Traveling can be both exciting and exhausting.
Whether you are taking a long flight to your dream destination or just going on a quick business trip, you would want to have something to keep you entertained and relaxed on an airplane. Many travelers now rely on their wireless earbuds to block out the noise of the plane and enjoy their favorite music or podcast. However, as with any technology, there is some confusion about the do’s and don’ts of using AirPods on a plane.
In this blog post, we will answer the question of whether you can wear AirPods on a plane and provide you with all the information you need to have a comfortable and hassle-free flight.
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1. Can You Wear AirPods on a Plane?
The short answer is yes, you can wear AirPods on a plane.
Airlines generally allow bluetooth headphones, including AirPods, once the plane has reached its cruising altitude and the crew gives the go-ahead to use electronic devices (if not for the whole flight).
Some airlines require passengers to turn off wireless headphones or earbuds during takeoff and landing as a safety precaution, while others allow the use of wireless earbuds throughout the flight. It’s also important to note that you should still be aware of your surroundings when you are wearing earbuds, especially during important safety announcements or in case of emergency.
2. Are AirPods the Best for Travel?
No, AirPods aren’t the best for travel for everyone.
While they are lightweight and convenient, they may not always block out enough environmental noise for some passengers. If you are a frequent traveler or have a long flight, you may want to consider investing in a pair of quality noise-cancelling headphones (or, AirPods with active noise cancelling – AirPods Pro starting from 1st generation or AirPods Max).
These headphones use special technology to actively cancel out or reduce sounds around you, making them perfect for use on planes, trains, and other noisy environments. There are several brands available today, and many travelers swear by the comfort and sound quality of noise-cancelling headphones.
2.1 AirPods Battery Life Is Not the Best for Long-Haul Connecting Flights
If you do decide to use AirPods on a plane, be sure to keep them charged before your flight. And don’t forget also to charge the charging case. AirPods battery life can last up to around five hours of listening time and up to three hours of talk time on a single charge. So, not that much.
At the same time, with a fully charged charging case, you should be able to make it through a 24-hour journey without any problems.
The same applies to most similar earphones.
3. Can You Use AirPods With Airplane TV/Entertainment System?
Yes, you can use AirPods with Airplane TV.
But you’ll need an adapter for this. Many of the best airplane bluetooth adapters allow you to connect two pairs of headphones or earphones at the same time. This allows you to watch the same TV show or movie together.
4. How to Connect Airpods to Airplane TV? It Requires an Adapter
Now, let’s walk through the process of pairing your Airpods to an airplane’s in-flight entertainment system. Here’s how to do it:
Step 1: Pair Your AirPods with an AirPods Airplane Adapter (You Will Need to Buy It Before the Flight)
Yes, you will need an adapter.
There are many AirPods airplane adapters to choose from.
AirFly Pro by Twelve South is one of the most popular bluetooth airplane adapters on the internet. It’s small, reliable and multifunctional. You can use this adapter both for AirPods and other Bluetooth earphones.
To do the pairing, follow adapters manual.
Don’t forget that mostly to enter pairing mode, AirPods need to be placed inside the AirPod Case. It is also advisable to turn off nearby Bluetooth devices, such as your phone, when pairing on airplanes.
It shouldn’t take you more than 1 minute.
Step 2: You Are All Set Up (Yes, That’s It)
Once you’ve done the previous step, you should be able to hear the sound from the airplane TV through your AirPods. Adjust the volume on your AirPods to your liking and sit back and enjoy the show!
Wearing AirPods on a Plane: FAQ
1. Can I Use AirPods During Takeoff and Landing?
Usually, airlines allow the use of small electronic devices throughout the flight, as long as they are in airplane mode. Mostly, the same applies to AirPods.
However, individual airline policies may vary, so you may as well be asked not to use the AirPods during takeoff and landing.
2. How Do I Connect My AirPods to the In-Flight Entertainment System?
AirPods connect via bluetooth, so they can’t directly connect to the in-flight entertainment system (if there’s no bluetooth).
But it is possible to connect AirPods to airplane TV with an adapter – a bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack.
AirFly Pro by Twelve South is one of the most popular bluetooth airplane adapters on the internet. It’s small, reliable and multifunctional. You can use this adapter both for AirPods and other Bluetooth earphones.
3. Do AirPods Work in Airplane Mode?
Yes, AirPods can work in airplane mode.
However, you need to pair them with your phone, laptop or tablet before switching to airplane mode.
4. Will My AirPods Interfere With Airplane Communications?
No, AirPods should not interfere with airplane communications.
Because they operate on different frequencies.
5. Can I Charge My AirPods on the Plane?
Yes, if your seat has a USB port, you can use it to charge your AirPods.
Alternatively, you can use a charging case. Most likely you have it. A fully charged charging case can provide multiple charges for your AirPods, ensuring that you can enjoy your audio or video content uninterrupted throughout the flight.
Not only does a charging case provide extra battery life, but it also serves as a safe storage place for your AirPods when not in use.
6. Is Using AirPods Safe in Case of an Emergency?
If your volume is turned up or you are sleeping with them on, you might not hear important safety announcements or emergency instructions.
Therefore, it can be a good idea to connect your AirPods to the airplane’s entertainment system, rather than your personal device (phone, laptop, tablet). Most in-flight systems pause the audio automatically during announcements, ensuring you don’t miss any vital communication from the crew.
In case of emergency, you should remove them immediately.
7. What Should I Do If I Lose an AirPod on the Plane?
Notify the flight attendants immediately.
They can help you look for it when it’s safe to do so.
8. Can I Use the Noise Cancellation Feature of AirPods Pro on a Plane?
Yes, you can use the noise cancellation feature on a plane.
The noise cancellation feature of AirPods Pro is truly a game-changer when it comes to air travel. It uses advanced technology to filter out ambient noise, enabling you to focus on your audio and video content without interruption. This advanced feature creates a more immersive and enjoyable audio experience, whether you are watching a movie, listening to your favorite music, or catching up on podcasts.
The constant drone of the airplane engine, the chatter of fellow passengers, or even an unsettled baby – these everyday noise distractions are significantly reduced, allowing you to enjoy the flight much more.
It can also help you to feel more calm on the plane.
9. Can I use AirPods on all Airlines?
Most airlines do not have specific rules against using AirPods, but it’s always best to check with your airline.
10. What If My AirPods Run Out of Battery During the Flight?
If your AirPods run out of battery, you can charge them using the charging case. If available, you can also use the USB port on your seat.
As a last resort, you can always use earphones provided by the airline.
11. Can you take AirPods in Hand Luggage?
Yes, you can take AirPods in hand luggage.
They are considered as personal electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, or e-readers, which are allowed in carry-on bags. It’s a good idea to keep them in their charging case to protect them from damage.
Just remember to take them out of your bag and place them in a bin for screening when passing through airport security. It might be necessary.
12. Can You Use AirPods on Android?
Yes, you can use AirPods with Android devices.
While they are designed for use with Apple products, AirPods use Bluetooth technology, which is standard across most devices.
To connect your AirPods to an Android device, simply open the lid of your AirPods charging case, press and hold the setup button on the back of the case until the status light flashes white, and then navigate to the ‘Bluetooth’ settings on your Android device to pair them.
However, please note that some features of AirPods, like automatic pausing when removing one earbud and customizable gestures, may not work on Android devices – so, don’t be surprised if and when that happens.
Read more: The Art of Comfortable Flying – Accessories and Tips for Better Air Travel
Featured photo by Cup of Couple
About the author:
Kaspars is a digital nomad and travel blogger who’s been traveling the world extensively since 2013. Since 2017, Kaspars has been writing about the less-known aspects of air travel, things like air passenger rights laws and regulations. He’s really good at simplifying complex concepts and making them easily understandable. Kaspars favorite airlines are Qatar Airways and Turkish Airlines.
