Use of bluetooth headsets on flights

[simongr]

Just purchased a new set of headphones - bluetooth wireless headphones paired with my iPhone.

I have just turned on the flight mode which disconnected the headset but then was able to turn on the bluetooth mode again without turning n the rest of the connectivity.

I was wondering if this was against general inflight activity. I certainly do not switch of bluetooth on my laptop when in flight but that is a more passive receiver.

Any thoughts on this?

My rationale for testing headsets is that if I can find a decent/comfortable set of bluetooth noise isolating headphones that can pair with multiple devices I should be able to solve a problem I will have with using the ipad in transit in that I wont have to switch between headsets if I get a call whilst watching something on the ipad...

 

[Dave Noble]

Well, I know that on the AA flights I was on recently, they were explicit in that all wireless devices must be disabled if using the device in flight; bluetooth would definitely seem to fit in this category

When I use the switch on the laptop to disable wireless, it disables bluetooth as well

 

[Must...Fly!]

"all other radio devices must remain off for the duration of the flight"

Personal view is unless it's directly excluded then it's probably not allowed.

 

[Mal]

This is strange. I'm certain Qantas used to ban the use of Wireless/Bluetooth devices while in the air as they can cause problems. However, the Qantas website now says:

Fly - Onboard - Communication

Portable electronic equipment such as laptop computers (including WiFi and Bluetooth enabled devices), PDAs (without mobile phones), personal music (for example, iPods) and electronic game devices may be used when the aircraft seat belt sign is extinguished after take-off and until the top of descent.

So who knows!!

 

[simongr]

Also on AA flights wifi is allowed and in fact is used to connect to inflight internet...

 

[JeniSkunk]

Just purchased a new set of headphones - bluetooth wireless headphones paired with my iPhone.

My rationale for testing headsets is that if I can find a decent/comfortable set of bluetooth noise isolating headphones that can pair with multiple devices I should be able to solve a problem I will have with using the ipad in transit in that I wont have to switch between headsets if I get a call whilst watching something on the ipad...

What make/model of headset did you get?
I've not heard of any that can be paired at the same time with multiple devices. A headset that can do that would be very useful indeed.

Jenifur Charne

 

[dk4]

I have a new pair of Sennheiser headphones (specifically designed for in-flight use, there was even a picture of an aircraft on the packaging), and on Qantas Group airlines I have had absolutely no problem using them. (I think that Australians are often quite "tech-savvy", when it comes to personal electronic devices - so it certainly behooves Australian companies to ensure their procedures remain close to the cutting edge, reflecting only TRUE safety concerns.) FWIW I have paired them to both my LG (phone/camera/AV-media-player/Internet Device) and Archos 9 (Full PC Tablet) in-flight, with no disastrous effects.

Given the range of Bluetooth, and the modernity of its design & the equipment which uses it, I really can’t see any potential for interference (as per Qantas’ position stated above).

On American Airlines, I have got some glares (from some of the old biddies) as I sit their listening to headphones without a cable, but nothing more exiting than that. Only once have I been asked about my personal technology onboard AA, when I was using a GPS. I had it stuck to the window, so I could see where I was flying, when the FA (in a friendly manner) asked what it was. I advised her what I was up to, and she didn't ask me to turn it off, or anything more for that matter. (Now AA explicitly mentions - no GPS. Their preflight announcement makes reference to non-approved devices listed in the American Way magazine: where GPS is listed [although how you turn passive-GPS off in some things is beyond me] but Bluetooth isn't noted. [Just the vague comment about transmitting/receiving already posted in this thread.])

In regards to WiFi, on AA, I note that the magazine says it can ONLY be used in conjunction with their onboard service.

So my theory is, if an FA has a problem with anything that I am doing, they will ask, then I will respond, and follow any direction to stop, if given.
On Qantas, when I am asked about technology by FAs, it tends to be more along the lines of “wow – where can I get one of them for me too?”

I know some kids (and those at heart) play games machines against each other using Bluetooth in-flight, and I can only imagine it becoming more and more common - even a standard in entry level products soon.

But, I too am interested in others' experiences with Bluetooth onboard.

 

[Dave Noble]

Also on AA flights wifi is allowed and in fact is used to connect to inflight internet...

Only on the few aeroplanes where internet service is offered; I was taking a general case rather than the explicit exception of ( iirc the 762 ) where all wireless radios must be switched off.

Even on the 762, there would still be no allowance for bluetooth as far as I can tell

 

[markis10]

Use of devices may vary by type owing to the newer aircraft being shielded against EMI, for instance the A380 QF placard specifically permits digital camera use at all times.

 

[NM]

Given the range of Bluetooth, and the modernity of its design & the equipment which uses it, I really can’t see any potential for interference (as per Qantas’ position stated above).

There is more than one class of Bluetooth device and some operate with a range of over 100 feet, so certainly able to generate radio frequency signals (2.4GHz) throughout the extremities of the aircraft including into the coughpit and electronics bays.

On American Airlines, I have got some glares (from some of the old biddies) as I sit their listening to headphones without a cable, but nothing more exiting than that. Only once have I been asked about my personal technology onboard AA, when I was using a GPS. I had it stuck to the window, so I could see where I was flying, when the FA (in a friendly manner) asked what it was. I advised her what I was up to, and she didn't ask me to turn it off, or anything more for that matter. (Now AA explicitly mentions - no GPS. Their preflight announcement makes reference to non-approved devices listed in the American Way magazine: where GPS is listed [although how you turn passive-GPS off in some things is beyond me] but Bluetooth isn't noted. [Just the vague comment about transmitting/receiving already posted in this thread.])

GPS restriction has nothing to do with radio transmission concerns. Its about the possibility of terrorists using them to identify the exact location of the aircraft during flight and using that information to commit an act of terrorism. Just like so many other rules implemented in response to terror threats (such as LAGS, not congregating near toilets, plastic knives etc) there may or may not be any real justification.

 

[medhead]

I have a new pair of Sennheiser headphones (specifically designed for in-flight use, there was even a picture of an aircraft on the packaging), and on Qantas Group airlines I have had absolutely no problem using them.

What does this mean? One interpretation is that you just turn it on and go ahead to use it.

I know some kids (and those at heart) play games machines against each other using Bluetooth in-flight, and I can only imagine it becoming more and more common - even a standard in entry level products soon.

Along the same lines, what is possible and what is allowed can be 2 very different matters.

I'm having trouble deciding what the story is on this given the quote from the qantas website. Does "including wifi and bluetooth enabled devices" mean that these things can be used or that the laptop with these devices can be used in flight mode.

 

[serfty]

In any case (as posted by Mal) Qantas have relaxed their rules and permit the use of WiFi and BlueTooth enabled electronic equipment" when the aircraft seat belt sign is extinguished after take-off and until the top of descent.".

From my perspective, this is quite a dramatic change.

Maybe research has indicated the use of these devices over the 2.4/3.7/5 GHz bands is unlikely to interfere with the aircraft's communication and navigation systems.

 

[markis10]

GPS restriction has nothing to do with radio transmission concerns. Its about the possibility of terrorists using them to identify the exact location of the aircraft during flight and using that information to commit an act of terrorism. Just like so many other rules implemented in response to terror threats (such as LAGS, not congregating near toilets, plastic knives etc) there may or may not be any real justification.

I dont believe that is the case, most people would be surprised to learn a GPS is a transceiver as it uses a super hetrodyne technique that generates RF and as such may interfere with aircraft even at low EIRP, here is one such measurement: g3noise

Regardless its up to the airline as stipulated in the FAA rules:

Sec. 121.306

[Portable electronic devices.]

[(a) Except as provided in paragraph (b) of this section, no person may operate, nor may any operator or pilot in command of an aircraft allow the operation of, any portable electronic device on any U.S.-registered civil aircraft operating under this part.
(b) Paragraph (a) of this section does not apply to--
(1) Portable voice recorders;
(2) Hearing aids;
(3) Heart pacemakers;
(4) Electric shavers; or
(5) Any other portable electronic device that the part 119 certificate holder has determined will not cause interference with the navigation or communication system of the aircraft on which it is to be used.
(c) The determination required by paragraph (b)(5) of this section shall be made by that part 119 certificate holder operating the particular device to be used.

There is no specific rule that prevents passengers from using location enabling equipment in flight such as GPS/Loran/Aircraft VOR receivers etc.

UA permit the use of a PED including a GPS if it meets FCC Class B guidelines (EMI) ,here is an unoffical list of the airlines that do allow the GPS to be used:

Airlines which APPROVE/DISPROVE GPS use in Flight

 

[simongr]

I have a new pair of Sennheiser headphones (specifically designed for in-flight use, there was even a picture of an aircraft on the packaging), and on Qantas Group airlines I have had absolutely no problem using them. (I think that Australians are often quite "tech-savvy", when it comes to personal ]

Out of interest what make/model did you get? Were you able to pair them with multiple devices at once?

 

[simongr]

Well my Backbeats died

So I bought a set of Sennhesier MM100 and have paired them with the iPhone and iPad.

Its not an ideal match as the headphones only recognise one device as the audio device and one as a hands ree.

So if watching a movie on the iPad and a call comes in it works fine - the movie pauses and the call is connected. However when I then get off the train and want to listen to music only I need to switch off bluetooth on the iPad and reconnect the headphones.

Not ideal but getting there...

 

[simongr]

Well a couple of months and a brief update. I was not loving the Sennheiser due to the inability to block background noise (I have them on full both the headphones and the device and still can't hear a call if there is background noise) so have now moved onto a set of jaybird freedom headphones which I am planning to pair later today when fully charged.

Interestingly on my recent WLG-SYD flight I read the safety card which prohibited the use of bluetooth so I did not use it. I wont read the safety card on tomorrow's flight to AKL I will just take the extract from QF's website...

 

[codash1099]

Don't ignore the possibility that your bluetooth device may end up connecting to the wrong thing.

http://www.australianfrequentflyer.com.au/community/attachments/a/116-a-bit-of-humour-bluetooth.jpg

 

[harvyk]

GPS restriction has nothing to do with radio transmission concerns. Its about the possibility of terrorists using them to identify the exact location of the aircraft during flight and using that information to commit an act of terrorism.

Because no terrorist has at any time simply used a wristwatch to work out how long the plane has been flying for and then looking out the window to get an idea of where they where.

Terrorists never attacked planes over certain areas until GPS's where invented.

PS. not targetted towards you NM, it's just I love the justification for some of the rules.

 

[simongr]

There is also the moving map coupled with the nose that would help would be terrorists...