Can You Use AirPods on a Plane? [Confusuion Resolved 2024]

Think about a journey with no music, podcasts, or audiobooks whatsoever? I would die, literally die out of boredom and joy.

Because I need to have something on my ears constantly if I am planning to take a bus, car, or even Airplane. But there is no restriction on headphones while on a bus or a car unless you are the one who is driving the car; if you are driving it, please do not use headphones.

However, there are some restrictions if you want to use Bluetooth headphones like Airpods on the flight. True, there are some restrictions, but some of the information out there is vague and misleading.

That is why many people do not bring their Airpods on the flight. Is it the right thing to do? Let’s unfold the mystery today.

So keep reading till the end to get your desired answers.

Does Bluetooth really affect planes?

Using mobile phones aboard an aircraft may cause problems with the functioning of cockpit equipment, according to experts.

However, some airlines limit the use of Bluetooth devices to those that aren’t connected to mobile phones, while others have outright banned the technology from flights. There is a fear that Bluetooth devices may interfere with radio frequencies that are used to communicate between aircraft and air traffic control towers.

The danger is minimal. Plane crashes are not caused by electromagnetic interference, and commercial planes have never been brought down by electromagnetic interference. Though they have never been approved by the National Aviation Security Board.

However, the ramifications are thought to be severe. The glideslope of an aircraft or the radio of a pilot need not be distorted or jammed in order for cellular communications, including Bluetooth, to cause a serious disaster. It’s unlikely that such a thing could happen, but safety authorities aren’t taking any chances. They are prohibited on the same grounds that flying with a mobile phone is prohibited.

If you have any medical or assistive technology-related Bluetooth devices, it is imperative that you investigate your flight’s Bluetooth limit before boarding.

As things stand, people can use Bluetooth headphones on Airplanes. But they have to follow some rules and regulations. If you are mad about why Bluetooth is capped in Airplanes, well, to answer you, Have you ever heard of a survivor that survived an Airplane crash? You must have heard people surviving all sorts of accidents except this one. So to be fair, rules and regulations are there for a reason. You must obey them for everybody’s sake.

Check out our separate post on how to fix AirPods won’t make sound.

Are AirPods allowed on planes?

Yes, Airpods are allowed on planes but under some circumstances only. On airplanes, you are permitted to wear Bluetooth headphones. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) ruled in 2013 that Bluetooth headphones are safe to use in Airplanes.

Bluetooth headphones do function, and you’ll likely find them on most flights. Bluetooth headphones, like Bluetooth keyboards, are regarded to be short-range Bluetooth devices. Because simple Bluetooth devices cause little to no airplane disturbance, they are often permitted.

I’m sure you’ll notice in the fine print of most airlines that you are not allowed to use Peripherals or any other wireless equipment. True, such was the situation in the past, but times have changed. Because Bluetooth-enabled devices are now widely accepted on aircraft. However, there are restrictions.

It is important to know the regulations on the Airplane while using Bluetooth devices. The communication capabilities of a cellular or VoIP device must be disabled if you’re utilizing Bluetooth technology.

Turning on “Airplane Mode” on a mobile phone may deactivate this feature. The airplane mode on most smartphones disables cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth functionality, all of which must be restored before connecting to a Bluetooth device.

Depending on the tablet, it may also include cellular capabilities, which may be turned off while still maintaining functionality.

Despite this, some airlines and regulators forbid passengers from traveling with Bluetooth devices. Some Canadian aircraft, for example, do not allow the use of Bluetooth headphones. Although some airlines allow Bluetooth headphones to be used during takeoff and landing, others require you to turn them off throughout the flight.

Using AirPods is a lot like using any other Bluetooth headset; that is why it is allowed during flights. As all Bluetooth Headphones use the same technology, if your Airplane allows Bluetooth products, you will be able to use your Airpods. If your Airplane doesn’t allow Bluetooth products, you will not be able to use Airpods while onboard. As simple as that.

Find out how to know if my AirPods are charging.

Here are the top Airlines that allow Bluetooth devices in flight:

From now on, before booking a flight, do check if your flight allows Bluetooth devices or not rather than making a flight with no pumped songs! Just check the terms and conditions on the Airline’s website, and you will get all your answers.

Now you might ask, why are Airpods not allowed during takeoff and landing?

The answer is for your personal protection. You can make better decisions when you are not diverted by your cell phone since you aren’t looking at it. Takeoff and landing are the most dangerous times; this is why you need to listen carefully to what your flight attendant is saying.

For additional information, see the article on how to find my AirPods sound pending.

How to use AirPods on a Plane

One thing is pretty clear that you cannot use your Airpods on the flight without turning on the Airplane mode. But What is the purpose of airplane mode?

Airplane mode disables your phone’s cellular and Wi-Fi connections. During your flight, you can’t call, text, or use social media. Flight mode is a solution to turning off your phone entirely without actually doing it.

Many governments ban signal-transmitting gadgets aboard commercial planes. A mobile constantly communicates with cell towers to maintain connectivity. Cellular devices must improve their signal strength in order to reach the towers when they are located a long-distance away.

This might interfere with an airplane’s sensors and navigation systems. That’s what prompted this legislation. For example, using AirPlane mode.

Another reason you are forced to use the Airplane mode is because of the battery-saving feature. When you are not turning on the Airplane mode, your cellular data will be turned on. As there is no cellular network on flight routes, your phone will constantly look for cellular networks in nearby towers that will drain the battery more than usual.

Follow our guide step-by-step to fix AirPods case not charging no light.

So yes, one thing is that you are bound to use the AirPlane mode during the flight, and another thing is that it is the right thing to do.

Now that you know that you have to use Airpods on the airplane. Let’s get to know how to turn it on.

Here are the steps to turn on the Airplane mode:

• Connect your Airpods.
• Go to settings.
• Tap on Airplane mode.

Airplane mode will not block your Bluetooth or wifi connectivity. It will just disable the Cellular data features. All other functionality of your mobile phone will pretty much be the same.

There are many Airplanes that don’t support Bluetooth earbuds or Airpods in their entertainment system. In those cases, you can buy a Bluetooth adapter and insert it into the 3.5mm jack of the entertainment system. That way, you will be able to connect your AirPods with the entertainment system.

Final Thoughts

Airpods are one of my everyday travel companions. I need the weird urge to bring my Airpods everywhere. I am pretty sure it is the same for every Airpods user out there.

I am glad that I have cleared some of the misinformation regarded the Airpods not being allowed on Airplanes. I hope you get the gist of do’s and don’t while being on the plane. So best of luck with your trip, and if you still have any queries, do reach out!