While decades ago the answer was a simple and strict no, current aviation regulations generally permit the use of short-range wireless connections. Travelers can typically use their Bluetooth-enabled devices, such as wireless headphones and smartwatches, on most commercial flights today. The allowance is made possible by a clearer understanding of how different types of radio signals interact with modern aircraft systems.
Current Regulatory Stance
The allowance of Bluetooth devices stems from guidance issued by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) that permits airlines to expand the use of Portable Electronic Devices (PEDs) during flight. This shift occurred after extensive testing determined that the short-range, low-power signals emitted by devices like wireless accessories do not pose a risk to the aircraft’s navigation or communication equipment. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has adopted similar regulations, standardizing the permissibility of this technology across many global airlines.
Bluetooth technology operates within the 2.4 GHz industrial, scientific, and medical (ISM) radio band, utilizing a technique called frequency-hopping spread spectrum to cycle rapidly through nearly 80 channels. The low power output, measured at approximately 1 milliwatt (mW), is considered negligible when compared to other radio sources already present on an aircraft.
This low power profile means devices are categorized as short-range accessories that do not interfere with sensitive avionics. For the device to be compliant, the user must activate “airplane mode” on their phone or tablet, which initially disables all wireless transmissions. However, modern devices allow Bluetooth functionality to be manually re-enabled while the main cellular and Wi-Fi transmissions remain off.
The FAA guidance requires that airlines determine that their specific aircraft models can tolerate the low-level radio interference from these devices. For the traveler, this means that while the general regulation is permissive, the final policy is set by the individual airline and the specific crew operating the flight. This allowance permits the connection of accessories like keyboards, mice, and wireless earbuds to the passenger’s main device.
When You Can Use Bluetooth
While Bluetooth is generally permitted, its use is still subject to the operational phases of the flight, with the crew’s instructions acting as the final authority. The most common rule is that full use of personal electronic devices, including those relying on re-enabled Bluetooth, is allowed once the aircraft reaches cruising altitude, typically above 10,000 feet. This phase offers the most flexibility for using devices for entertainment purposes.
During the phases of taxiing, takeoff, and landing, the rules become more restrictive. Some airlines require all electronic accessories to be stowed and powered off during these times, even if the Bluetooth signal itself is technically safe. Larger items, such as over-ear headphones, may need to be removed to ensure the passenger can hear important safety announcements from the cabin crew.
The requirement to stow or discontinue use during takeoff and landing is often less about the technical risk and more about physical safety. An unsecured device or accessory could become a projectile in an emergency, and passenger attention must be fully directed toward the safety briefing and crew instructions. Travelers should anticipate that the flight crew may ask for all personal electronic devices to be put away until the aircraft is airborne and stable.
The Difference Between Bluetooth and Cellular
Bluetooth is allowed while cellular function is prohibited due to the vastly different operational characteristics of the two technologies. Bluetooth creates a Personal Area Network (PAN) that links devices over a short distance, operating at an extremely low power output that is not intended to reach ground-based infrastructure. This localized connection poses no threat to either the aircraft or the cellular network.
In contrast, cellular radio is designed to connect to the carrier’s ground-based tower network, and the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) prohibits its use in flight. When a mobile phone is airborne, it loses connection with the nearest cell tower and dramatically increases its transmission power in an attempt to find a signal. This elevated power level can be up to 30 times stronger than a Bluetooth signal, which increases the potential for interference.
This high-power transmission is primarily a concern for the cellular network on the ground, as a single phone in the air can attempt to connect to multiple distant towers simultaneously, disrupting the network’s traffic management. While modern aircraft are highly shielded, the risk of a high-power cellular signal interfering with sensitive radio equipment is why this function must be disabled via airplane mode. Bluetooth, by design, never attempts to connect to these distant towers and maintains its negligible power profile.