How to Survive a Long Haul Flight in Economy: A Step-by-Step Guide
Is there anything worse than being stuck on a plane for hours? It can be torture! I’ll show you exactly how to survive a long haul flight in economy class.
Have you ever been sitting on a long haul flight struggling with the less than desirable quality of the cheap headphones the airlines give out?
For the last few years I’ve kept an old pair of Apple headphones with the old-school jak inside my carry-on bag for just this occasion.
Then one day, I looked across the aisle and saw someone using AirPods.
At first I thought they must just be listening to music, then I started wondering, can you use AirPods on a plane to watch in-flight entertainment?
Let’s be honest, they are so much easier to relax with since you aren’t connected to the seat in front of you with wires.
Besides answering the question of how you can use AirPods on a plane, I’ve also included all the best AirPods to use on planes, just in case you need to invest in a new pair for your next trip!
Get ready to find out everything you need to know about using AirPods on a plane.
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Can You Use Airpods on a Plane?
The answer is yes, you can use AirPods on a plane, but with some limitations.
When using AirPods on a plane, the most important thing is to make sure you follow airline regulations and place all electronics in Airplane Mode. This mode disables all wireless connections, including Bluetooth, which is how the AirPods connect to your device.
The good news is once you hit Airplane Mode on your phone, you can turn your Bluetooth on if it turns off. Just open your phone’s settings app, then switch Bluetooth on.
Once you’ve done that, you’ll be able to use your AirPods during the flight to listen to music or watch a movie using your devices.
If you want to use the in-flight entertainment on the seatback TV screen, you’ll need to bring an adapter.
Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter
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This little guy will become your Airpods' best friend when using in-flight entertainment.
If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
How to Connect AirPods to Airplane TV
AirPods are super convenient when using your devices on the go, but can be a bit of a pain to use when using in-flight entertainment.
The good news is that most airlines use a universal 3.5mm headphone jack. So, all you need to do is remember to bring a Bluetooth adapter with you that works with a 3.5mm jack.
The Twelve South AirFly Bluetooth Audio Transmitter is the most popular option amongst frequent travelers.
Twelve South AirFly Pro Bluetooth Wireless Audio Transmitter
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This little guy will become your Airpods' best friend when using in-flight entertainment.
If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Best Airpods For Flights
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds with Lightning Charging Case Included
What I Like
Quick access to Siri by saying “Hey Siri”
More than 24 hours total listening time with the Charging Case
Effortless setup, in-ear detection, and automatic switching for a magical experience
What I Don’t Like
Earbud tips may not fit all ear canals properly, affecting sound quality
Expensive compared to other wireless earbuds
No noise-cancellation feature
The Verdict
If you’re looking for wireless earbuds for your travels, the Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) are a superb choice. With effortless setup, in-ear detection, and automatic switching, these earbuds provide a magical experience.
Plus, you can easily share audio between two sets of AirPods on your iPhone, iPad, iPod touch, or Apple TV.
However, the earbud tips may not fit all ear canals properly, which can affect the sound quality. These earbuds are on the expensive side compared to other wireless earbuds on the market. They also don’t have a noise-cancellation feature, which may be a deal-breaker for some.
Apple AirPods (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds and Case
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With effortless setup, in-ear detection, and automatic switching, these earbuds provide a magical experience.
If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) Wireless Earbuds
What I Like
Personalized spatial audio surrounds you in sound tuned just for you
Up to 2x more active noise cancellation than the previous AirPods Pro for dramatically less noise
Advanced audio performance with smarter noise cancellation and more immersive sound
What I Don’t Like
Touch controls can be a bit finicky
Earbud tips may not fit snugly in all ear canals
Relatively expensive compared to other wireless earbuds on the market
The Verdict
The Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is perfect for use on a plane, as they offer excellent noise cancellation, allowing you to enjoy your music or movies with no distractions.
They also come with four pairs of silicone tips to fit a wider range of ears and provide all-day comfort. The tips create an acoustic seal to help keep out noise and secure AirPods Pro in place.
With personalized spatial audio, you can enjoy a surround sound experience that’s tuned just for you. It works with dynamic head tracking to immerse you deeper in music and movies.
Plus, with up to 6 hours of listening time when active noise cancellation enabled, you can enjoy your favorite media for longer periods of time.
Overall, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is a solid investment for anyone looking for high-quality wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation and immersive sound.
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds
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If you're looking for high-quality wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation and immersive sound, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is the perfect choice for you.
If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
CXK T12pro Wireless Earbuds
What I Like
36-hour playtime with two charging methods and digital battery display
Latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology for stable transmission and extended range
Powerful 13mm titanium diaphragm dynamic drivers for deep, rich bass and crisp highs
What I Don’t Like
May experience occasional connectivity issues
No noise cancellation feature
May not fit comfortably in all ear sizes
The Verdict
If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to AirPods, check out the CXK T12pro Wireless Earbuds. They offer premium sound quality, long battery life, and crystal clear calls, making them perfect for use on a plane or during a workout.
These wireless earbuds are easy to use and provide fantastic premium sound quality. The latest Bluetooth 5.3 technology ensures stable transmission and extended range, making them perfect for use on a plane.
The built-in MEMS microphones and noise reduction algorithm pick up your voice and filter out background noise, providing crystal clear calls for online meetings, video chats, and more.
Plus, the 36-hour playtime and two charging methods (Type C or wireless charging pad) ensure that you won’t have to deal with the hassle of frequent charging while on the go.
The downside is that some users may find that the earbuds don’t fit comfortably in their ears, and there is no noise cancellation feature. A few reviews also complain about connectivity issues.
Overall, the CXK T12pro Wireless Earbuds are a great budget-friendly alternative to AirPods, providing premium sound quality and long battery life. If you’re looking for a reliable pair of wireless earbuds for use on a plane or during a workout, these are definitely worth considering.
Wireless Earbuds with LED Power Display Charging Case
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If you’re looking for a budget-friendly alternative to AirPods, check out the CXK T12pro Wireless Earbuds. They offer premium sound quality, long battery life, and crystal clear calls, making them perfect for use on a plane or during a workout.
If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Beats Studio Buds
What I Like
Up to 8 hours of listening time (up to 24 hours combined with pocket-sized charging case)
Two distinct listening modes: Active Noise Cancelling (ANC) and Transparency mode
High-quality call performance and voice assistant interaction via built-in microphones
What I Don’t Like
USB-C power adapter sold separately
Earbuds may feel bulky for some users
Wind may cause noise in the earbuds
The Verdict
The Beats Studio Buds are a great option for those looking for wireless earbuds that are compatible with both Apple and Android devices.
They have a sleek design and come with three soft ear tip sizes for a stable and comfortable fit while ensuring an optimum acoustic seal. The Beats Studio Buds also have an IPX4 rating, making them sweat and water-resistant, so they’re perfect for working out or running errands.
Overall, the Beats Studio Buds are a superb choice for anyone looking for wireless earbuds with high-quality sound and versatile compatibility.
They come with a charging case, ear tips with three size options, and a USB-C to USB-C charging cable.
Beats Studio Buds
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The Beats Studio Buds are a great option for those looking for wireless earbuds that are compatible with both Apple and Android devices.
If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Things to Consider When Buying AirPods to Use on a Plane
When it comes to finding the perfect pair of AirPods to use on a plane, there are a few things to consider before making your purchase.
Here are some factors to keep in mind when shopping.
1. Noise Cancellation
Noise cancellation is a crucial feature when buying AirPods to use for travel. Not only does it help to block out the sound of the plane’s engine, but it also saves you from having to listen to other people’s conversations and screaming kids.
Look for AirPods with active noise cancellation (ANC) technology for the best experience.
2. Battery Life
Another important factor to consider is the battery life of your AirPods. You want to make sure they last for the entire duration of your flight.
Look for AirPods with a long battery life and a charging case that can recharge them multiple times.
3. Comfort
Comfort is also essential when using AirPods on a plane.
You’ll be wearing them for an extended period, so you want them to fit comfortably in your ears.
Look for AirPods with different ear tip sizes to ensure a perfect fit.
4. Connectivity
| AirPods Model | Noise Cancellation | Battery Life | Comfort | Connectivity |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| AirPods Pro | Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 4.5 hours | Three sizes of soft, tapered silicone tips | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| AirPods Max | Active Noise Cancellation | Up to 20 hours | Memory foam ear cushions | Bluetooth 5.0 |
| AirPods (2nd generation) | Passive Noise Cancellation | Up to 5 hours | One-size-fits-all design | Bluetooth 5.0 |
Last, you want to make sure your AirPods have a reliable connection to your device. Look for AirPods with Bluetooth 5.0 technology for a stable and fast connection.
The AirPods Pro and AirPods Max are excellent options that meet these criteria.
Apple AirPods Max
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Designed with a knit-mesh canopy and memory foam ear cushions, these are great for wearing on long-haul flights.
If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Which AirPods are the Best to Fly With?
The AirPods Pro are the best option for frequent travelers, since they come with noise-cancelling technology, which is perfect for drowning out the airplane noise, and have a comfortable fit that makes them ideal for long flights.
They also have a Transparency mode that allows you to hear your surroundings without having to take off your AirPods.
Apple AirPods Pro Wireless Earbuds
Check Best Price on Amazon
If you're looking for high-quality wireless earbuds with excellent noise cancellation and immersive sound, the Apple AirPods Pro (2nd Generation) is the perfect choice for you.
If you click this link and make a purchase, I earn a commission at no additional cost to you.
Wrapping It Up
I hope this post has answered all your questions about using AirPods on planes, and given you all the information you need to pick the perfect pair for your next flight.
Let me know in the comments which pair of AirPods is your favorite!
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