Your itinerary is ready, bags are packed, the camera is charged, and you’re pumped for that airplane trip you’ve been planning for months. Before leaving your house, you remember you’d like to hear music or watch a movie during the flight to test your new headphones, and the question appears: “Can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?“
The simple answer in most cases is: yes, you can.
However, the complex answer is more like, well, it depends…
Let’s talk about it and explain why.
There are a lot of regulations, and they’re dynamic, so they have been changing and evolving with technology in the last few years. However, portable electronic devices are not always allowed during the flight, and it could ruin your trip if you add extra baggage without being able to use it unless you want to be the next #lord or #lady sensation on social media fighting against a flight attendant.
Most airlines allow the usage of Bluetooth devices and similar. Still, with certain limitations according to their regulations, these regulations change by carrier and airline, making the question difficult to answer with a simple yes or no.
Why do airlines restrict Bluetooth and electronic devices?
Well, I’m sure you’ve ever experienced wireless interference when you’re talking via cellular with a friend or simply while using your WiFi devices.
Some regulations prohibit or limit electronic devices in cases larger than a smartphone (i.e., tablets or laptops). Bluetooth headphones are considered short-range devices. As you’ve probably noticed, the connection works in a small range of 5-8 meters max.
However, regarding security, aircraft interference from short-range devices is minimal, and they are allowed. Some aircraft also allow WiFi (when provided at a cost).
However, blocking large-range signals such as the cellular network is essential as it could cause interference, and nobody wants a plane to have interference while flying 30,000 feet high.
That’s why many airplanes allow you to use devices as long as you enable airplane mode, which restricts cellular connection. However, it also blocks Bluetooth and WiFi in some cases, although those 2 can be enabled while still keeping the cellular mode enabled.
Also, airlines need to make sure people are listening to their messages and announcements, and when you’re using your brand-new noise-canceling headphones, you won’t be able to hear those. Some people put their headphones on the maximum volume on purpose to avoid the sound of the jet engines.
Airlines try to avoid scenarios where you’re stuck in dangerous situations because you didn’t hear the instructions earlier.
That’s why many airlines provide a basic headphone set that you can connect to the entertainment system. Whenever the pilot or flight attendants make an announcement, it will also be transmitted via your headphones.
But we all know those headphones suck, and it’s almost impossible to connect our Bluetooth headphones to the entertainment system as they tend to be old and use aged interfaces.
Not all airlines are equal
Just because the last time you flew with an airline, you weren’t required to take off and turn off your headphones and Bluetooth devices, it doesn’t mean you’ll be in the clear for your next flight if you’re traveling with a different airline.
Regulations are different worldwide, and it’s pretty evident in this case. For example, some airlines require you to turn off electronic devices during take-off and landing. Some airlines allow you to use devices after reaching 10,000 feet, while others don’t require you to turn off your devices.
Also, there are some extreme cases we’ve seen while traveling internationally where you can’t use Bluetooth or any wireless device during the flight, which can confuse foreigners who feel they’re entitled to their electronics and freedom.
In conclusion
You can use Bluetooth devices, especially if you’re traveling locally. However, asking a flight attendant or checking your airline’s website for specific rules never hurts. Be polite when asking, as it’s not the flight attendant’s call to allow you or not to use your Bluetooth devices.
You will most likely be required to turn them off during take-off or landing. And most likely, you’ll require your device to be put in airplane mode, even if you re-enable Bluetooth separately, as long as your cellular connection is off. But asking never hurt anybody, and you’ll be acting as a civilized person.