Can I use regular headphones on transatlantic British Airways 747 flights?
I will soon be traveling, Economy class, transatlantic on a British Airways 747. I was hoping to use my over-the-ear headphones with their armrest entertainment system rather than the earbuds they provide.
Does anyone know if this is possible?
My concern is that their armrests have nonstandard sockets that regular headphone plugs will not work with.
Best Answer
If memory serves, many the BA 747s, and some of their other planes use the two pin "Aircaft Headphone" standard in economy and premium economy. (Not sure what the official name is for that). The left and right channels are carried by different 3.5mm mono connectors. You can buy an adapter for a trivial amount of money, which'll convert from twin 3.5mm mono into regular 3.5mm stereo, so you can use your normal headphones. I always carry one with me, as you often need it! I'm pretty sure some of their planes have regular 3.5mm stereo in economy / premium economy.
In Business on BA 747s, there are two sockets, but they're different. One is a normal 3.5mm stereo connection, the other is slightly narrower (2.5mm?) and seems to be used to feed the noise cancelling headphones they lend you. I've not had any problems with plugging my own headphones in. Not sure about first, I've never been lucky enough to fly at the pointy end...
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Can I use my own headphones on BA flight?
Can I use my own headphones? You can use your headphones during the flight but please remove them for the safety briefing. You can attach them to your personal device or the in-flight entertainment system.Can you take headphones on international flights?
Headphones. \u201cHeadphones are placed on your ear, not in your ear, therefore the airline can reuse them,\u201d says Deane. Airlines usually change the foam around the earpiece for added hygiene. Fun fact\u2014the two-socket plug airlines use for headphones are there to discourage you from taking them.Do you need a headphone adapter for airplanes?
Since MOST AIRCRAFTS DO NOT ACCEPT the standard headphone plug, YOU NEED an AIRLINE AUDIO ADAPTER and the two female headphone adapter to make your earpieces fit perfectly!Can I bring headphones in my carry on?
According to the TSA, you are allowed to bring headphones (including wireless headphones) with you in your checked luggage or carry-on bag when traveling by plane.HOW did the 747 break the TRANSATLANTIC SPEED RECORD??!! Explained by CAPTAIN JOE
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Answer 2
While flying in early April 2013, in my economy class seat I found a standard 3.5mm jack. It was a little loose (not surprising), but it worked with my personal over-the-ear headphones. Of the eight video monitors my family sat in front of traveling to London and back, one could not play movies (extremely choppy video) but its map and audio were fine, and another did not retract all the way so small people could not see its screen because the viewing angle was too oblique. The staff was super helpful, however, restarting the monitor with the choppy video when notified (alas, in vain).
Answer 3
If you push the jack about 1/2 way in to the socket, there is a spot where you get sound in both ears of the headphone.
It may take a bit of fiddling to get it right.
I've travelled on a ton of long haul flights, with many different airlines and brands of earphones, and this trick has never failed for me.
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