Yes, you can bring AirPods on a plane and use them when airline crew allow Bluetooth devices during the flight.
Wireless earbuds are standard on flights now, and AirPods sit near the top of that list. Still, many travelers ask can you take airpods on a plane? The short answer is yes, but a few battery and Bluetooth rules shape how you pack and use them from gate to gate.
This guide walks through airport security, boarding, takeoff, cruising, and landing so you know exactly when AirPods are allowed, where to store them, and how to avoid problems with lithium batteries or airline policies.
Can You Take AirPods On A Plane In Your Carry-On Or Pocket?
AirPods count as small portable electronic devices with lithium ion batteries built in. Aviation authorities treat them like phones or tablets: you can carry them through security and onto the aircraft, but rules differ for carry-on and checked bags.
In practice, you should keep AirPods in your personal item, carry-on, or pocket, not in checked baggage. The FAA PackSafe guidance on portable electronic devices explains that devices with lithium batteries belong in the cabin so crew can deal with any problem quickly.
| Situation | Are AirPods Allowed? | Tips For Smooth Travel |
|---|---|---|
| Airport security screening | Yes, in case or pocket | Place case in tray or leave in small bag for X-ray. |
| Carry-on bag in cabin | Yes | Keep case easy to reach so you can remove it if requested. |
| Personal item (handbag, backpack) | Yes | Store near your seat so you can grab it after takeoff. |
| Checked baggage | Technically often allowed | Much safer in the cabin; avoid the hold where crew have no access. |
| Taxi, takeoff, landing | Usually off or removed | Follow crew instructions; some airlines allow brief use. |
| Cruising altitude | Yes, on most airlines | Set phone to airplane mode and switch Bluetooth back on. |
| International connections | Usually yes | Policies can vary slightly, so check your airline page. |
Checked baggage rules are tighter for loose batteries than for batteries inside devices. Still, if a device with a battery overheats in the hold, crew cannot reach it fast. That is why most safety guidance urges passengers to keep small devices such as AirPods with them in the cabin.
Rules For Taking AirPods On A Plane With Bluetooth
Taking AirPods on a plane comes down to two questions: whether your airline lets you use Bluetooth during the flight, and when cabin crew want all small devices powered off or stowed. The Federal Aviation Administration lets airlines permit Bluetooth headphones when they are satisfied the aircraft systems are protected, and many carriers now follow that approach.
Most airlines use a simple pattern. During taxi, takeoff, and landing, they may ask for all earphones off so you can hear crew briefings and any safety instructions. Once the seatbelt sign stays on but the aircraft has reached a steady height, many crews announce that small personal electronic devices with airplane mode are fine again.
Bluetooth, Airplane Mode, And Your Phone
AirPods rely on Bluetooth, so they need a phone, tablet, or laptop to stay nearby. After boarding, set that device to airplane mode when the crew tells you to. On many phones you can then switch Bluetooth back on while leaving mobile data and calls blocked.
The TSA page on lithium batteries in devices lines up with this practice: batteries under 100 watt hours inside phones, earbuds, and similar electronics can travel in both carry-on and checked bags, subject to airline approval. AirPods fall into that low-capacity group.
During Takeoff And Landing
Cabin crew need your full attention during the safety demonstration and the first and last minutes of flight. Many airlines ask passengers to remove Bluetooth earbuds for those brief stages. Some allow wired earphones that connect to the in-flight entertainment system, since crew can still see the cable and confirm the audio comes from the safety feed.
If a crew member asks you to remove AirPods or switch them off, do it straight away with a smile. Rules differ slightly between airlines and regions, and the crew member on your aisle has the final say on what wireless audio devices stay on.
Using AirPods With In-Flight Entertainment
Plenty of modern aircraft now have Bluetooth built into seatback screens, but many still depend on wired jacks. If your seatback screen offers Bluetooth pairing, follow the on-screen prompts and link your AirPods once the crew clears electronic devices.
If your seatback system does not offer Bluetooth, you can still use AirPods with a small Bluetooth transmitter that plugs into the headphone jack. Just check the adapter battery rules and charge it before travel, since some airlines restrict how you can charge devices during flight.
Packing AirPods For Airport Security And Boarding
Good packing avoids delays and prevents your AirPods case from going missing between checkpoints. When you ask can you take airpods on a plane, think not only about rules but also about how easily you can reach your case under pressure at security and during boarding.
Best Way To Pack Your AirPods Case
Keep the case in a small pocket inside your personal item or coat, not buried deep in a suitcase. That way you can pull it out for security if asked, and you always know where it is when the cabin lights dim.
Many travelers slip a small name label or phone number on the case. Others pair AirPods with the Find My feature on Apple devices so they can hunt them down later if the case slips between seats or into another bag by mistake.
Gliding Through Security
Security agents see wireless earbuds all day, so AirPods rarely raise eyebrows. On many lanes you can leave them in your bag during screening, just like a phone. If the officer wants a clearer X-ray view, they may ask you to place the case in a bin on its own.
Follow any instructions from the screening officer and you will be through the checkpoint in seconds. Once clear, drop the case back into the same pocket each time so you build a habit and avoid a last-minute search at the gate.
Can You Put AirPods In Checked Baggage?
Plenty of travelers have tossed small earbuds into a checked suitcase and never had a problem. Still, aviation safety pages from regulators and airlines consistently encourage passengers to keep battery powered devices in carry-on bags where crew can see them.
Here is why checked bags are a weak home for your AirPods:
- Lithium batteries can overheat if damaged or shorted, and crew cannot reach the cargo hold fast.
- Bags are dropped, squeezed, and stacked; a slim plastic case handles bumps better inside the cabin.
- Lost luggage claims rarely match the cost of replacing high-end earbuds.
- Gate agents sometimes pull and gate-check bags; you may want your AirPods on hand if this happens.
If you must check a bag that holds electronics, power off devices, shield them in soft clothing, and spread them across different spots so one damaged corner does not take out your entire tech kit.
Keeping AirPods Comfortable And Polite On Board
A good pair of AirPods can make a long flight feel far shorter, but only when you can hear the cabin and crew clearly when needed. Small changes in how you listen help you stay within airline rules and keep neighbors happy.
Volume And Ear Safety
Cabin noise encourages passengers to turn volume much higher than they would on the ground. Try to keep your AirPods at a level where you can still hear your own voice when you speak. Features such as noise cancellation can help you listen at a lower sound level.
Give your ears breaks on long flights. Take the earbuds out during meal service or when you stand up to stretch. Short rests help prevent that dull ringing feeling after you land.
Courtesy To Crew And Neighbors
Before drink service or meal runs, pause your audio so you can hear what crew offer. If a neighbor needs to pass out of the row, pull one AirPod out so you can coordinate without raised voices or confusion.
Some airlines still play safety announcements or landing messages through the cabin speakers only. When you hear the chime for announcements, pause your music and take one earbud out until the message ends.
Troubleshooting AirPods On A Plane
Even seasoned travelers run into small tech snags at 35,000 feet. Connection drops, pairing issues, and odd glitches can pop up, especially when dozens of Bluetooth devices sit in the same narrow cabin.
When AirPods Will Not Connect
If your AirPods refuse to connect after takeoff, start with simple checks. Confirm Bluetooth is switched on, your device is in airplane mode instead of full mobile mode, and no other paired device nearby is already holding the connection.
Pop the AirPods back in their case, close the lid, wait ten seconds, then open it again near your phone or tablet. Many small glitches clear after that short reset. If not, use the Bluetooth settings menu to forget the device and pair it again.
When Crew Ask You To Turn Them Off
Rules on portable electronic devices differ slightly between countries and airlines. Some operators stay cautious and keep all wireless devices off for larger parts of the flight. Others only ask for gear off during safety briefings.
If crew ask you to power down AirPods, there is no room for debate. Place them in the case, close the lid, and store the case in a pocket or bag where the crew can see it is closed. Once you reach a phase of flight when personal electronics are cleared again, you can ask politely whether it is fine to switch them back on.
Quick Reference For AirPods On Different Flights
Policies change slowly, but the broad pattern around the globe now lines up: small Bluetooth earbuds such as AirPods are welcome on most flights, with short no-headphone windows during critical safety stages.
| Region Or Airline Type | Typical Rule Snapshot | Extra Tip |
|---|---|---|
| Domestic flights in the United States | Most carriers allow AirPods after takeoff with airplane mode set. | Check your airline page for any stricter house rules. |
| Short-haul flights in Europe | Policies are similar; Bluetooth often allowed once in the air. | Some low-cost airlines keep rules tight during short sectors. |
| Long-haul international services | AirPods usually fine except during safety announcements. | Seatback screens may or may not offer Bluetooth pairing. |
| Flights with very old aircraft | Airlines may limit wireless use more than newer fleets. | Carry a cheap wired headset as a backup. |
| Routes with strict battery policies | Carriers may stress cabin storage for all devices. | Read the dangerous goods page before you fly. |
| Connecting through multiple regions | Rules can shift slightly from flight to flight. | Listen closely to each crew briefing on devices. |
| Budget airlines with no seat power | AirPods usage fine, but your phone battery is the limit. | Pre-download playlists and charge gear before boarding. |
Across all these cases, one habit keeps you covered: treat AirPods like any other small device with a lithium battery. Keep them in the cabin, follow crew instructions on Bluetooth, and pack them where you can reach them fast.