Abstract
- Some airways have Bluetooth-ready leisure programs, by which case you’ll be able to pair your AirPods instantly.
- If a airplane lacks Bluetooth, you will want a appropriate Bluetooth adapter, or optionally a cable within the case of the AirPods Max.
- Chances are you’ll want a specialised airplane adapter if an airline nonetheless makes use of dual-prong audio ports.
Frankly, I normally desire watching movies and TV exhibits on my iPad once I journey. I am unable to rely on each flight having an in-flight leisure system, and even when there’s one, I’ve very explicit tastes. A Delta airplane working in 2025 most likely is not going to have The Witch or The Empire Strikes Again in its library.
I do benefit from leisure programs generally, although, significantly if it lets me watch one thing I won’t have entry to at residence. In the event you’ve obtained a pair of AirPods, it is more and more simple 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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Tips on how to use your AirPods for in-flight leisure
If the airplane has built-in Bluetooth compatibility
United
As a result of wired headphones are much less and fewer widespread, some airways are upgrading their leisure programs to help Bluetooth. Entry might additional rely on what seat class you are in, nevertheless. Whereas First Class passengers will certainly have Bluetooth if a airplane 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.
In the event you do luck right into a seat with Bluetooth, observe these steps:
- Open Bluetooth choices on the seatback display. Their menu location goes to fluctuate from airline to airline, however slightly 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 bother.
- Put your AirPods into pairing mode. On fashions with a charging case, maintain 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 obligatory.
- Your AirPods ought to seem as a pairable system. Choose them.
- To disconnect your AirPods, return to the seatback choices, or else wait till the airplane is near touchdown — your AirPods must be disconnected robotically.
In the event you’re having bother pairing, you could must disconnect your AirPods out of your telephone, pill, or pc first. On an iPhone or iPad, go to Settings > Bluetooth, faucet the ‘i‘ icon subsequent to your AirPods, then Disconnect. On the bottom, you must have the ability to reconnect through Settings with out re-pairing.
What to do if the airplane would not have built-in Bluetooth
You might have a few choices
Some in-flight programs might solely have wired choices, like USB, a 3.5mm headphone jack, or that dual-prong port unique to airplanes. What you will must do is dependent upon 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 will want to purchase a USB Bluetooth adapter. Comply with the adapter’s directions for pairing. You may additionally want a port adapter in case your seat makes use of USB-A as an alternative of USB-C, or vice versa.
- For the AirPods Max, you should use both a Bluetooth adapter or a appropriate USB cable.
If there is a 3.5mm headphone jack:
- For AirPods with earbuds, you will want to purchase a 3.5mm Bluetooth adapter. Comply with the adapter’s directions for pairing.
- For the AirPods Max, you should use both a Bluetooth adapter or a appropriate 3.5mm-to-USB or 3.5mm-to-Lightning cable, relying on the era of headphones you could have.
If there is a dual-prong port, you will most likely want to purchase a specialised wi-fi airplane adapter such because the Twelve South AirFly Pro, no matter which AirPods you personal. Although there may 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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