As you are busy mentally grooving to Sia’s Unstoppable while you fly down for the business meeting, the air hostess cuts your reverie down – “Sorry Sir, you need to put your phone on Airplane mode.” And you realize it’s time to stop! Not really, though! We will tell you how to listen to music on a plane. Though most planes have their in-flight music system, it is not necessary that they would play your music list. Time to find an alternative!
This article will give you a list of apps on which you can listen to your chosen playlist, even when you are high up in the sky! We will also try to answer some of the most asked questions regarding this topic. What do you need to carry? Your mobile and a pair of headphones! Let’s fly –
Table of Contents
Things You Should Know
See whether your airline has in-flight entertainment with free music streaming.
Free tools such as Sidify Music Converter can convert and download your favourite Spotify tracks to your phone.
Sign up to a premium subscription with one of the music streaming services to access the privilege of offline listening.
How to listen to music on a plane in flight mode?
If you are high amidst the clouds, there are technically 3 ways to listen to your favorite music. You can – either use any music streaming device that works in flight mode, you may use the flight’s seatback screens or you may use the in-flight Wi-Fi (if enabled and permitted).
Way 1 – If you are using a music streaming device
There are multiple music streaming devices that work even in flight mode (you will get the list below). You can download your chosen songs and create an offline playlist. Otherwise, you may also download complete albums and keep them ready for offline access.
However, it would help if you remembered that these apps have specific subscriptions that allow you to download songs beforehand. Hence, you must be a premium member of these apps.
Steps to follow –
- Assuming that you are a premium member, choose your songs. Then, click the download button or go to the playlist setting to create the directory.
- After turning your phone into airplane mode, you must turn on your Bluetooth (if you listen with wireless headphones). Click on the app’s icon to see the created music directory flash before you. Put on your music of choice and enjoy the long haul.
Way 2 – You can use the Airbus’s seatback screen
If downloading music from streaming apps is not your style, then how to listen to music on a plane? You can always use the seatback screen. Most of the flights have amped up their in-flight entertainment status, and that’s how the seatback screens came to the forefront.
What’s interesting is – that this is not only a gateway to your choicest music but also movies and podcasts that are free of cost! Though you may not find all your chosen songs here (depending on the country and the flight), most of the globally famous tracks and artists are on its playlist.
Steps to follow –
- Mostly, seatback screens do not have a Bluetooth connection. Hence, you must traditionally plug–in your earphones. You will mostly find the control plug right next to the screen’s frame.
- Once you are set, you will have to click on the music column and figure out which track you wish to listen. Click on it and enjoy your flight.
Way 3 – Try using the flight’s Wi-Fi
In case you have missed downloading your favorite playlist for the long flight but wish to listen to some peppy tracks while you are in the air, what do you do then? Let us show you how to listen to music on the airplane by using the plane’s Wi-Fi.
For the unversed, the Wi-Fi on airplanes might be slow and does come at a cost (differs for different flights). Clarify that.
Steps to follow –
- Once you have put your phone in airplane mode, you will have to click on its Wi-Fi settings. Turn it on.
- As it happens naturally, you will be directed to the flight’s Wi-Fi, and after connecting it, you can surf it naturally. In case you have any problems, see help from the air hostess.
So, for anyone in doubt about how to listen to music on a plane, you can pick any of the methods mentioned above and enjoy your musical air journey.
Having said that, it is natural for you to ask if there are any particular apps that would help you download your chosen music for your flight. In the next section, we will give you a list of that.
Which music apps work on the plane?
In this section, you will get an idea of how to listen to music on a plane via some apps that work even when you are high up in the air –
Spotify Premium
To download and get access to Spotify’s playlist, you need to get a premium subscription. Pick out the songs list or the album, download it (you will see the green arrow), and connect back to the offline music directory for later usage.
However, if you are not a premium member, you can only download Spotify’s podcasts for offline listening.
YouTube Music
This has recently allowed you to listen to and download your chosen songs at a specific price. Pick out a song, playlist, or album and click on the Menu. You will see the Save Online icon and choose to save either the whole video or just the audio for later use. After that, you can play the music in Airplane mode.
Apple Music
If you are an iOS user and want to know how I can listen to music on a plane – then Apple Music is your gateway! For downloading music and accessing it offline, you must be a premium user. After that, you can download the specific song or album and tag it into the Make Available Online category. After that, you can listen to it at any given time.
Pandora Music
This, unlike other apps, doesn’t allow you to download the songs for offline access. Instead, you can tune into 3 of their specified channels to listen to a range of chosen songs. However, the offline access of this app comes at a price.
Amazon Music
Amazon Music lets you listen offline with a subscription. You can download songs, albums, or playlists before flying and enjoy them without internet. This app is very easy to use. Also, there’s no ad to interrupt your music. Amazon Music is great for travel.
Documents App
Documents App lets you save and play songs, podcasts, or audiobooks on your device. Once you download them, you don’t need the internet. It’s easy to use and perfect for listening to music during flights. You can also organize your files. A handy tool for offline entertainment.
SoundCloud Go
SoundCloud Go lets you download songs and listen offline. It has music from independent artists, remixes, and exclusive tracks. There are no ads, and you can enjoy a big variety of music while flying. It’s fun for discovering new songs. You can also create playlists easily.
Deezer Premium
Deezer Premium lets you download playlists and albums to listen offline without ads. It has Flow, a mix of songs you like, perfect for travel. With millions of songs in many languages, you can always find music you enjoy. You can make your own playlists too. A great app for flights.
Tidal HiFi or HiFi Plus
Tidal HiFi and HiFi Plus let you download songs and albums to listen offline. It gives high-quality, clear sound and exclusive music from top artists. Perfect for music lovers who want great sound on flights. You can create playlists and enjoy your favorite tracks anytime.
JioSaavn Pro
JioSaavn Pro lets you download songs and listen offline on flights. It has Bollywood, regional, and international music. The app is ad-free for smooth listening. You can make playlists of your favorite songs. A good and affordable choice for music on the go.
Final Thoughts
If you have read this article well, you may have already figured out how to listen to music on a plane in multiple ways. However, in most cases, travelers advise that rather than depending on the airlines’ services, it is better and also, at times, cost-effective to get a premium subscription to any of the music apps and curate your chosen playlist while traveling. If you enjoyed reading this article and want to know more exciting stuff like this, keep watching this space for more!
FAQs: How to Listen to Music
Q1. How to listen to music on a plane?
You can listen by downloading music offline, using in-flight Wi-Fi, or enjoying the plane’s entertainment system.
Q2. How can I listen to music on a plane without Wi-Fi for free?
Download songs or playlists in advance on apps like Spotify, YouTube Music, or Apple Music and play them offline.
Q3. Do all planes have a Wi-Fi connection?
No, not all planes offer Wi-Fi. Availability depends on the airline, aircraft type, and route.
Q4. Can you use headphones from the airlines you are traveling?
Yes, most airlines provide headphones, but quality is basic. You can also use your own wired or Bluetooth headphones.
Q5. Can you use Spotify music on the plane without Wi-Fi?
Yes, with a Premium account, you can download songs or playlists on Spotify and listen offline during the flight.
Q6. Can you use Bluetooth-enabled earphones in airplane mode?
Yes, Bluetooth works in airplane mode, but you may need to switch it on manually after enabling airplane mode.