Quick Answer
✅ Yes. TSA allows both wired and wireless (Bluetooth) headphones in carry-on and checked bags.
✈️ You may need to remove large headphones at security for separate screening.
⚠️ Airlines allow Bluetooth use in-flight, but devices must be in airplane mode.
Details
- Wired headphones: Allowed in both carry-on and checked luggage. No restrictions.
- Wireless / Bluetooth headphones (AirPods, Bose, Beats, etc.):
- Allowed in carry-on and checked.
- Contain small lithium-ion batteries → best kept in carry-on.
- At TSA security:
- Small earbuds can usually stay in your bag.
- Larger over-ear headphones may need to be removed and placed in a bin.
- In-flight use:
- Airlines allow Bluetooth headphones, but your phone/tablet must stay in airplane mode.
- Some airlines may disable Bluetooth during taxi, takeoff, and landing — follow crew instructions.
TSA Headphone Rules Summary
| Type | Carry-On | Checked |
|---|---|---|
| Wired headphones | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
| Wireless/Bluetooth | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed (not recommended due to batteries) |
| Noise-canceling headphones | ✅ Allowed | ✅ Allowed |
Gotchas / Common Issues
- ✈️ Battery care: Lithium batteries in wireless headphones should be in carry-on, not checked.
- ✈️ Security screening: Be ready to remove large headphones if asked.
- ✈️ Airline policies: Most allow Bluetooth in airplane mode, but always follow flight crew instructions.
- ✈️ International flights: Some airlines may restrict Bluetooth use completely — rare, but possible.