Do AirPods cause interference on a plane?

No. Bluetooth is low-power and approved for use in flight on most airlines. Always follow crew instructions and the airline's own policy.

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Can You Use AirPods on a Plane? How to Connect to In-Flight Screens.

Q: Can you take AirPods on a plane?

Yes, you can bring AirPods in your carry-on bag or in your pocket. Keep the charging case and any power banks in your cabin baggage rather than checked luggage, because of the airline rules for lithium-ion batteries.

Q: Can you wear AirPods during takeoff and landing?

Usually yes, as most airlines now allow personal devices in flight mode from gate to gate. Cabin crew may ask you to remove them during safety briefings or announcements, so be ready to pause your audio or take one earbud out.

Q: How do you connect AirPods to the airplane screen?

There are two options. Some airlines and newer aircraft have built-in Bluetooth, so you can pair AirPods directly in the entertainment menu. If your seat doesn't have it, use a Bluetooth adapter like the AirFly: plug it into the headphone jack, hold the pairing button, put your AirPods in pairing mode, wait for the connection, then adjust the volume.

Q: Do AirPods work in airplane mode?

Yes. Turn on airplane mode (also called flight mode), then switch Bluetooth back on. Your iPhone will remember this, and your AirPods will keep working while the phone stays in airplane mode.

May 8, 2026 by amble & strut

Can you use AirPods on a plane?

Yes, you can use AirPods on a plane. Bluetooth is allowed in flight mode on most airlines. To hear the seatback screen you need either built-in Bluetooth pairing (on newer aircraft) or an adapter like the AirFly.

If you’ve ever settled into your seat for a long flight, popped in your noise-canceling AirPods, and then realized you can’t actually plug them into the TV screen, you know the frustration. As we head into the busy summer travel season, the Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 has become the must-have gadget for frequent flyers. It solves one simple, annoying problem: the "headphone jack mismatch."

Can you take AirPods on a plane?

Yes, in carry-on or a pocket. Keep the case and any spare power banks in cabin baggage, not checked luggage, because of the lithium-ion battery rules.

Can you wear AirPods during takeoff and landing?

Usually yes, since personal devices are generally allowed gate to gate now. Crew may ask you to remove them for safety briefings, so keep one ear free or pause noise cancellation.

The Problem: Your AirPods Don’t Have a Wire

Most airplanes still use the old-fashioned 3.5mm headphone jack for their movies and music. Since Apple moved to wireless years ago, your AirPods are useless for the seatback screen—unless you want to use the cheap, uncomfortable wired headphones the airline hands out.

The Solution: Twelve South AirFly Pro 2

The AirFly Pro 2 is a tiny Bluetooth adapter that plugs into the plane’s headphone jack. It sends the sound wirelessly to your AirPods, letting you enjoy high-quality audio without the tangled mess.

Twelve South

AirFly Pro 2

£41.99

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How do you connect AirPods to the airplane screen?

Two routes. Option A is native Bluetooth, which only some airlines and newer aircraft have, so check the airline's site. Option B is an adapter (the AirFly), with 4 or 5 numbered steps: plug in, hold the pairing button, put AirPods in pairing mode, confirm, adjust volume.

Do AirPods work in airplane mode?

Yes. Turn on airplane mode first, then switch Bluetooth back on, and it stays on.

Why travelers love the AirFly Pro 2

Easy Pairing: It’s designed to work perfectly with AirPods(Pro) and AirPods Max.

Share the Movie: You can connect two pairs of headphones at once. You and a friend can watch the same movie together without sharing earbuds.

Long Battery Life: It lasts for over 25 hours, which is enough to get you through even the longest international flights.

Use it Anywhere: It’s not just for planes. You can use it at the gym (on treadmills), in rental cars, or on older hotel TVs.

More Than Just a Flight Accessory

While it’s a hero in the sky, the AirFly Pro 2 is useful the moment you land:

At the Gym: Plug it into the TV on the treadmill so you don't have to listen to the gym's background music.

In the Car: Use the "Receive" mode to play music from your phone through an older car’s speakers.

Final Verdict

Don't let a lack of Bluetooth on the plane ruin your flight. The Twelve South AirFly Pro 2 is a small, affordable tool that ensures you can always use your favorite headphones, no matter how old the technology is around you.

Pack light, stay wireless, and make your summer travels a lot more comfortable. They come in different color, so pick one you like most.