United makes it easier than ever to wirelessly connect your headphones to the inflight TV
These days, wireless headphones have become a staple item on my packing list (and likely yours, too).
Being able to effortlessly listen to music, catch up on a podcast or finish a call makes me a more efficient traveler. No longer do I need to worry about cords getting tangled in my bag or forgetting to pack the right audio adapter.
Just pop on the headphones and voila ... except when you're on an airplane.
Many airlines offer seatback screens, but just a handful support the ability to wirelessly pair your headphones to the entertainment system. This is a feature that I've been waiting for years to see, especially as wireless headphones have soared in popularity.
Well, there's some good news on that front: United Airlines announced on Thursday that more than 100 planes already sport this feature, and it'll become available on more than 800 jets by 2032.
Bluetooth connectivity has become increasingly important to travelers, many of whom now travel with their own devices.
United and Apple hosted a media event in San Francisco on Thursday to provide an update on Bluetooth connectivity and much more.
Timed to coincide with the recent launch of Apple's new second-generation AirPods Pro, United highlighted its new capabilities by showing how Apple's AirPods Pro worked with its new in-flight set-up. Personally, I swear by the AirPods Pro — but here's everything else you need to know from Thursday's event.
Connecting your headphones to United TVs
Every new and retrofitted United mainline domestic jet now features seatback screens with Bluetooth connectivity. While this feature initially launched in beta, it's now ready for prime time, according to Jason Birnbaum, United’s chief information officer.
You'll find Bluetooth-enabled screens on the following jets: all Boeing 737 MAX 8s, some Boeing 737 MAX 9s, some Boeing 737-800s, some 737-900s, some Airbus A319s and some Airbus A320s.
During Thursday's media event, United and Apple demoed the Bluetooth connectivity on a brand-new Boeing 737 MAX 9 parked in one of its hangars at San Francisco International Airport (SFO).
There, Birnbaum welcomed a crowd of journalists and social media influencers before ushering the crowd onto the waiting jet to experience the feature firsthand.
Connecting your headphones to the TVs couldn't be simpler. Birnbaum said that during the beta period, United was focused on streamlining the customer experience, and that's exactly what the airline has done.
You'll find a Bluetooth logo at the bottom right of the home screen, and clicking it reveals the Bluetooth audio panel. Simply flip the switch to "on" and search for your device.
It should take just seconds after enabling pairing mode on your headphones for them to show up on the screen. Once they do, just tap your device, and you're set. Even without the guidance of United employees, it took me only seconds to get my AirPods set up.
Once connected, you'll be able to wirelessly listen to any of the seatback entertainment content. Whether you prefer zoning out to relax mode or are trying to catch up on some new releases, you don't need to pack a dongle or wired headphones when flying on many United jets.
United 'Next' interior continues to shine
While United's announcement centered on tech upgrades, every new and recently retrofitted United mainline narrow-body jet features the so-called "Next" cabins. This is United's new signature interior, which offers more than just crisp high-definition seatback screens.
On the Boeing 737 MAX 9 that I toured, I got to sit in one of the 20 new first-class recliners, which feature about 37 inches of pitch, larger tray tables and additional storage.
Meanwhile, the economy cabin is configured in a 3-3 arrangement with 48 extra-legroom Economy Plus seats and 111 standard economy seats; they offer about 33 and 30 inches of pitch, respectively.
The new cabins also feature larger overhead bins that support the side-loading of rollaboard bags. If everyone correctly stores their bags — a big if — then most travelers will no longer need to worry about gate-checking their bags.
Other tech upgrades that were on display include universal power outlets at each seat, along with USB charging ports.
United's Next plan also includes upgraded Wi-Fi systems. On the Boeing 737 MAX fleet, your internet access will be provided by Viasat, one of the best satellite internet providers available in commercial aviation.
Bottom line
United's new planes sport a slew of upgrades, but perhaps none is as exciting as Bluetooth connectivity. The ability to wirelessly pair your headphones to the seatback entertainment system is a game-changer for travelers.
United isn't alone in entering the 21st century. Delta already has a handful of Bluetooth-enabled jets, and American Airlines promises to offer Bluetooth connectivity on upcoming new deliveries.
Rumor has it that JetBlue is also considering adding Bluetooth support to its jets.
But for now, the spotlight is on United since it offers the most Bluetooth-enabled jets in the U.S., and that number is set to grow to a staggering 800 planes by 2032.
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Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.
Rewards Rate
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 4X | Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year. |
| 3X | Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com. |
| 2X | Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com. |
| 1X | Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases. |
Intro Offer
You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after spending $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer.As High As 100,000 points. Find Out Your Offer.Annual Fee
$325Recommended Credit
Credit ranges are a variation of FICO® Score 8, one of many types of credit scores lenders may use when considering your credit card application.Excellent to Good
Why We Chose It
There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
- 4 points per dollar spent on dining at restaurants worldwide and U.S. supermarkets (on the first $50,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter and $25,000 in purchases per calendar year; then 1 point per dollar spent thereafter, respectively)
- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.