Have you recently booked a long-haul flight and are wondering if you can use your Bluetooth headphones on the airplane? If yes, you’ve landed on the right page.
You must know the rule about keeping all your electronic devices switched off or in airplane mode during a flight.
But what about Bluetooth, and does it even work at a higher altitude? We answer just that in this article.
Quick Answer
Yes, Bluetooth headphones work on an airplane, and it isn’t affected by altitude. In fact, most modern in-flight entertainment systems include Bluetooth. Thus, you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to it.
Now that you have the quick answer, how to use Bluetooth on an Airplane is also important.
I’ve also listed a few safety regulations and when not to use Bluetooth headphones on a plane.
How to Use Bluetooth on an Airplane?
While traveling in an airplane, it is compulsory to put your smartphone in airplane mode.
The airplane mode automatically disables wireless connectivity options on your smartphone, including cellular network, Wi-Fi, GPS, and Bluetooth.
- iPhone: Swipe down from the upper right-hand corner. Look for the airplane icon and tap it to enable airplane mode.
- Android smartphone: Swipe down from the top to open the notification section. On top, you’ll see icons for various functions. Scroll to the right till you find the airplane icon. Tap it to enable airplane mode.
While airplane mode turns off your smartphone’s cellular network, you can still use Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, and GPS.
When not to use Bluetooth Headphones on an Airplane?
While most airlines allow Bluetooth headphones on an airplane, there are a few times or certain situations when you shouldn’t use it.
1. During Takeoff & Landing
Takeoff and landing are crucial stages when traveling on an airplane. Several things can go wrong during these stages.
During takeoff and landing, the flight crew also gives out important information, which you must listen.
Before an aircraft ascends and descends, the flight crew wants you to be 100% attentive to your surroundings and the necessary instructions.
Hence, the cabin crew might ask you to keep away your smartphone, headphones, and other devices.
2. During Turbulence
An aircraft experiences turbulence when it passes through unstable air currents.
The captain might announce in advance if the airplane will go through a patch of turbulence.
A turbulent period can last from a few seconds to a few minutes.
Thus, you must keep your Bluetooth headphones away and be attentive to the captain’s and the flight crew’s instructions.
3. When Instructed by the Flight Crew
Apart from passenger assistance and flight management, the flight crew is also responsible for your safety. They have first-hand information about the real-time conditions of the flight.
Hence, if they ask you to put away your Bluetooth headphones, you must do so immediately.
Safety Regulations for Using Bluetooth on an Airplane?
Most aviation regulation agencies around the world, including the FAA, IATA, and ICAO, consider Bluetooth as a low-power mode of wireless transmission.
It means Bluetooth is a low-power wireless technology and doesn’t necessarily affect a flight’s wireless systems.
FAA: FAA states that Bluetooth meets the low-power emission limit of 100 mW (equivalent isotropic radiated power) and does not affect aircraft systems. [Source]
ICAO: ICAO (International Civil Aviation Organization) states that PEDs (Portable Electronic Devices) with a Bluetooth transmitter possess a sufficiently low risk of interference in an aircraft. However, it suggests using it only during non-critical phases of a flight. [Source]
EASA: The EASA (European Aviation Safety Agency) allows using PEDs with Bluetooth, but not during all phases of the flight. It states that passengers may not use Bluetooth devices during critical situations like landing with low visibility or when directed by the crew. It does this to ensure zero interference from wireless devices with the aircraft systems. [Source]
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use Bluetooth headphones during takeoff and landing?
No, you cannot use Bluetooth headphones during takeoff and landing as they are crucial stages of a flight. The crew needs passengers to be attentive and switch off their electronic devices or keep them in airplane mode.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones with the In-Flight Entertainment System?
Yes, you can connect your Bluetooth headphones to the in-flight entertainment system during cruising speed.
Can I use Bluetooth headphones for calls on a plane?
No, because cellular networks don’t work in an airplane. Although you can make internet calls if the flight has Wi-Fi available.
Conclusion
Now that you know you can use your Bluetooth headphones on a plane, it’s always important to be considerate of others.
More specifically, avoid using them during takeoff, landing, turbulence, safety briefings, and when suggested by the flight/cabin crew.
Do let me know in the comments section which Bluetooth headphones you plan to take on your next flight.