The second you get on a flight, the first thing you are asked to do is switch your phone off, or at least put it in flight mode. This is so that the signals do not disrupt the flight. But, can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?
This question is quite interesting, and has been asked by many many people for decades. Today, we will give you a definitive answer to the question “can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?”
Can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?
The short answer is yes, you can use Bluetooth headphones on a plane, for the most part. With the exception of the security briefing, takeoff, landing, and any turbulence, you’ll often be able to use Bluetooth headphones and other Bluetooth devices during the trip.
But different airlines have quite different rules. Only Air France and Air Canada (on flights without WiFi) forbid using Bluetooth devices during flights among well-known airlines. Some airlines, including Wizz Air, Lufthansa, Qatar Airways, Southwest Airlines, Spirit Airlines, and others, permit the use of Bluetooth devices at all times while in flight, including during takeoff and landing.
There are no limitations placed on Bluetooth device use during flights by authorities overseeing airlines. They only restrict cellular connections because they might conflict with the hardware of the aircraft, thus they advise travellers to put their phones in Airplane Mode to prevent calls and mobile data from being made or received.
Actually, the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration), the primary US airline regulator, lowered the restrictions for tiny electronic devices back in 2013. Small devices can now be used during takeoff and landing in Airplane Mode, even if Bluetooth is turned on.
Will Bluetooth continue to work if my phone is in flight mode?
Only WiFi and cellular connections, which link your phone to nearby cellular towers or routers, are blocked by Airplane Mode. Calls, mobile data, and WiFi are included, however, Bluetooth is excluded. Because Bluetooth has a very different connection and a considerably smaller range, this is the case.
By activating Airplane mode, several outdated cell phones, computers, and other gadgets can disable Bluetooth. While in Airplane Mode, Bluetooth will continue to operate on almost all modern devices, including the majority of Apple, Android, and laptops.
Turn on Airplane Mode first, then try turning on Bluetooth to see if your smartphone can be used while in Airplane Mode.
Rules for Different Airlines
Here, we will briefly tell you the rules regarding Bluetooth connections for the most popular airlines.
American Airlines
Passengers may use Bluetooth headphones during the flight except during takeoff and landing. Only a small number of their aircraft have Bluetooth connectivity for in-flight entertainment systems; the majority only have wired audio connectors for streaming. You can use the AA app to access the in-flight entertainment system on flights that have WiFi by downloading it.
Air Canada
Only on flights with WiFi connectivity and above 10,000 feet in altitude are Bluetooth headphones permitted. Additionally, using your own Bluetooth headphones won’t let you connect to Air Canada’s in-flight entertainment systems. Passengers have the option of using their own wired headphones or low-cost headsets. There isn’t an in-flight entertainment app available for Air Canada, so you can’t watch it on your own device.
British Airways
During the flight, Bluetooth headphones are permitted, but not during takeoff and landing. Additionally, Bluetooth headphones are incompatible with their in-flight entertainment systems. Last but not least, as British Airways does not have an entertainment app, you cannot stream it from your own smartphone.
Emirates
Bluetooth headphones are permitted, however, they must be put away for the safety briefing, takeoff, and landing. The in-flight entertainment systems on their Airbus A380 aircraft offer Bluetooth connectivity. Only wired headphones are supported on other flights, and Emirates doesn’t let you use your own device to access their entertainment platform “Ice.”
Delta Airlines
With the exception of the flight’s critical phases, Bluetooth headphones are permitted. Although Bluetooth support for Delta’s in-flight entertainment is being rolled out, it is currently only available on certain flights. You’ll need to utilize plug-in headphones on the majority of flights. Unfortunately, Delta does not have an in-flight entertainment app, so using Bluetooth headphones with a personal device is not an option.
Lufthansa
Even during takeoff and landing, Lufthansa permits the use of Bluetooth headphones. However, since their in-flight entertainment tablets aren’t Bluetooth-compatible, you can only use wired headphones to listen to them. Although they do have an entertainment app, you can’t use Bluetooth headphones with it because it just functions as a remote control for the built-in screen.
Qatar Airways
During the flight, Bluetooth headphones are permitted. Additionally, you can view from your own device or connect your headphones to the in-flight entertainment systems on the majority of Qatar Airways flights. They do offer an app, called Qatar Airways Oryx One, however, it isn’t really useful because you can only watch trailers before the flight.
Virgin Atlantic
On Virgin Atlantic flights, Bluetooth headphones are allowed—just not during takeoff and landing. There is no Bluetooth connectivity available for their in-flight entertainment systems. The only entertainment app available on Virgin Australia flights is incompatible with Virgin Atlantic flights.
If your preferred airline is not mentioned in this list, you can go to their official website to access Bluetooth regulations.
Best Bluetooth Headphones for a flight
The finest Bluetooth headphones for traveling often offer good noise-canceling capabilities, are comfortable to use for longer periods of time, and have long battery life. Of course, this may vary based on your requirements.
The Bose QuietComfort 45 Bluetooth headphones, which have a 24-hour battery life, outstanding noise-canceling capabilities, and are pretty comfortable to wear for a long time, are one pair that meet all three requirements.
To know more about these headphones, check out the video below.
FAQs
Why can’t I use Bluetooth headphones during takeoff and landing?
Although the majority of flight authorities no longer mandate it, several airlines continue to instruct customers to turn off all Bluetooth connections during takeoff, landing, and turbulence. This is due to the fact that some of them are using older aircraft models, which sometimes have brief Bluetooth communication system outages. More and more airlines are letting passengers to use Bluetooth throughout the entire trip because modern planes often don’t experience any interference from regular Bluetooth connections.
Do I have to take out Bluetooth headphones when going through airport security?
Airport security often requires travellers to remove any lithium-ion-powered devices larger than a cell phone and deposit them in a separate bin for inspection. The majority of Bluetooth headphones fall under this category, but not tiny Bluetooth earbuds, which can be kept in a bag. They ask this because lithium batteries require separate scanning because they obstruct the x-ray images.
What are the best Bluetooth Earbuds for a flight?
The Beats Studio Buds are a great option because they are comfortable to wear, have an 8-hour listening period, and can be charged for an additional 16 hours with the charging case. Further, the earbuds are compact and will barely take up any space in your luggage.
Bottom Line
Different Airlines have different regulations when it comes to the use of Bluetooth Headphones. However, with newer technology and better airplanes, Bluetooth headphones can be used on almost every flight. Just ensure that your phone remains in Flight mode and that you take off your headphones during the security check.
Except that, you are good to go!
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