Can You Use Bluetooth on a Plane Whilst Flying?

Nowadays, tech is so indispensable that it’s almost impossible to imagine going on a trip without it.

But before you pack those Bluetooth headphones in your hand luggage or strap on your smartwatch, do you know if you can use Bluetooth on a plane whilst flying?

Technically, the answer is yes, but don’t assume that every airline will let you use it.

In this short article, we’ll explain the essentials of using Bluetooth whilst flying, so you can be prepared for every eventuality.

Table of Contents

Bluetooth Devices are Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

The aviation industry classifies most Bluetooth devices as Portable Electronic Devices (PED).

Portable Electronic Devices on Plane — Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs)

These are devices that can record, store, or transmit text or audiovisual data.

PEDs that passengers bring on board include smartphones, laptops, Bluetooth headphones, e-readers, MP3 players, and wireless keyboards.

Restrictions to PED use on board aircraft

Prior to 2013, the use of PEDs on board flights was restricted.

International civil aviation authorities continued the restriction because of concerns that these wireless devices could affect the navigational instruments and communication systems of a plane.

Authorities were concerned that in-flight device use would cause backdoor coupling, a phenomenon where electromagnetic disturbance from PED coupling paths and ports on a plane.

This is a serious risk as instrumentation on aircraft is no longer analog, but digital so theoretically vulnerable to this kind of interference.

They especially prohibited the use of PED for aircraft flying under instrument flight rules (flying through clouds) as the pilot would rely heavily on their flight instruments for navigation and even slight interference would be dangerous.

PEDs and even Bluetooth have been allowed on flights since 2013

Civil Aviation Authorities like the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) or the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EUASA) lifted restrictions on PEDs in 2013.

Bluetooth is allowed on flights — Bluetooth allowed on flights since 2013

Passengers can to use their device for the majority of the flight duration as long as it is in ‘flight’ or ‘airplane’ mode and not transmitting.

At the same time, the FAA investigated and permitted Bluetooth to be used during flights.

This is because it is a low-powered wireless communication technology that cannot achieve the power or coverage to affect flight communications and cannot achieve backdoor coupling.

Experience has shown that Bluetooth does not affect aircraft systems, but aircraft that permit Bluetooth devices undergo rigorous testing for tolerance of onboard device use.

Ultimately, individual airlines decide on the use of Bluetooth on their planes.

So is Bluetooth still an issue with airlines?

Largely no.

Most of the major airlines will allow their passengers to use Bluetooth if the device has its cellular function switched off and provided you don’t use PED during taxi, take-off, or landing.

However, it is important to remember that using Bluetooth devices is not a right, but entirely at the discretion of the airline.

For Some – The risk of using Bluetooth, however small, is one they do not want to take, especially where liability is concerned. So it’s essential to do your homework with the airline(s) you will use before you fly.

Airplane mode is essential

Switching your devices to flight or airplane mode is non-negotiable for all airlines.

using Bluetooth devices flights — Use airplane mode

Airplane mode is a setting on PEDs that allows any internal antennas for cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth to be switched off. This disables the connectivity of the device; it won’t send or receive data,

Airplane mode does not disable the other functions of a PED. You should be able to take photos, listen to music or write emails and texts that can be sent later on.

PEDs like smartphones have settings you can access to switch the airplane mode on or off. In Android and iPhones, this is usually an airplane icon.

You can use Bluetooth in airplane mode

On most devices, you can switch on Bluetooth communication while maintaining airplane mode.

This means that you can use Bluetooth in flight, if permitted, without switching on the cellular networking function of a device.

Cellular and Wi-Fi signals can interfere with aircraft

Unlike low-power Bluetooth, cellular signals can be a source of harmful electromagnetic interference, capable of disturbing sensitive communication and navigation components on an airplane.

The FAA has also suggested that the in-flight use of cell phones on airplanes could overwhelm cell towers as planes pass overhead.

There has been some easing of Wi-Fi restrictions with airlines like JetBlue offering Wi-Fi on board flights.

However, the FAA’s concern has been that Wi-Fi equipment is extremely diverse and may include PED with output power over 100mW, which could interfere with the airplane.

Using Bluetooth in flight

If you are allowed to use Bluetooth, you can go right ahead and use your wireless headphones, keyboards, and any other PEDs you want to use.

Keep In Mind – Bluetooth headphones are understandably one of the most popular Bluetooth devices for flights, but it’s important to remember that you are unlikely to stream audio and video content via your smartphone or laptop as you would normally.

If you’re intending to use your headphones, ensure you fully charge your devices and headphones and download the audio and media you want to enjoy pre-flight.

Some people want to use Bluetooth headphones with in-flight entertainment provided by the airline.

This is not directly possible as there is only a conventional audio jack. However, you can use a Bluetooth headphone adapter to enjoy the audio wirelessly.

These small electronic devices consist of a standard audio plug that connects to the audio jack on the in-flight entertainment screen.

The dongle-like adapter will transmit the audio to your headphones via Bluetooth.

You can read more about Bluetooth headphone adapters and read reviews of them in the article: “Do AirPods work on a plane?”.

In conclusion

Bluetooth is a low-power wireless technology for personal electronic devices that is unlikely to cause interference on airplanes.

Airlines generally accept Bluetooth on airplanes whilst flying, but if the plane is in taxi, take-off, or landing you should have all wireless networking switched off on your devices.

Each airline has its own rules and regulation so you will need to check with them to clarify that you’ll be able to use your Bluetooth devices during the flight.