Most headphones sold today are wireless. Trouble is, seatback screens on planes require a wire. How do you connect the two?
Over-ear headphones usually have an AUX input that allows them to be plugged into entertainment systems. But truly wireless headphones like Apple’s AirPods don’t have any such option. Is there a way you can use them on your next flight?
Bluetooth transmitter/receivers to the (audio) rescue! This nifty device plugs into the headphone jack on the seatback screen (or any other system with a standard headphone jack), then broadcasts the audio via Bluetooth to your wireless headphones.
There are several models out there, some very cheap, others in the $30-$50 range. I tried two of the inexpensive brands and they either didn’t work at all or quit during my flight. On the other hand, these two in the $30-$50 range worked great: AirFly and Taotronics.
My favorite is the AirFly. At a minimum of eight hours, its battery will outlast most flights, and you can top it off via its included charger.
There are four models to choose from:
-Eight hours of battery life, charges over micro USB, connects to one pair of headphones at a time.
-Twenty hours of battery life, charges via USB-C, and connects to two pairs of headphones at once.
-The same as the Duo, but with 16 hours of battery life and a Bluetooth receiving mode that broadcasts audio from a phone to the AirFly, which can be connected to (an older) stereo system or car speakers.
-The same as the Duo, but connects to a device over USB-C rather than via the AUX jack. (This is the one to get if you have the latest iPad Pro or a TV with a USB-C connection.)
I chose the Duo because it doesn’t cost much more than the Classic, has almost triple the battery life, and I prefer a USB-C charger. Best of all, it lets me share the audio from my screen with Husband. No more trying to push the Play arrows on our respective screens at the same time so we can watch a movie “together.”
My second choice, and usually a bit cheaper, is the Taotronics model. Sixteen hours battery life, micro USB for charging, and can connect to two pairs of headphones.
Twist’s Take: If your headphones are wireless, you’ll be glad to have a Bluetooth transmitter/receiver on your next plane trip, especially if you want to share the inflight entertainment with your travel buddy.
