If you just bought a pair of AirPods and are preparing for airplane travel, you have probably wondered if you can use these wireless earbuds on the plane. You may also have wondered if AirPods can be used in Airplane Mode when you're not able to make calls or text. Let's take a look at using AirPods on the plane.
Related Article: The Quickest Way to Turn Announce Messages with Siri Off & On
Can AirPods Be Used on a Plane?
Can you use AirPods on an airplane? The quick answer is yes. In 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration made it ok for passengers to carry portable electronic devices on a flight. Since AirPods are considered a portable electronic device, you won’t have any issues. However, you still have to put your iPhone in Airplane Mode to disable the cellular radio. As soon as you enable Airplane Mode on your phone, you can turn your Bluetooth back on. As a result, you will be able to use your AirPods during the flight. If available, you can even connect to your flight's onboard Wi-Fi, but you won't be able to make voice calls, even over Wi-Fi, due to FCC regulations that ban airborne calls using cell phones. Are AirPods worth it if you can use them on a plane? We'll help you decide!
Airline Policies on AirPods
While the FAA permits the use of AirPods during flights, some airlines have banned or limited the use of Bluetooth devices on board. One reason is that some airlines have older aircrafts that are more vulnerable to Bluetooth waves than their newer aircrafts. Another reason behind bans is that Bluetooth waves can sometimes alter the navigation system of an aircraft. As a reference, we have a chart that lists some of the most popular airlines and their policies regarding AirPods.
| Airline | AirPods Allowed? |
|---|---|
|
|
Yes |
|
|
Yes Notes: Cannot use during takeoff and when landing. Can be used with the airline's inflight entertainment app. |
 Delta Airlines |
Yes Note: Cannot use during takeoff and when landing. |
| Envoy Air | Yes |
 |
Yes Note: Cannot use during takeoff and when landing. |
 |
Yes Notes: Cannot use during takeoff and when landing. Can be used with the airline's inflight entertainment app. |
 |
Yes |
 SkyWest Airlines |
Yes |
 |
Yes Notes: Cannot use during takeoff and when landing. They can be used with the airline's inflight entertainment system. |
 Spirit Airlines |
Yes |
 United Airlines |
Yes Note: Can be used with the airline's inflight entertainment app in some flights. |
