How To Use Your Own Headphones For In Flight

Using your own headphones during flights can significantly enhance your in-flight entertainment experience, but it often comes with the challenge of incompatible audio jacks. Here’s a comprehensive guide to help you navigate this issue and enjoy your favorite movies and music with your own headphones.

Why Airlines Use Two-Pin Sockets

Airlines typically use two-pin sockets for their in-flight entertainment systems, which can be incompatible with standard 3.5mm headphone jacks. This is partly due to the older design of many aircraft, where the wiring for audio has been retained over several refits to save costs and reduce complexity.

Adapters for In-Flight Entertainment

To use your own headphones, you will need an airplane headphone adapter. These adapters convert the dual-pin socket on the airplane into a standard 3.5mm jack, allowing you to connect your headphones.

Choosing the Right Adapter

• Gold Plated Adapters: Look for gold-plated adapters, which provide better sound quality and durability. For example, the Mobi Lock Gold Plated Airplane Flight Headphone Adapters are designed to fit the 2-pin airline jack and convert it to a standard 3.5mm jack, enabling perfect audio quality for both music and movies.
• Compatibility: Ensure the adapter is compatible with your headphones. Most adapters work with stereo-type and 4P-type 3.5mm jacks, but it's crucial to check the specifications.

Using the Adapter

1. Insert the Adapter: Simply insert the airplane headphone jack adapter into the airplane seat armrest.
2. Connect Your Headphones: Plug your headphones into the adapter, and you're ready to enjoy the in-flight entertainment.
3. No Installation Required: These adapters are hassle-free and do not require any installation, making them convenient for frequent travelers.

Bluetooth Headphones

If you prefer using Bluetooth headphones, the situation can be more complex.

• Bluetooth Transmitters: You can use Bluetooth transmitters like the TwelveSouth AirFly series, which connect to the airplane's 3.5mm audio jack and then wirelessly to your Bluetooth headphones. However, be cautious of potential latency issues.
• Airline Policies: Check with the airline to see if they allow Bluetooth devices during flights. Some airlines may restrict the use of Bluetooth accessories during takeoff, landing, or in certain conditions.

Additional Tips

• Portability: Choose lightweight and durable adapters for easy portability. This ensures you can carry them without adding unnecessary bulk to your carry-on.
• Airport Availability: If you forget to purchase an adapter, you can often find them at airport stores, although prices may be inflated.
• Security Screening: Remember to take your adapters out of your bag for security screening at airports, as they fall under the category of electronic devices.

Frequently Asked Questions

Do iPhone Headphones Work with Airline Adapters?

Yes, older iPhone EarPods with a 3.5mm jack can easily fit into airline headphone adapters. However, EarPods with a Lightning connector will need an additional adapter, and AirPods will require Bluetooth connectivity.

Is It Safe to Wear Headphones on an Airplane?

Headphones are safe to wear during most of the flight, but you are not allowed to wear them during passenger safety drills. If you are sensitive to high decibel noise, using noise-canceling headphones can be beneficial.

By following these steps and tips, you can ensure a more enjoyable and personalized in-flight entertainment experience using your own headphones.