Can you use wireless headphones on a plane with bluetooth?

As a full-time travel blogger (eek!), I often get asked if I Can you use wireless headphones on a plane. I spend a lot of time flying around and despite my (mild) fear of flying, I generally like air travel as long as it is not bumpy. But that’s another story. It’s essential to have my favourite music, movies, audiobooks and podcasts on my mobile phone to make the long hours fly by.

But surprisingly I often get asked, “Can you use Bluetooth headphones on an airplane?”

The short answer is yes, you can use Bluetooth headphones on an airplane as long as your device is in flight mode! And you will be able to use it for the entire flight duration too.

Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?

Flight Mode

First things first: flight mode. Set your flight to Airplane mode before you see the seatbelt sign go on and ONLY switch off Airplane mode when the plane has landed again. Apparently the signals from your phone can interfere with the plane’s communication systems, which, we obviously don’t want; the plane needs to be able to land safely, and communicate to make sure the runway is free to land on.

This means you can’t make phone calls. It’s quite nice sometimes to switch off from the outside world anyway, and I take this time to edit pictures, or if I’m feeling like I need to chill, watch some movies.

So, if you’re wondering ‘Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?’ then the answer is yes.

Airplane mode is a setting that disables the Wi-Fi and mobile data (aka all the connectivity features) on your phone but doesn’t affect the Bluetooth connection. It is required by all aviation laws around the world, so don’t try it – this includes the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and international air transport association during take-off and landing, but usually you can use Wi-Fi when the airplane is in flight.

You can usually use most electronic devices throughout the flight, but some wont be allowed during take off and landing, because tray tables will need to be stowed away. So, if you’re wondering ‘Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?’ then the answer is yes.

Can I use Bluetooth whilst my phone is in flight mode?

Yes! Good news – Bluetooth will work in flight mode for iPhones and Androids, as flight mode only blocks Wi-Fi and cellular data. So, if you’re wondering ‘Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?’ then the answer is yes.

If you’re feeling unsure or nervous, you can always double-check with the flight attendant or check the airline’s website in advance to reassure yourself. Flight crew on board will have the final decision on what you can and can’t use. It’s very common practice nowadays for all flights to allow you to use Bluetooth headphones with your cell phone or other devices, regardless of whether you’re catching international flights or domestic flights.

Most major airlines, including British Airways, Singapore Airlines, United Airlines, Air Canada, American Airlines, Qantas, Emirates, Qatar, Spirit Airlines, Southwest Airlines and Alaska Airlines, allow passengers to use Bluetooth headphones / wireless earbuds during flights. So, if you’re wondering ‘Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?’ then the answer is yes.

They call them PEDs – portable electronic devices – and specify that you can bring them on board with no issues, but Air France, e.g. state that there’s a limit o f 15 devices per person, and if you want to bring more you’ll need to ask permission.

Individual airlines may have different rules. Air Canada and Air France have a few older aeroplanes where you are not allowed to use Bluetooth; but on all their modern aircrafts, it is fine to use. British Airways state on their website that you cant use Bluetooth during taxi, take-off and landing, but I’m not sure they enforce this because I’ve been on a flight using Bluetooth headphones.

Airlines often give you headphones to use on long haul flights (ones that have in-flight entertainment systems available on them anyway), but I often find they are uncomfortable, and don’t sit right on my ears, or give me a bit of an ear ache after a while. Also, if you wear earrings, they crush them and press into your skin which is annoying, so I always prefer to use my own. Not all airplanes have Bluetooth connectivity, either. So it’s always good to bring your own Bluetooth headsets or Bluetooth earbuds, check these ones out on Amazon.

So, if you’re wondering ‘Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?’ then the answer is yes.

Best Headphones on the market

Can you connect your wireless headphones to in flight entertainment systems?

Well, it definitely depends on the airline and how new the plane is, but if the aircraft has Wi-Fi connectivity on board, then YES, it is likely you’ll be able to. Air Canada has confirmed that you can connect your wireless headsets as soon as you reach 10,000 feet into the air.

nIf your airplane doesn’t have Bluetooth, you have 2 options:

1) You can use your wired headphones with a mm headphone jack IF your phone has a headphone / audio jack.

2) You can buy a Bluetooth transmitter – but there are some excellent devices where you can connect your headphones to the airplane’s in-flight entertainment system with a headphone jack. Check out some of the products on Amazon that are a game changer!

So, if you’re wondering ‘Can you use wireless headphones on a plane?’ the clear answer is yes.

Other Bluetooth gadgets

Wireless mouse

To use with your laptop or tablet. I don’t tend to use it, but Mike does, and he can recommend this wireless mouse. You’ll only really be able to use this whilst you’re cruising, as tray tables are stowed away during take-off and landing.

Wireless keyboards

This is mega handy if you connect to your tablet. I used wireless keyboards a lot during university, and they even have a little built in stand for your tablet.

Noise Cancelling Headphones

If you’re on a long flight, you may want to consider investing in a good pair of noise-cancelling headphones, or reduction headsets because it is the ultimate game changer, trust me on this one. I know sometimes the sounds of engines can be distracting, or it can freak people out, so your best bet is some noise cancelling headphones.

Other top tips to know before you fly

Download movies, tv shows, music and games before hand

Make sure your phone has enough storage space to download any required apps or media on your own device before you get to the airport; do this the day before (at least), as I have been caught out a few times and ended up on the plane with nothing to watch. The good thing is that I can always edit pictures and videos from my travels so that’s always a bonus!

Bluetooth Speakers are not allowed

Whilst it’s possible to use a bluetooth speaker on board, it’s very unlikely anyone would actually let you use it. Save it for when you reach your destination, or holiday. Air hostesses and stewards will likely ask you to turn it off so you don’t disturb and annoy other passengers; it’s best to use your wireless headsets instead.

Wi-Fi Connectivity is sometimes provided

Some airlines will even provide Wi-Fi on the flight, but this is usually an additional extra you’ll have to pay for. It is good to have access when I need to research the place I’m going to, and I’ll often watch Travel YouTube videos, e.g. ‘everything you need to know about visiting Cambodia’.

Battery life – Get a power bank!

Trust me on this one – it’s a good idea to get a powerbank. This is the most useful thing I’ve bought since travelling. The amount of times I’ve been caught out with a phone about to run out of juice – having a portable charger is so important! Things always happen; delayed flights or broken charging points so it’s best to have a backup.

A lot of long haul flights and popular airlines will have USB ports, but to be honest, a lot of them dont! I’ve been on flights for around 5-6 hours that don’t have charging ports so this is something to bear in mind.nnI really like this powerbank – it’s fast charging and comes with 4 different in-built cables, so I never have to think about bringing extra cables.

Did you know?

Bluetooth technology was invented in the 1990s by a group of engineers at Ericsson, the phone company (who had an Ericsson back in the day?), and engineers were looking for a way to connect phones together.

They named the technology “Bluetooth” which has a hilarious backstory; it’s named after the Viking king of Denmark, Harold Blatand Gormsen, but he went by his nickname, Harold Bluetooth. King Bluetooth united Denmark and Norway in the 10th century. You might be wondering why he was called Bluetooth, and it’s not as appealing as it sounds; he had a rotten ‘blue tooth’ or ‘black tooth’. How’s that for a backstory?

How does Bluetooth work?

Now, I’m not a whiz at this, but basically, Bluetooth is a wireless communication technology that allows devices (like your smart phone and headphones) to connect over short distances. The technology uses radio waves to transmit data between devices, and operates on the same frequency as Wi-Fi. Bluetooth doesn’t drain your battery too much either; it uses a low-power radio signal that can transmit data up to a max of 30 feet away, but mostly, my phone transmits about 15 feet away.

So why can’t I use Wi-Fi on a plane if it uses the same frequency as Bluetooth?

Because, Bluetooth is a low power radio signal so it doesn’t interfere with other signals, whereas Wi-Fi connects over much longer distances and the ultimate priority I guess is for pilots to communicate with the air traffic. Wi-Fi is considered ‘higher risk’ when it comes to interfering with other signals – so it’s not allowed during take off and landing for flights.

Some interesting facts about Bluetooth:

1. Bluetooth technology was invented in 1994 by Dr. Jaap Haartsen of Ericsson.
2. The name “Bluetooth” comes from Harald Bluetooth, a 10th-century king of Denmark who united the Danish tribes into a single kingdom.
3. The first Bluetooth-enabled device was a wireless headset released by Ericsson in 1999.
4. Bluetooth operates on the same 2.4 GHz frequency band as Wi-Fi, but uses a lower power level.
5. Bluetooth 5.0, released in 2016, offers four times the range, twice the speed, and eight times the data broadcasting capability compared to its predecessor, Bluetooth 4.2.
6. Bluetooth mesh networking, introduced in 2017, allows large-scale networks of Bluetooth communication, which basically allows industrial automation (that’s robots, to you and me).
7. Bluetooth actually has a non-profit organization that oversees the development and licensing of Bluetooth technology, which I find quite funny – I guess like all things tech, it needs regulation. The NPO is called SIG (Special Interest Group).
8. As of 2021, over 4 billion devices are expected to ship with Bluetooth technology each year.
9. Bluetooth has changed our daily lives to become ‘smart’.

Here are 7 products that use Bluetooth that you may not have thought of:

1. Smart locks and bike locks: Bluetooth has allowed your locks to become smart! Lock and unlock from your smartphone! That means you can give access to guests or housekeepers whenever you want, wherever you want without having to provide them with a key. How cool is that? You can also be notified if someone starts trying to pick your lock! Neat, hey?
2. Pet trackers: Bluetooth pet trackers keep track of man’s best friend. The amount of times I’ve heard people fret over the whereabouts of their cats, or when people lose their dogs at the park… this one comes in handy. They use GPS and Bluetooth to give you real-time location updates.
3. Toothbrushes: You have Bluetooth toothbrushes that can tell you if you are brushing your teeth properly. I’m not sure if that’s going too far now, haha.
4. Smartwatches: Everyone’s heard of Apple watches and other smart watches. I loved counting my steps (except for when I lazed around at home and didn’t do anything).
5. Smart thermometers: they can actually track your body temperature now and send alerts if your temperature rises or falls outside of a normal range. I guess this is mostly useful if you’re ill, in extreme conditions (in cold climates) or exercising in unusual places?
6. Blood pressure monitors: they track your blood pressure over time and share your data with your Doc. Mike actually had this done because he was suffering from fainting spells in the night; turns out he just has low blood pressure.
7. Smart home devices: light bulbs, thermostats, and security cameras, use Bluetooth to connect to your smartphone.

I hope you found this useful and answered your question: Can you use wireless headphones on a plane – yes, yes yes! 🙂 Enjoy your blissful plane journeys !