WHAT THE TECH? Audiophiles Rejoice: Airline Bluetooth Adapters Are Finally Hear (Oops)

Welcome to a WHAT THE TECH? a new series of monthly articles showcasing the best of new technology that makes travel more pleasant and efficient. Feel free to share with your clients! 

Imagine with me for a moment, a world where you’re sitting in a cozy three-by-three configuration onboard a Boeing 757 or L1011. 

Magically, a single 9″ x 9″ screen slowly flips down from the console above you, centred in your row above the middle seat. The show is about to begin! One screen per row, one movie, the same movie, for the entire aircraft. No selection. No genre choice, nada. 

Suffice to say in-flight entertainment (IFE) has improved over the years but one issue still frustrates travellers: the inability to use our own wireless headphones for audio offered up onboard. Most aircraft IFE systems rely on a 3.5mm headphone jack, requiring wired headphones which fall well short of the sound quality and comfort of modern Bluetooth options. 

That’s where airline Bluetooth kits come in — a simple, travel-friendly solution that lets passengers connect their personal wireless headphones to inflight screens. These kits are relatively new on the scene and, in my view, a must-have.

These kits typically work by plugging into the airplane’s headphone jack and broadcasting audio via Bluetooth. Once paired with your Bluetooth headphones, you can enjoy movies and music without dealing with tangle-prone airline earbuds or audio adapters. They’re compact and rechargeable, and some support dual headphone connections for sharing audio with your travel companion.

One of the most popular options is the Avantree Airplane Bluetooth Transmitter. I picked this particular unit off of Amazon for $39.99 and am loving it! Known for its reliable connectivity and ease of use, it features aptX Low Latency for audio-video sync, up to 20 hours of battery life, and compatibility with single and dual-prong airplane jacks. It’s compact enough to slip into any travel bag.

Another great pick is the Twelve South AirFly Pro, which supports two headphones simultaneously and offers a battery life similar to that of the Avantree (over 20 hours). It’s ideal for flights and gym equipment, gaming consoles, or even rental car systems.

Lastly, the 1Mii B03 Bluetooth Transmitter offers dual-link aptX support and can double as a Bluetooth receiver when not flying. It has a strong signal range and is a great choice for tech-savvy travellers who also want at-home Bluetooth capability.

If you travel often, investing in a Bluetooth kit like Avantree, AirFly, or 1Mii will significantly improve the in-flight comfort and entertainment experience for you and a travelling companion. If you don’t have this technology in your bag, you are missing out.