You are all packed and ready to go on your vacation. You love in-flight movies, but you hate using headphones that aren't your own beloved pair. You board, plug in your headphones, and disaster strikes:it's a two-prong plug!
ContentsWhy do airlines use two-prong plugs?For single travelers and couplesFor familiesFor overnight travelFor Bluetooth headphonesFor complete worksSailingWhatever you do, you cannot use your own headphones to properly listen to in-flight entertainment. This is very frustrating and raises two very valid questions:why is this happening and what can you do about it?
Why airlines use two-prong plugs in their aircraft is somewhat debated. On the one hand, it can be considered a relic of ancient times. Airplanes rolled out two-pin plugs in the 70s as part of the tube sound system they used.
As technology transitioned to electronic headphone systems, the old two-prong plugs got stuck. While some modern aircraft have since been updated to use single ports, older aircraft will still have these two-pin plugs.
Another theory is that it helps the airline financially in the long run. If the airline provides the earphones free of charge, the use of the two-prong plugs ensures that the earphones are virtually useless outside of the flight, reducing the passenger's desire to steal them. If the airline sells the headphones separately, the use of two-prong plugs prevents people from using their own headphones and forces more customers to buy the airline's special two-prong headphones.
Whichever theory sounds best to you, this problem is easily defeated without jumping through airline hoops. This is achieved by an airline headset adapter that converts a standard one-pin headset jack to a two-pin connection. Plug your headphones into the adapter, then the adapter into the two-prong jack, and you're good to go!
Find out below which types of adapters are available and which one is best for you.
If you want a quick fix for outfitting the whole family with adapters, try the Airline Flight Adapter 4-Pack by Valefod. This is a quick and inexpensive way to get an adapter that anyone can use, so no one has to go without it or share it with someone else. No extra bells and whistles on this one – just a good selection of adapters at a great price.
If you're preparing for a particularly long trip and need something to pass the time, consider the Airline Headset Adapter by UCEC. Like the model above, it comes with two adapters and a travel bag. Unlike the model above, this one also comes with two pairs of eye masks and a pair of earplugs for a better night's sleep.
If you're looking for something with Bluetooth connectivity, first make sure the airline is okay with using Bluetooth accessories. Some forbid it during the entire flight, while others are more lenient and allow you to use it when the plane isn't taking off or landing. If you're absolutely sure you can use Bluetooth, the SoundWhiz Receiver-Adapter comes with a built-in airplane adapter, so you don't have to buy a second wired pair just to listen to in-flight entertainment.
Why stop at an airplane adapter? The Maxell Adapter Kit comes with five different tools, one of which is the standard adapter for airplane headphone jacks. It also comes with a 20ft extension cord, just in case your headphone cable runs a little short.
It can be frustrating to bring your headphones on in flight, only to find they're totally useless when presented with a two-prong plug. This article has shown you a few adapters available and where each shines.
Which do you expect to get? Let us know below.
Image credit:Delta News Hub on Flickr
