How to Use AirPods on a Plane: AirFly Pro 2 Review

How to Use AirPods on a Plane: AirFly Pro 2 Review

Team GimmieTeam Gimmie
Published on May 23, 2026

THE $50 GADGET THAT FINALLY LETS YOU USE YOUR AIRPODS ON A PLANE

With Memorial Day weekend rapidly approaching, the unofficial start of summer travel season is upon us. For many, that means a frantic ritual of packing suitcases, checking flight statuses, and ensuring every mobile device is topped off with enough downloaded content to survive a cross-country trek. But there is a specific, recurring frustration that plagues even the most prepared travelers: the moment you settle into your seat, look at the seatback entertainment screen, and realize your high-end wireless earbuds are completely useless against that ancient 3.5mm headphone jack.

The airline will gladly hand you a pair of flimsy, plastic-wrapped earphones that feel like sandpaper and sound like a tin can in a wind tunnel. But why should you settle for subpar audio when you have a pair of noise-canceling AirPods or premium Sony headphones in your pocket? This is where Twelve South’s AirFly Pro 2 comes in. Currently, you can snag this essential travel bridge for $49.99 at Amazon and Twelve South, a well-timed $10 discount just as the travel rush begins.

THE PROBLEM WITH THE DONGLE TRAP

In the early days of the smartphone's transition away from the headphone jack, we were told the future was wireless. Yet, we still find ourselves living in a world of adapters. If you want to use your wired headphones with a modern phone, you need a dongle. If you want to use your wireless headphones with a plane’s entertainment system, you are usually out of luck.

Carrying a dedicated bag of adapters and extra wired "backup" headphones just for the plane is a logistical headache. It’s one more thing to tangle in your carry-on and one more thing to lose under a seat. The AirFly Pro 2 eliminates this "dongle hell" by acting as a universal translator. It plugs into the jack and broadcasts high-quality Bluetooth audio directly to your favorite wireless gear. It’s the missing link that finally brings the airplane cabin into the 21st century.

WHAT SETS THE PRO 2 APART FROM THE CROWD

Twelve South offers a few versions of the AirFly, but the Pro 2 is the model that truly earns its keep. It isn't just a simple transmitter; it’s a refined piece of hardware that addresses the common complaints of earlier Bluetooth adapters. If you’ve used cheaper alternatives in the past, you likely dealt with laggy audio or a constant background hiss. The Pro 2 fixes those pain points with several key upgrades:

  • AN UPGRADED PROCESSOR: The heart of the Pro 2 is a faster, more efficient chip. This results in near-instant pairing and a much more stable connection. Most importantly, it significantly reduces the latency that often makes movie dialogue look out of sync with the video.

  • DEDICATED VOLUME CONTROLS: One of the most annoying aspects of using wireless buds on a plane is fumbling with the seatback remote or trying to trigger the touch sensors on your earbuds while squeezed into an economy seat. The Pro 2 features physical volume buttons on the device itself, giving you immediate, tactile control.

  • DUAL-PAIRING CAPABILITY: The "Pro" designation really shines here. This device allows you to connect two pairs of wireless headphones at once. If you are traveling with a partner or a child, you can both watch the same movie on a single screen without sharing a single pair of dirty airline earbuds.

  • 25-HOUR BATTERY LIFE: Even on the longest long-haul flights from New York to Singapore, the AirFly Pro 2 won’t quit on you. With over 24 hours of juice and USB-C charging, it’s built for international endurance.

VERSATILITY BEYOND THE CABIN

While the AirFly Pro 2 is marketed as a travel essential, its utility doesn't end when you touch down. It is a Swiss Army knife for anyone who values wireless freedom. Think about the equipment at your local gym; most treadmills and ellipticals still rely on wired jacks for TV audio. Plugging in the AirFly means you can keep your workout focused without a wire bouncing against your chest.

It’s also a lifesaver for older vehicles. If you drive a car that has an auxiliary input but lacks built-in Bluetooth audio streaming, the AirFly Pro 2 can act as a receiver. Plug it in, and suddenly your older car is streaming Spotify from your phone with ease. It even works with the Nintendo Switch in handheld mode, allowing you to use your favorite noise-canceling headphones while gaming in a noisy coffee shop or on a train.

THE ULTIMATE GIFT FOR DADS AND GRADS

We are currently entering the peak of "gift-giving season," with Father's Day and graduation ceremonies just around the corner. Finding a gift that is both practical and cool is a notoriously difficult task, but the AirFly Pro 2 fits the bill perfectly for two specific types of people.

For the Dad who has everything: Dads often value tools that solve a specific problem with zero fuss. If your father is a frequent flyer or a "road warrior" for business, he’s likely already complained about the poor quality of airline audio. The AirFly is the kind of specialized gadget Dads love—it does one job, and it does it perfectly. It’s a "quality of life" upgrade that he’ll actually use every time he leaves the house.

For the Class of 2024: Graduates are heading into a summer of transition. Whether they are embarking on a celebratory backpacking trip through Europe or starting a new commute to a first job, they are going to be spending a lot of time in transit. The AirFly Pro 2 is a thoughtful, tech-forward gift that acknowledges their new independence and helps make those long travel hours a bit more bearable.

THE FINAL VERDICT

At its retail price of $60, the AirFly Pro 2 is a solid investment. At its current sale price of $49.99, it’s a no-brainer. It is rare to find a piece of technology that so cleanly solves a universal annoyance without adding its own layer of complexity.

Yes, it is one more device to charge, but the trade-off—being able to use your $300 noise-canceling headphones to actually hear a movie over the roar of jet engines—is worth every penny. If you have a trip on the horizon, or if you’re looking for a gift that won’t just end up in a junk drawer, the AirFly Pro 2 is the smart, sophisticated solution to a very modern problem. Don't let another flight go by where you're tethered to the seat by a three-foot wire. It’s time to cut the cord for good.