Using Bluetooth Devices During a Flight: Your Questions Answered

Avoid boredom during a flight by using your Bluetooth devices safely & correctly

Co-authored by Hannah Dillon Reviewed by Stan Kats

Last Updated: August 5, 2024 Fact Checked

Is it possible to use Bluetooth on an airplane? You might be wondering this if you have an upcoming flight, especially if it's a long one and you were hoping to be able to listen to your carefully curated playlists while in the air. Thankfully, the answer is yes: most of the time. In this article we'll go over when you can use Bluetooth devices on a flight, as well as if you can use Bluetooth headphones to listen to in-flight entertainment.

Using Bluetooth on a Flight: Fast Facts

Yes, you can use Bluetooth while on most flights. Bluetooth is allowed on an airplane (unlike cellular data) but some airlines might restrict the usage of Bluetooth devices during all or part of a flight. Contact the airline for your upcoming flight for their personal electronics policies, or check their website.

1

Is Bluetooth allowed on airplanes?

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Yes, Bluetooth is allowed on airplanes. According to the FAA, Bluetooth isn't powerful enough to interfere with the airplane's systems^{[1]
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Federal Aviation Administration
U.S. government agency responsible for monitoring and setting guidelines for civilian aviation

Go to source} and it doesn't interfere with ground networks like regular cellular service does.
- To use Bluetooth while in an airplane, first put your device in airplane mode. This will automatically turn off Bluetooth and cellular data.
- Once your device is in airplane mode, you can then re-activate Bluetooth on your device.

2

Can I use Bluetooth headphones on a plane?

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Yes, but each airline will have different policies regarding headphones. Some airlines only allow you to use headphones at certain times, while other airlines don't allow Bluetooth headphones at all even if Bluetooth is okay to use per the FAA. We've listed the policies for several popular airlines below, but if your airline isn't on the list, check their website for their electronic devices policies or contact their customer service for more help.
- Alaska Airlines: Bluetooth headphones are allowed at all times except when directed otherwise by the cabin crew, or during descent into and takeoff from Mexico.
- American Airlines: Bluetooth headphones are allowed at all times except when directed otherwise by the cabin crew
- Delta Airlines: Bluetooth headphones are allowed at all times except when directed otherwise by the cabin crew
- JetBlue: Bluetooth headphones are allowed at all times except when directed otherwise by the cabin crew, or during some low-visibility landings
- Spirit Airlines: Bluetooth headphones cannot be used during taxi, takeoff, and landing, or when directed otherwise by the cabin crew
- Sun Country Airlines: Bluetooth headphones are allowed at all times except when directed otherwise by the cabin crew
- United Airlines: Bluetooth headphones cannot be used during takeoff and landing, or when directed otherwise by the cabin crew

3

Can I use Bluetooth headphones for in-flight entertainment?

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Yes, but you may need an adapter. Some airlines now support Bluetooth for their in-flight entertainment, but not all do. To figure out if your flight has Bluetooth connectivity for in-flight entertainment, check your airline's website or contact their customer service.
- If your flight doesn't offer Bluetooth connectivity for in-flight entertainment, your seat should have a 35mm headphone jack, which can be used with a 35mm Bluetooth adapter.