Without entertainment from your phone or devices, long-haul flights can be a drag. If you’ve got a long flight planned, you might be wondering: Does Bluetooth work on airplanes?
In this article, I will cover whether Bluetooth works on airplanes. Let’s get started.
Does Bluetooth Work On Planes?
Bluetooth is a short-range radio frequency technology designed to connect various devices such as mobile phones, computers, printers, headsets and more.
So, does Bluetooth work on planes? The short answer to this question is yes, it does!
However, whether you are permitted to use your Bluetooth devices onboard an airplane isn’t always made clear by airline companies.
While the FAA (Federal Aviation Administration) doesn’t restrict Bluetooth on flights, they do leave the final decision up to the individual airlines.
When it comes to using your devices on any airplane, you will need to switch your device to airplane mode or disable the cellular connection.
You may also be able to use Wi-Fi on your smartphone or device if the plane has Wi-Fi on board and the airline allows passengers to use it. Many airlines offer a certain amount of free Wi-Fi time before you are then charged.
You can also continue to use short-range Bluetooth accessories, such as wireless headphones.
Not all airlines publish anything about using Bluetooth devices, such as headphones, on their website.
As a result, if you’re eager to learn whether you can use your Bluetooth devices during the flight before you head to the airport, be sure to check out the airline’s social media accounts such as Twitter.
Are You Allowed To Use Wireless Bluetooth Headphones On Planes?
The answer to this question is that it depends on the airline. In addition to this, there are certain limitations that you should be aware of before using them.
For instance, while some airlines allow you to use Bluetooth devices on planes, they might ask you to switch them off during the takeoff as well as the landing.
On the other hand, some flights don’t allow Bluetooth devices at all for the duration of the flight, it really just depends on the airline!
If you’d like to know whether an airline allows Bluetooth headphones, you can always research the airline ahead of your trip to try to find out more information.
That being said, you should bring your wireless Bluetooth headphones regardless just in case. The worst thing that could happen is a flight attendant asking you to put your headphones away.
That being said, provided that you are respectful and turn them off if requested, rather than arguing, you won’t get into any trouble.
However, as I’ve mentioned, the final decision for using Bluetooth headphones on flights will depend on which airline you’re flying with.
What Are Some Of The Airlines That Allow Bluetooth Devices?
There are a variety of different airlines that allow you to use Bluetooth devices, and for many, this might help you decide on what airline you fly with. These airlines include but are not limited to:
American Airlines
American Airlines allow Bluetooth devices.
That being said, they recommend that you download some entertainment before your flight, because they don’t work with the entertainment seat back screens.
Allegiant Air
Allegiant doesn’t talk about Bluetooth on their website. However, on their Twitter account they state that passengers are allowed to use Bluetooth headphones inflight.
That being said, it’s worth noting that according to their Twitter, they don’t currently offer Wi-Fi. Bearing this in mind, you will need to download all of your music beforehand.
JetBlue
Passengers can use Bluetooth headphones with your own devices but you will require other wired headphones if you are to use their inflight entertainment.
Like I said, if you can’t find out whether an airline allows Bluetooth devices throughout the duration of a flight, you can always bring them and ask.
The worst that they can do is say no, and you will likely need or will find it useful to have your Bluetooth device where you’re going anyway.
Is It Safe To Use Wi-Fi And Bluetooth Devices On An Airplane?
Yes, it’s safe to use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on an airplane. That being said, this doesn’t mean that every airline has working Wi-Fi.
If working Wi-Fi is an essential for you to carry on working inflight, then you will need to make sure that you research the airline in question beforehand.
In addition to this, if you’re ever unsure on whether you can use a Bluetooth device on a plane, make sure that you prioritize your safety as well as the safety of your fellow passengers by asking.
Using Bluetooth Headphones On Board A Flight
It couldn’t be simpler to use Bluetooth headphones on a plane!
Firstly you will need to ensure that your phone or device is in airplane mode. You can find airplane mode in the settings section of your phone.
When you select airplane mode, the cellular connection, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth will all be turned off.
Once you have put your phone into airplane mode, you can then turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth as required. Switching on Bluetooth doesn’t take your cell phone out of airplane mode.
Is There Anywhere To Charge Bluetooth Headphones On A Flight?
Most older aircraft as well as lower budget airlines often don’t offer charging outlets.
As a result, there’s nowhere you would be able to charge your Bluetooth headphones, so it’s best to make sure that they are fully charged before you head to the airport.
However, this doesn’t mean that there aren’t airlines that offer USB ports, as many do. This means that you can conveniently charge your Bluetooth devices after take off and before landing.
In Summary
Yes, Bluetooth works on airplanes. However, as you can see, whether you can use Bluetooth devices on airplanes is not always clear. It really just depends on the airline that you choose to travel with.
I hope reading this article has been helpful. Hopefully after reading it you have a better understanding of using Bluetooth as well as WiFi onboard an airline.
Happy flying!
I decided to create this source of knowledge from my own experiences, in the hopes of helping budding pilots to get through their training.
So, if you’re thinking about becoming a pilot or are in the middle of your training, I hope that this website and my knowledge comes of some benefit to you. I’d love to think that my website made your experience a little less stressful and a lot more fun!
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