Updated on December 1, 2024.
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Many people can’t live without their AirPods. The convenience of wire-free headlines completely changed the way they live their lives – and that includes while traveling. It’s hard to go back to the clunky wired headlines and choppy sound quality after you’ve gotten used to AirPod listening – and thankfully, you don’t have to!

You can use AirPods while on a plane, and you have a few options on how to do that. If you want to connect your AirPods to in-flight entertainment, you’ll need an additional adapter. If you want to listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts on your phone, you can do that as you normally do.

Here’s all you need to know.

Key Takeaways

  • You can use your AirPods on a plane to listen to music, audiobooks, or podcasts on your phone. As long as your phone is connected to Bluetooth, there should be no disruption in service.
  • If you want to connect your AirPods to in-flight entertainment, you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter. Make sure you read customer reviews to find a reliable one.
  • Downloading media before your flight is crucial if you want to listen to it without Wi-Fi or cellular service. In-flight Wi-Fi can be spotty, and you may have to pay a fee to access it.
  • Remember to fully charge your AirPods before your flight or bring an external charger with you. Some planes may not have in-seat charging ports.
  • During takeoff and landing, you may be asked to turn off your AirPods, so make sure you have alternative entertainment options available during those times.

AirPods And In-Flight Entertainment

At this time, if you want to use your AirPods to connect to in-flight entertainment, you’ll need to purchase a separate adapter. If you search for “AirPod Plane Adapter,” you’ll find many different results. Not all of these gadgets are created equally, so make sure you read the customer reviews.

Once you charge this handy device, all you need to do is plug it into the port on the back of the seat or the headphone jack on the armrest. Then, navigate to your settings and connect to the new Bluetooth device. You’ll start to hear the movie playing over your AirPods immediately.

You can get single or double devices if you’re flying with a partner or friend; however, keep in mind you need to be watching the same screen to get the same effect. Otherwise, there will be a slight delay that could be distracting.

At this time, you cannot connect to in-flight entertainment without an additional adapter; however, as technology improves, this may be different in the future.

AirPods And iPhones During Flights

If you want to listen to something on your phone, there should be no disruption in service, even if your phone is in airplane mode. Your AirPods should connect directly to your phone and play as they would any other place, as long as you are connected to Bluetooth.

The biggest stumbling block that most people face is forgetting to download their media. In order to listen without being connected to Wi-Fi or cellular service, your items must be downloaded directly to your phone. Otherwise, you cannot stream the content until the Wi-Fi service is available, and even then, you may have to pay a fee to access it.

Wi-Fi on planes can be spotty, so it’s best to download the content before you get in the air rather than rely on the in-flight service for the best results. If you have pre-purchased your Wi-Fi package and it is unavailable on your flight, you should be eligible for a refund.

You may be asked to switch off your music or other media prior to takeoff so you can listen to the security and emergency reminders. Additionally, the flight attendants may also ask that you turn them off during landing.

So, Can I Use Airpods On A Plane?

Can You Use Airpods on a Plane

Yes! You can use AirPods while flying. Because they connect using Bluetooth, there should be no disruption in your service; however, you may be required to turn them off during take-off and landing. With external adapters, you may also be able to use your AirPods to connect to in-flight entertainment.

As with your phone, make sure your AirPods are fully charged prior to traveling or carry an external charger with you. Not all planes are equipped with in-seat charging ports, so if your AirPods die, you’ll be unable to use them at all, even if they are allowed on planes.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Can I use my AirPods on a plane?

Yes, you can use AirPods on a plane. As long as your phone is connected to Bluetooth, there should be no disruption in service.

  • Do I need a special adapter to connect my AirPods to in-flight entertainment?

Yes, having a separate adapter to connect your AirPods to in-flight entertainment would be best. Look for “AirPod Plane Adapters” online and read customer reviews before purchasing one.

  • What do I do if my AirPods die during a flight?

Make sure to fully charge your AirPods before your flight, or bring an external charger. Some planes may not have in-seat charging ports.

  • Can I listen to media on my phone without Wi-Fi or cellular service?

Yes, you can listen to media on your phone without Wi-Fi or cellular service if you download it beforehand. Otherwise, you may have to pay a fee to access in-flight Wi-Fi.

  • Can I listen to the media during takeoff and landing?

You may be asked to turn off your AirPods during takeoff and landing, so make sure you have alternative entertainment options available during those times.