Can You Use Bluetooth Headphones on a Plane – Details & Precautions

Posted on Oct 3rd, 2022 by Heena Ganotra, Last updated on Oct 3rd, 2022

Many travelers facing a long flight have the same question; “Can you use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?” The short answer to this question is yes. There is no need to worry about being bored on your flight. Nor do you need to carry wired headphones unnecessarily. However, there are some safety considerations you need to keep in mind before you board your flight. Let’s look at a more detailed answer to ‘can you use Bluetooth on a plane?’

Can You Use Bluetooth on a Plane?

The rules differ from one airline to another. We recommend checking in with the airline you are using before packing your headphones. However, in general, most airlines permit passengers to use Bluetooth headphones, earbuds, and earphones on the flight. 

Technically, Bluetooth is safe to use and you can listen to music on your Bluetooth earbuds on airplane. Organizations like the FAA have approved its use since back in 2013. However, different airlines have their own regulations on the matter. 

Different Airlines on Bluetooth Headphones Flying

All major airlines operating today have their opinions on how passengers can use Bluetooth onboard. If you’re flying from India to Canada or back, you need to consider what the major airlines operating between these two countries say. Let’s have a look:

• Air Canada Headphones – Air Canada allows passengers to use Bluetooth earbuds on airplanes. But you’re only allowed to use them once the aircraft reaches 10,000 feet in altitude. The airline will let you know when that happens. 
• American Airlines Earbuds – Passengers are allowed to use Bluetooth headphones throughout the duration of the flight but not during take-off and landing. 
• Delta Airlines Headphones – Passengers are allowed to use Bluetooth headphones throughout the duration of the flight but not during take-off and landing.
• Alaska Airlines Bluetooth Headphones – Headphones are allowed throughout the flight, including take-off and landing. 
• United Airlines Headphones – Headphones are allowed throughout the flight, including take-off and landing.

As you can see, all major airlines operating in Canada have different thoughts on Bluetooth earbuds on planes. If you are concerned, contact the airline’s customer service desk directly to ask. 

What Do Air Transport Authorities Say?

When it comes to flying with Bluetooth headphones, airline authorities provide very clear instructions:

1. IATA – International Air Transport Association 

IATA overseas 290 airlines operating in 115 countries. It doesn’t allow Bluetooth onboard during take-off and landing. However, you can use Bluetooth in flight mode during the rest of your trip. 

2. TCCA – Transport Canada Civil Aviation

TCCA has no clear instructions on this matter. They only recommend looking at the instructions provided by individual airlines before boarding.

3. FAA – Federal Aviation Administration 

The FAA of the US allows the use of Bluetooth devices on flights. The organization has done so since 2013. 

This is what some aviation regulators have to say about Bluetooth headphones on airplanes. It may be a good idea to look at what your destination country’s aviation authority has to say about the use of Bluetooth while flying. 

How to Use Bluetooth Headphones on a Plane?

Most airlines want you to use your headphones on flight mode and make sure your mobile phones are on flight mode too. This instruction is for the entire journey but during taxi, take-off, and landing. 

When the airplane is taxiing down the runway, taking off, or landing, make sure your Bluetooth headphones are switched off and not in use. 

While Bluetooth is unlikely to disrupt airline communications. It is better to err on the side of caution in these matters. Flying with Bluetooth headphones is safe as long as you follow the instructions provided by the airline. 

If you want to know more about Bluetooth headphones for planes, we recommend speaking with our agent or visiting the airline’s website. The information regarding Bluetooth use onboard is clearly mentioned. You can also ask the agents of the airline during the check-in. They will have the most up-to-date information on the matter and will be able to advise you. 

You can also ask our travel agent to book a flight on an airline that allows the continuous use of Bluetooth headphones. 

FAQs

Q. Can I use any kind of Bluetooth headphones on the flight?

Ans.. Yes, in general, most headphones and earbuds are designed to be safe for use on flights. However, some airlines require you to use headphones that have flight mode capabilities. This means you should be able to use the headphones at all times during the flight. 

Q. Do Bluetooth headphones work in airplane mode?

Ans.. This depends on your phone and its model. In most cases, you can toggle the Bluetooth on after you have enabled flight mode, after which the connection can be established. This might not work on your device or headphones so check before you leave.

Q. Why do airlines prohibit Bluetooth headphones during take-off or landing?

Ans.. It is safe to use Bluetooth during take-off and landing for the most part. However, many airlines prohibit this use just in case there are issues. They also want you to pay attention to any important announcements and safety guidelines they issue for the flight. 

Q. Are Bluetooth headphones safe on planes?

Ans. Yes, Bluetooth headphones are safe to use on airplanes. We just recommend that you listen to your music or podcasts at a relatively low volume so you can listen to any announcements the crew makes. 

Now that you have an answer to ‘can I use Bluetooth headphones on an airplane,’ it is time to book your flight tickets!

At MyTicketsToIndia, we provide personalized and customized ticket booking services. Our experts will help you find the best prices for flights from Canada to India. Our team uses industry connections and ties with airline aggregators to get amazing discounts for you. So why wait? Get in touch with us so we can help you with some great deals. 

About Heena View All Posts

A writer by both passion and profession, Heena Ganotra is "half agony, half hope" but all heart. And oh, she has been a book lover from the start! Her love for books is what convinced her to make a career in the wonderful world of words. She loves what she does and is out-and-out a satisfied soul with a wish to spread happiness like herpes. Insight- Some say she is living the best life anyone could because she reads, writes, travels, and makes merry. They’re right because what else does one really need! 🙂