I Struggle to Sleep on Planes, but This Bluetooth Device Enhanced My Flying Experience
Regardless of my efforts, dozing off on airplanes remains elusive. I’ve tried numerous strategies — keeping awake the night prior, choosing overnight flights, taking melatonin, even enjoying some red wine mid-flight. Yet, I still find myself fully alert in my cramped economy seat.
To maintain my sanity at 30,000 feet, I heavily depend on in-flight entertainment. I’m not one of those individuals who can “raw-dog” a flight without something to occupy my mind. That small seatback screen is essential for me. Without it, I’d descend into anxious worries regarding the aircraft’s safety history — particularly when flying on a Boeing 737 Max. (Yes, traveling with me is a delight.)
Understanding this, my considerate husband surprised me with the Twelve South AirFly Pro for Christmas — a $49.99 Bluetooth adapter that allows the use of my favorite wireless headphones with the plane’s entertainment system. It may not be extravagant — merely a compact dongle with an aux cable — but it’s a total transformation for air travel.
I tried the AirFly Pro for the first time during a round-trip from Chicago to London this spring, and I won’t fly without it again. Even better? It’s currently discounted.
Reasons to Consider the AirFly Pro for Travelers
Wireless headphones and earbuds are now standard, but most airplanes continue to use outdated 3.5mm headphone jacks for their seatback screens. While some airlines, like United and Delta, are gradually incorporating Bluetooth-compatible screens, they remain quite rare.
For entertainment during your flight, you generally need to use the airline’s free wired earbuds — which are often uncomfortable, low in quality, and lack noise cancellation. That’s where the AirFly Pro steps in. It connects contemporary wireless audio devices with outdated airplane technology.
The setup process is incredibly simple:
– Connect the AirFly Pro to the seatback screen or armrest jack
– Press the power button to turn it on
– Activate your Bluetooth headphones
– Wait for the devices to pair
You can even connect two sets of headphones simultaneously — ideal for traveling with a companion. My Bose headphones connected instantly and remembered the pairing for the return journey.
The sound quality was excellent, and I did not face any connection problems. In-flight announcements had a slight delay compared to the plane’s PA system, but movie sound and dialogue synced perfectly.
Battery Life and Performance
Twelve South states that the AirFly Pro provides 25 hours of battery life, and this claim held true. It lasted the entire eight-hour flight to London, remained powered on for some time afterwards (I forgot to switch it off), and endured through most of the nine-hour return flight. When it finally ran out, a quick 10-minute charge gave me an additional 30 minutes of use — just enough to wrap up my movie before landing.
The only drawbacks? It cannot be used while charging, and at nearly $50, it’s somewhat steep for a Bluetooth transmitter. Still, it functions seamlessly and seems like a wise investment — especially since most aircraft are unlikely to eliminate their headphone jacks anytime soon.
Where to Purchase the AirFly Pro
The Twelve South AirFly Pro has a retail price of $54.99 but is currently available for $44.99. It includes a soft travel pouch, a keyring cap, and a charging cable. For those seeking a more affordable choice, the AirFly SE can be found for $34.99, although it lacks dual headphone support and has a shorter battery life.
You can locate the AirFly Pro on Amazon and occasionally bundled with Bose QuietComfort Ultra headphones or earbuds. While it’s possible to find them in airport shops, I recommend purchasing one in advance of your journey — especially if you can catch it on sale.
Final Remarks
If you’re someone who struggles to sleep on planes and depends on in-flight entertainment to maintain your composure, the AirFly Pro is an invaluable travel partner. It’s straightforward, dependable, and enhances the comfort of flying. I won’t board another long-haul flight without it.