landings. 

Some planes also come with built-in entertainment units compatible with Bluetooth headphones.

United Airlines

Did you know that United Airlines has an entertainment app for Apple and Android? This gives you the option to get in-flight entertainment directly on your mobile device if you don’t like using the seatback monitor.

Plus, you’re allowed to use Bluetooth headphones once the plane takes off until the time comes for landing.

Lufthansa

The second-largest airline in Europe, Lufthansa, allows passengers to use Bluetooth headphones during all stages of the flight. 

Do keep in mind that Lufthansa’s in-flight entertainment tablets don’t work with Bluetooth, so you’ll have to use the wired headphones that they’d provide. You can only use your Bluetooth headphones with your own phone or tablet.

British Airways

Similar to the policies of other airlines, you can freely use your Bluetooth headphones during the flight as long you turn them off during takeoff and landing.

Qatar Airways

Qatar Airways lets you use your Bluetooth headphones during all stages of the flight. 

In addition, the airline’s touch-free technology allows you to utilize your Bluetooth headphones with the in-flight entertainment system.

Etihad Airways

You can use your Bluetooth headphones when flying with Etihad Airways.

Plus you can pair your headphones with their in-flight entertainment system instead of using the headphones provided during the flight.

Air Canada

Air Canada allows you to use your Bluetooth headphones during the flight once the plane has reached an altitude of 10,000 feet. 

However, you have to take note that if your headphones are powered by a battery, the battery should be removed.

Airplane Monitor
In-flight entertainment system | Make Life Click

Does Bluetooth Work While in Airplane Mode?

Yes! While the phone will automatically turn Bluetooth off when you set it to airplane mode, you can turn the Bluetooth on manually.

If you have an iPhone, just open the Control Center and top the “Airplane Mode” button. Then open the Control Center again and tap the “Bluetooth” button to toggle it on.

If you’re an Android user, go to Settings and tap on the “Airplane Mode” button. Then simply tap the “Bluetooth” button.

Conclusion

As long as the airline allows it, then it’s perfectly safe to use your Bluetooth headphones or earphones on a plane. 

Bluetooth headphones and earphones belong to the personal electronic devices group with short-range Bluetooth. It’s the same category that includes a keyboard or a mouse.

If you want to make sure that you can use your Bluetooth devices, then call the airlines first before you pack them for your flight.

A passion for writing and ongoing research projects gives Catherine an incredibly broad knowledge of all things. She has authored an incredible number of articles and can be found in the wilderness when not attached to technology or listening to podcasts.


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