Can AirPods be used on an airplane? When traveling by plane, the question is, are AirPods allowed? You have arrived at the right place for the answers!
Airpods are the best headphones for listening to music on the go, and almost everyone in town has them plugged into their ears.
People use them everywhere, from the streets to the park down the road. But what happens when someone carries them on a plane?
Keep reading to find out why AirPods are allowed on airline flights and how you can use them to block out noise and keep yourself occupied on long journeys.
Can I borrow AirPods through airport security?
If you recently purchased a new pair of AirPods and are planning an upcoming trip, you might be wondering if you can bring them in through airport security.
In order for you to be able to use your AirPods on board an aircraft, you first need to be able to get through airport security with them in hand.
You can bring Apple AirPods through airport security. At the security checkpoint, small devices such as Airpods can be packed in hand luggage. On the contrary, all larger electronic devices (such as mobile phones) should be removed from carry-on baggage and placed in a separate X-ray basket.
Are AirPods allowed on an airplane?
On an airplane, AirPods can be used while flying. If you’ve turned on Airplane Mode on your iPhone, iPod, or iPad, you can safely use your Apple AirPods while flying to play games, watch downloaded movies, and more.
Some airlines do not allow it to be used when taxiing, taking off or landing.
They are classified as “portable electronic devices”under FAA regulations. It allows passengers to use them during the flight after the aircraft reaches its maximum altitude.
Can AirPods be used on an airplane during takeoff and landing?
Some airlines do not allow the use of AirPods during takeoff and landing. If you do dare to use them during these stages, one of the flight attendants will likely notice you and ask you to take them off.
For safety reasons, many airlines prohibit the use of AirPods or other headphones during takeoff and landing.
You may miss an important safety announcement if you wear AirPods and listen to particularly loud music.
Whether you’re a beginner or an experienced flier, simply pop your AirPods back in when such announcements are made.
Despite this security risk, several airlines are now allowing customers to use small electronic gadgets such as AirPods from gate to gate.
Which airlines allow Airpods on their planes?
The airlines have the final say on what electronics they can carry on board their aircraft.
Sometimes Bluetooth waves interfere with aircraft navigation systems. It is for these reasons that some airlines refuse to accept AirPods.
All ten of the country’s most popular domestic airlines now allow passengers to use AirPods throughout their flight.
Listed below are popular airlines and their willingness to accept AirPods:
| Airlines | During takeoff and landing | Above 10,000 feet | In-flight entertainment system compatibility |
|---|---|---|---|
| Alaska Airlines | Yes | Yes | No |
| Jetblue Airways | Yes | Yes | No |
| american airlines | No | Yes | app only |
| Hawaiian Airlines | No | Yes | app only |
| skywest airlines | Yes | Yes | No |
| southwestern airlines | No | Yes | Yes |
| Delta Airlines | No | Yes | Yes |
| Spirit Airlines | Yes | Yes | No |
| United Airlines | Yes | Yes | app only |
| Airlines Messenger | No | Yes | app only |
| Frontier Airlines | No | Ask a flight attendant | No |
Let’s now start a detailed overview of the airlines and the devices they allow to be used:
Alaska Airlines
The Alaska Airlines website has information about Bluetooth devices. They allow these goods to be carried on board. Apple’s AirPods also fall into this category.
Bluetooth connectivity is currently not supported by the car’s built-in multimedia system. As a result, you will need to use a transmitter.
Also, your device can only be used above 10,000 feet. Before taking off and landing, they must be turned off.
Jetblue Airways
There’s also JetBlue, which allows you to use AirPods.
You can use them both during takeoff and landing. The entire duration of the flight is also included.
However, you cannot use them while landing in poor visibility conditions. This may be because your device may be interfering with the signal in some way.
Makes landing more difficult for the pilot. However, only 1% of their flights have this type of boarding.
american airlines
Since 2013, American Airlines has allowed portable electronic devices to be carried on board.
The process goes from gate to gate. In other words, you can carry electronic gadgets with you from the moment you take off to the moment you land.
Their aircraft were also upgraded at the end of 2021. Bluetooth connectivity is now available on some of their select aircraft.
Hawaiian Airlines
Hawaii Airlines allows the use of small and portable devices.
The website states that they should not weigh more than 2 kg. In addition, they must be powered by batteries or electricity.
There is nothing heavy about AirPods. We are well below the £2 limit. We’ll be fine, thanks.
As a result, they can be used throughout the journey. Get ready to listen to upbeat tropical music before you arrive on one of Hawaii’s stunning islands.
skywest airlines
SkyWest is not a well-known airline in the United States. However, electronic devices have been allowed since 2013.
This Utah-based airline also allows small electronic devices from gate to gate. Your AirPods are now available when you need them.
One of the many good reasons to choose this airline to travel in the Midwest.
southwestern airlines
Southwest Airlines is one of the largest US airlines.
In addition, they were one of the first airlines to allow the use of electronic devices on board.
As a result, the answer to your question is yes; you can use your AirPods even while in the air.
Their flights have a BYOD (Bring Your Device) policy. Be sure to take your gadgets with you. In other words, they don’t provide headphones, unlike other airlines.
Delta Airlines
In 2013, Delta allowed the use of Bluetooth devices. Similar to American Airlines.
However, they have a limitation. When taking off or landing, you must turn off all electronic devices.
Plus, you can use your AirPods anytime you’re in the air.
Spirit Airlines
Are you interested in visiting Jamaica and Aruba? Spirit Airlines can take you there.
This Florida-based airline operates flights primarily to the Caribbean and Latin America.
Plus, you can use your AirPods even while flying. During the flight, you can dance to all the latest reggae tunes.
The only restriction is that you must turn off the electronics below 10,000 feet. Flight attendants and pilots pass this information on to you.
United Airlines
United Airlines was one of the first airlines in the US.
They were also one of the first airlines to allow electronic devices on board.
In addition, Boeing 737 Max 8 aircraft are equipped with Bluetooth-enabled TVs.
Hence, if you are lucky enough to get a ticket, you will be able to stream the best Bluetooth entertainment on your AirPods.
Airlines Messenger
Among the most respected regional airlines in the United States is Envoy Air. It is headquartered in Texas and is owned by American Airlines.
As such, their policies and guidelines are identical to those of their parent company.
So just like American Airlines, you can also use AirPods here. Plus, it’s gate-to-gate.
Frontier Airlines
Cheap tickets are what Frontier Airlines is famous for.
As a result, this airline does not provide in-flight entertainment. This initiative aims to reduce the overall cost for consumers as much as possible.
However, there are no restrictions on visitors being able to bring their own electronic devices.
While this is true, you must turn them off before takeoff and landing.
Can AirPods be connected to an in-flight entertainment system?
Long distance flights can be difficult. However, you can use the Bluetooth-enabled in-flight entertainment system to relax. But does that mean you can connect AirPods to the system?
AirPods work with the in-flight entertainment system if you prepare ahead of time.
Otherwise, your Bluetooth headphones, including AirPods, will not work. Therefore, you will not have any entertainment during the flight.
Without further ado, let’s see how to pair your Airpods with your in-flight entertainment system:
Use AirFly
AirFly fills the gap between wireless headphones and headphone jack. This gadget converts wired audio signals to Bluetooth signals.
AirFly must be connected to one of the two available headphone outputs. Your next step is to pair the transmitter with your Airpods in order to properly use the system.
Bluetooth earphones can connect to two AirFlys at the same time, which is very cool! This way, you and your partner can use AirPods at the same time to listen to the same sound.
There are several varieties of Bluetooth transmitters that can perform the same function. However, in my experience, AirFly is the gold standard.
Using Wi-Fi on an airplane
Currently, many airlines provide Wi-Fi on board. Some of them have a cost, while others are free.
Therefore, it is better to find out in advance so that there are no surprises. Using in-flight Wi-Fi, you can listen to your AirPods through your phone or laptop.
The in-flight entertainment system connects through your Apple device to your AirPods when you use an airline’s Wi-Fi network to watch movies.
When it comes to using the airline app, the same principle applies. You can log in to the airline’s app by entering your flight information.
Thus, AirPods can be used to output sound.
You no longer have to deal with wires! You can connect your wireless AirPods directly to the in-flight system by simply sitting up and leaning back in your seat.
To sum up
When it comes to long trips, AirPods are a great choice.
Once you’ve turned on Airplane Mode, you can use them, but after that, you’ll need to turn Bluetooth back on.
The TSA allows AirPods to be carried on board in both carry-on and checked baggage, and the FAA has allowed the use of Bluetooth devices on flights since 2013. So you can safely and legally walk from one exit to another.!
FAQ
Can Airpods be used in Airplane Mode?
Airplane mode disables all radio communications, including Bluetooth, so Airpods cannot be used initially. AirPods work after re-enabling Bluetooth while already in Airplane Mode.
Can Airpods be used on a TV on an airplane?
If your airline’s in-flight system has Bluetooth, you can use AirPods on the TV on the plane. If your airline doesn’t have Bluetooth, you can use AirPods with AirFly. AirFly can be connected and your AirPods can be connected to it via Bluetooth.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones on an airplane?
Bluetooth headphones are allowed on the plane. Since 2013, passengers have been allowed to carry personal electronic devices, including Bluetooth headphones, on aircraft.
Can I hear flight attendants while wearing Airpods Pro?
You’ll hear crew announcements even if noise cancellation is turned on on your AirPods Pro. Despite the ability to block out ambient sounds, you will still be able to hear louder events such as flight attendant announcements.