The thought of taking a long flight can be daunting. No doubt that it’s extremely tiring. But hey, at least most airline services offer in-flight entertainment! But then again, nothing makes it worse than having to wear those uncomfortable headphones with barely any ear padding or to find the headphones getting entangled every few seconds.
But, can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane? Are you wondering whether you can take your wireless devices on board? Keep reading to find out the answer.
Can I Carry My Bluetooth Headphones on a Plane?
If you are wondering whether you’re allowed to carry Bluetooth headphones on a plane, you’ll be delighted to know that the answer is yes, for most airline services. Airplanes experience minimal interference from short-term Bluetooth devices, and as Bluetooth headphones fall under this category, you’re good to go.
However, keep in mind that not all airlines allow you to carry them. Please ensure that you go through the rules and regulations of the aircraft service before your day of departure. In such a case, it’s always a good idea to keep a pair of wired earphones with you too.
Read Also: What is the Difference Between Wireless and Bluetooth Headphones?
Why Don’t Flights Always Allow Bluetooth Headphones?
Studies have shown that since wireless devices use Wi-Fi, short radio transmitters, and high frequency for sending and receiving data and files, they may interfere with flight systems such as communication and navigation. At times, they may cause malfunctions in the system display. For similar reasons, sirlines request passengers to either turn off their mobile phones, or put them on airplane mode, whenever they’re in a flight.
What Are The Rules Regarding Bluetooth Devices?
Airlines have banner passengers from carrying certain electronic devices. That doesn’t mean that they can’t be packed in your luggage, though! The new electronic ban states that airlines do not permit passengers to carry certain devices, including large Bluetooth headphones. In short, airlines may ask passengers not to use any devices that come with Bluetooth or Wi-Fi.
Furthermore, you can only carry devices that comprise an airplane mode. As long as you don’t have them lying in your on-board luggage, there’s nothing to worry about. Keep in mind that these rules differ from airline to airline.
Will I be Able to Use My Bluetooth Headphones to Watch In-flight Movies?
If this is the first time you’re traveling via an international flight, you will be pleased to know that these flights offer you with a wide range of entertainment. From children’s shows, cartoons, music, podcasts, shows to movies – you’re often spoilt for choices. No better time than flight time to catch up on all those movies you didn’t have the time to watch!
Having said that, however, there’s no guarantee that the entertainment systems are up-to-date, in terms of technology. This could mean that they may not support Bluetooth connectivity, and often only support the two-pin AUX input plug. In such cases, you really can’t do anything other than put your Bluetooth headphones away for the journey.
Which Airline Services Will Allow Me to Carry My Bluetooth Headphones?
To make things a little easier for you, our team of experts has listed a few of the frequently used airline services which allow Bluetooth headphones. They are:
- Delta Air Lines: Delta Air Lines provides passengers with in-flight Wi-Fi services. Furthermore, they also allow you to carry your Bluetooth headphones on board. Keep in mind that you can only use your devices if they are on flight mode.
- Southwest Airlines: Southwest provides passengers with Wi-Fi services, and permits them to use their wireless devices on flight mode.
- JetBlue: JetBlue allows passengers to carry and use wireless devices, like keyboards and headphones. However, passengers must keep the cellular services off.
- Air Canada: This is another airline service that provides Wi-Fi services. And, you can only use wireless devices and headphones; however, once the aircraft has reached a height of 10,000 feet. Furthermore, the battery of the devices must be removable.
- Lufthansa: Lufthansa is one of the few airline services that allows you to use your wireless devices and Bluetooth headphones for the entire duration of the flight. Whether you are taking off or landing, your headphones can stay on at all times.
- British Airways: British Airways allows passengers to use wireless devices while flying.
- Porter: While Porter does not provide passengers with Wi-Fi services, they allow you to use your devices, if and only if they are on flight mode.
A few other airline services which allow you to carry and use Bluetooth headphones and wireless devices are:
- Air France
- Ryanair
- Alaska Airlines
- Spirit Airlines
- United Airlines
- American Airlines
As you can see above, most of the airlines allow passengers to carry Bluetooth devices. Nevertheless, you have to ensure they are on flight mode. After all, it is a matter of your safety and concern!
Should I Worry About Airport Security?
It’s very natural to be worried about airport security seizing your beloved, expensive headphones, even before you have reached your destination. As long as your airline allows it, you don’t have a thing to worry about! The chances of airport security prohibiting you from taking your headphones and wireless devices onboard are very, very low.
Using Bluetooth Devices During a Plane Journey
It’s important to ensure that your devices have been put on airplane mode during a flight journey – it’s the one thing you must not forget! However, at times, you may find that your device doesn’t connect to Bluetooth, when placed in airplane mode. In such a case, manually turn your cellular network off and try connecting once again.
Often, you won’t be able to connect the in-flight entertainment to your Bluetooth headphones. As such headphones run on battery, they will eventually lose charge. With no headphones to use, you won’t be able to take advantage of the in-flight entertainment. To avoid such scenarios, pack a pair of wired earphones as well to save you from when boredom strikes.
Have a Safe Journey!
While most airline services, both domestic and international, allow you to carry your wireless devices and Bluetooth headphones with you, we highly recommend going through your airline’s website to see if they permit carrying these devices too. If they aren’t allowed, you most certainly won’t be asked to dispose of your belongings and devices, but would be asked to keep them turned off. Nevertheless, if they are your only source of entertainment, and you have a long journey ahead of you, you’re going to be in for a very, very boring flight.
We hope you found the post “Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones on a Plane?” useful. If you have any questions, doubts, or queries, feel free to drop a comment in our comment section below, and our experts will get back to you with an answer in no time. If there are any products you have in mind that you would like for us to review and compare, do write to us!
