Are you a frequent flyer who loves listening to music or podcasts during your long-haul flights? Airpods have revolutionized how we consume our favorite audio content, offering superior sound quality and comfort. But if you plan on using these wireless earbuds while flying, you likely have one burning question: Can I use airpods on planes? It’s a question that many travelers want to be answered before boarding their next flight.
In this article, we’ll explain whether passengers can use airpods during takeoff and landing—as well as what airlines allow (and don’t allow) when bringing your headphones on board. So keep reading—it could save you from being caught off guard at the airport!
Can you use airpods on a plane?
Yes, you can use AirPods on a plane. While the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not allow travelers to use traditional Bluetooth-enabled headphones while in flight due to concerns that they interfere with aircraft navigation systems, Apple AirPods are exempt from these regulations as they have been designed to mitigate the risk of interference.
What To Consider When Choosing Headphones For A Flight
While AirPods are one of the most popular headphones for travelers, there are several important factors to consider when choosing a pair of headphones for a flight. Considerations include noise-canceling technology, comfort, sound quality, and battery life.
- Noise Cancellation Technology: Noise cancellation technologies such as active noise canceling (ANC) are important for ensuring that your headphones block out external noise. This is especially useful when flying, as the sound of the engine and air pressure can be distracting.
- Comfort: It’s important to consider how comfortable a pair of headphones will be while on a plane, as long flights can take several hours, and you’ll want to make sure your headphones don’t become irritating or uncomfortable. Consider choosing a pair of wireless earbuds that offer good sound isolation, such as AirPods Max.
- Sound Quality: It’s important to consider the sound quality of your headphones when traveling. Look for headphones with features such as balanced armature drivers, which are designed to deliver crystal-clear sound, even at lower frequencies.
- Battery Life: Battery life is an important factor to consider when choosing headphones for a flight. Look for headphones with long-lasting battery life, so you don’t have to worry about recharging your headphones during the flight. AirPods Pro offers up to 24 hours of listening time, making them perfect for long-haul flights.
How To Maximize Your In-Flight Audio Quality With Airpods
AirPods provide superior sound quality and comfort when used while flying. Here are some tips to maximize your in-flight audio quality:
- Use the Right Settings: Make sure you select the right settings on your AirPods before takeoff. This means selecting noise cancellation or transparency mode, depending on what best fits your needs. Noise cancellation mode will help reduce noise around you and increase focus, while transparency mode will allow you to hear any announcements from the crew.
- Adjust Your EQ Settings: Many AirPods offer the option to adjust your equalizer settings. Try adjusting these settings depending on what type of sound you’re looking for. For example, if you’re listening to music, set the EQ settings for a more balanced sound. If you’re watching a movie, try setting the EQ to enhance bass and treble.
- Use Spatial Audio: If your AirPods have the feature, turn on spatial audio for an immersive 3D surround sound experience. This will make the audio sound like it’s coming from all around you, providing a more immersive experience.
- Wear Noise-Cancelling Headphones: If your AirPods don’t have noise-canceling technology, consider wearing a pair of noise-canceling headphones while flying. This will help reduce any external noise and allow you to focus on your audio.
Following these tips can help ensure that your in-flight audio experience is as comfortable and enjoyable as possible. By taking the time to select the right settings and wear noise-canceling headphones, you’ll be sure to maximize your in-flight audio quality with AirPods.
Common mistakes to avoid when using AirPods on a plane
While AirPods are great for travelers looking to maximize their in-flight audio experience, a few mistakes can be made when using them on a plane. Here are some of the most common mistakes people make and how to avoid them.
1. Not Checking Your Volume Before Takeoff:
Not checking your volume before takeoff is one of the most common mistakes people make when using AirPods on a plane. Before the plane takes off, it can be very loud in the cabin, and if you have your AirPods turned up too high, you could potentially cause hearing damage or discomfort for yourself or other passengers.
To avoid this problem, it’s important to check your volume level before takeoff. Make sure to keep it at a reasonable level that won’t be too loud for others but still allows you to enjoy your music.
Additionally, once the plane has reached cruising altitude, the ambient noise in the cabin is lower, and you can increase your volume without worrying about bothering other people. It’s always good practice to maintain lower volumes even after take-off just in case something unexpected happens and the aircraft experiences turbulence or sudden loud noises.
2. Not Wearing Noise Cancelling Headphones:
Not wearing noise-canceling headphones when using AirPods on a plane is one of the most common mistakes people make. Noise-canceling headphones can help reduce background noise and create an environment where you can enjoy your audio experience more fully.
However, not all AirPods come with this feature, so it’s important to double-check before leaving for the airport. If your current AirPods don’t come with this feature, you may want to invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones that will help provide an enhanced listening experience while flying.
These headphones reduce low-frequency ambient sounds such as engine noise, allowing you to focus on the music or movie you enjoy without distraction. Additionally, some noise-canceling headphones offer active noise cancellation technology, which is able to constantly adapt to different sound environments and deliver even greater noise reduction.
3. Not Using Spatial Audio:
Not using Spatial Audio can be a big mistake when using AirPods on a plane. Spatial Audio uses the internal accelerometer and gyroscope on the AirPods to deliver an immersive 3D surround sound experience, allowing you to experience rich, realistic sounds from all directions.
Spatial Audio will make your in-flight audio experience much more enjoyable and immersive as you travel. To activate Spatial Audio, open the Settings app on your device and tap ‘AirPods’, then toggle the switch next to ‘Spatial Audio.’ With this feature enabled, your music will sound like it’s coming from all around you while remaining clear and distinct.
4. Not Taking Care of Your AirPods :
Not taking care of your AirPods is a mistake that many travelers make. It is important to take care of your headphones when traveling on a plane, as they are more prone to wear and tear due to changes in air pressure, humidity, and altitude. To make sure your AirPods last longer and provide a better audio experience, it’s important to keep them clean and free from dust or dirt. Additionally, storing them in a protective case when not being used is wise.
This will help preserve the battery life and prevent damage that can be caused by dropping or getting wet. It’s also important to avoid wearing them for long periods at high volumes, as this can cause permanent damage over time. By taking proper steps to protect your AirPods, you’ll be able to ensure that they will last longer and give you the best audio experience possible while flying.
Wrapping Up
If you decide to use AirPods on a plane, turn them off or switch them to airplane mode when the plane is taking off and landing. In addition, you’ll want to consider investing in a noise-canceling or noise-isolating headset if possible since these can help minimize external noises which can potentially harm hearing. Ultimately, it’s always best to follow all safety precautions set by the airline while onboarding an aircraft. Therefore, while using AirPods on a plane may be convenient and permissible, it’s always best to check with your airline prior to traveling in order to ensure that your users will not interfere with their protocol and regulations.
