Abstract
- Some airways have Bluetooth-ready leisure methods, through which case you’ll be able to pair your AirPods instantly.
- If a aircraft lacks Bluetooth, you may want a appropriate Bluetooth adapter, or optionally a cable within the case of the AirPods Max.
- You could want a specialised airplane adapter if an airline nonetheless makes use of dual-prong audio ports.
Frankly, I normally choose watching movies and TV reveals on my iPad after I journey. I am unable to rely on each flight having an in-flight leisure system, and even when there may be one, I’ve very explicit tastes. A Delta aircraft working in 2025 in all probability is not going to have The Witch or The Empire Strikes Again in its library.
I do reap the benefits of leisure methods generally, although, notably if it lets me watch one thing I may not have entry to at house. For those who’ve received a pair of AirPods, it is more and more straightforward to keep away from boredom on lengthy flights with out bringing an 11- or 13-inch pill in all places you go.

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The right way to use your AirPods for in-flight leisure
If the aircraft has built-in Bluetooth compatibility
United
As a result of wired headphones are much less and fewer frequent, some airways are upgrading their leisure methods to help Bluetooth. Entry might additional rely on what seat class you are in, nonetheless. Whereas First Class passengers will certainly have Bluetooth if a aircraft helps it in any respect, the choice could be lacking in Financial system seats.
Examine included seat facilities earlier than reserving a ticket, if that is a precedence for you.
For those who do luck right into a seat with Bluetooth, comply with these steps:
- Open Bluetooth choices on the seatback display screen. Their menu location goes to differ from airline to airline, however just a little exploration ought to do the trick. On United flights, for instance, you’ll be able to management Bluetooth by tapping a rune within the toolbar. Ask a flight attendant should you’re nonetheless having hassle.
- Put your AirPods into pairing mode. On fashions with a charging case, preserve the buds inside, however then press and maintain the case button till a light-weight begins flashing. With the AirPods Max, press and maintain the noise cancellation button.
- On the seatback show, activate Bluetooth if vital.
- Your AirPods ought to seem as a pairable machine. Choose them.
- To disconnect your AirPods, return to the seatback choices, or else wait till the aircraft is near touchdown — your AirPods needs to be disconnected robotically.
For those who’re having hassle pairing, you might must disconnect your AirPods out of your cellphone, pill, or laptop first. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, faucet the ‘i‘ icon subsequent to your AirPods, then Disconnect. On the bottom, it’s best to be capable of reconnect through Settings with out re-pairing.
What to do if the aircraft does not have built-in Bluetooth
You’ve a few choices
Some in-flight methods might solely have wired choices, like USB, a 3.5mm headphone jack, or that dual-prong port unique to airplanes. What you may must do is determined by which port you encounter.
If there is a USB port:
- Confirm that it really helps USB audio, probably by asking a flight attendant. Some USB ports might solely be for energy.
- For AirPods with earbuds, you may want to purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter. Comply with the adapter’s directions for pairing. You might also want a port adapter in case your seat makes use of USB-A as a substitute of USB-C, or vice versa.
- For the AirPods Max, you should utilize both a Bluetooth adapter or a appropriate USB cable.
If there is a 3.5mm headphone jack:
- For AirPods with earbuds, you may want to purchase a 3.5mm Bluetooth adapter. Comply with the adapter’s directions for pairing.
- For the AirPods Max, you should utilize both a Bluetooth adapter or a appropriate 3.5mm-to-USB or 3.5mm-to-Lightning cable, relying on the technology of headphones you’ve got.
If there is a dual-prong port, you may in all probability want to purchase a specialised wi-fi airplane adapter such because the Twelve South AirFly Pro, no matter which AirPods you personal. Although there might hypothetically be a appropriate cable for the AirPods Max, airways have been shifting away from the dual-prong format, so there’s not a lot name for adapter cables.

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