Qantas Noise Cancelling Headphone Policy

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mitchr

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Jun 12, 2011
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I'm wondering why planes do not allow noise Cancelling headphones at any stage, and get restricted between take off and landing on Qantas. Air NZ allows them at any stage, and have stated this on their website; I can't post the link (haven't submitted 10 posts yet), but if you go to the australian website, the use /electronic-equipment you will see it.

I'm hoping that someone from Qantas can answer this.
 
I'm wondering why planes do not allow noise Cancelling headphones at any stage, and get restricted between take off and landing on Qantas. Air NZ allows them at any stage, and have stated this on their website; I can't post the link (haven't submitted 10 posts yet), but if you go to the australian website, the use /electronic-equipment you will see it.

I'm hoping that someone from Qantas can answer this.

Mitchr - welcome to AFF. I use my Bose QC15's on QF flights and I haven't been asked to turn them off for take off's/landings etc.
 
This is the link to the NZ site:

Electronic Equipment - Travelling - Air New Zealand - Australia Site

It clearly states usable at any time.

The link to the QF equivalent:

Personal headphones used onboard for Inflight Entertainment

If connected to the IFE NC can be used at any time. If not then can only be used after take off until prep for landing:

QF said:
Personal headsets connected to the inflight entertainment system, including those with noise cancelling ability, can be used on all Qantas International and Domestic flights from boarding through until arrval.

Headsets not connected through the aircrafts inflight entertainment system, including those with noise cancelling ability, can only be used from after take-off until the cabin is prepared for arrival.
 
Thanks for the warm welcome and the replies. I guess I've been getting inconsistent service, I'll have to take a print out and keep a copy with me just in case :)
 
If connected to the IFE NC can be used at any time. If not then can only be used after take off until prep for landing:

Qantas want passengers to be able to hear crew announcements on arrival and departure. Seems reasonable to me.
 
Qantas want passengers to be able to hear crew announcements on arrival and departure. Seems reasonable to me.

Ah - that makes sense - a crew member once queried whether my bose qc15 was connected to the IFE system.
 
Thanks for the warm welcome and the replies. I guess I've been getting inconsistent service, I'll have to take a print out and keep a copy with me just in case :)

It's been about 2 years since they had the no NC headphones rule.. I wear mine all the time. I'm guessing they may have thought it was plugged into an iPod etc.

although last week on a re-fitted 737 (with in seat IFE) i heard one of the FA's saying you could use your own headsets as it could short it out - never heard that one before and i am sure that is incorrect info. i had mine plugged in and it kept working.
 
I love my QC15 but the problem with plugging in to the IFE systems is when an announcement does come on they are incredibly loud despite the volume being turned down, to the point they hurt your ears from the volume. Others found this? And you get little warning they are about to make an announcement.
 
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I love my QC15 but the problem with plugging in to the IFE systems is when an announcement does come on they are incredibly loud despite the volume being turned down, to the point they hurt your ears from the volume. Others found this? And you get little warning they are about to make an announcement.

When using the QC15's with the IFE you need to have the Hi/Lo setting (on the plug that goes into the headphones) on Lo otherwise you do get your ears blown out. Set it back to Hi for ipods, mp3's, etc.
 
When using the QC15's with the IFE you need to have the Hi/Lo setting (on the plug that goes into the headphones) on Lo otherwise you do get your ears blown out. Set it back to Hi for ipods, mp3's, etc.

Wow thanks I do not recall seeing a hi/lo setting on the plug. Will have a look next time. Mine are a couple of years old.
 
Surely part of the issue here is what the noise cancelling headphones are connected to during takeoff and landing (if not the IFE)... e.g. are they connected to an iPod or other portable music player? If so then shouldn't it be turned off during takeoff and landing?
 
Surely part of the issue here is what the noise cancelling headphones are connected to during takeoff and landing (if not the IFE)... e.g. are they connected to an iPod or other portable music player? If so then shouldn't it be turned off during takeoff and landing?

I don't know about others, but I'll have mine on connected to nothing purely to block out the engine noise.
 
Surely part of the issue here is what the noise cancelling headphones are connected to during takeoff and landing (if not the IFE)... e.g. are they connected to an iPod or other portable music player? If so then shouldn't it be turned off during takeoff and landing?

Unless not being connected to anything they should only be connected to the IFE. The fa actually checked my seat buddy last night.
 
Very interesting seeing this thread.

I have a set of Sony NC headphones and have never had any issue with using them on flights, Qantas or otherwise. Am often asked to remove them for take off and landing - but that is pretty much standard practice with all headphones - noice cancelling or other
 
Very interesting seeing this thread.

I have a set of Sony NC headphones and have never had any issue with using them on flights, Qantas or otherwise. Am often asked to remove them for take off and landing - but that is pretty much standard practice with all headphones - noice cancelling or other

I think them asking you to do that is more if they think you have it hooked into an iPod etc. I just point out it is connected to the IFE and everything is ok.
 
thats a safety issue above all else...

sounds like a silly policy if that's the reason, since if I'm wearing ear plugs on take off or landing, they don't they ask me to take my ear plugs out so I can hear the PA.

My experience is that it is just inconsistent training/knowledge on FAs on NC headphones. They know that all electronic devices must be turned off, but they probably don't know (or unsure) what their particular airlines' policy on NC headphones are (especially the QC15s with a bright green LED indicating that some electronic device is active).
Some airlines seem to have issues with these more than others (SQ being one of them, whereas the Emirates flight I was on recently had no problems with them).
 
I've been trying to buy some QC15's from Amazon US (ship to the UK) but it's one of the few items that they just won't let you buy. I remember someone (cove?) mentioning of some shipping services you could use to get around this (they essentially forward on the mail). Anyone have any recommendations? The UK price is ridiculous.
 
I've been trying to buy some QC15's from Amazon US (ship to the UK) but it's one of the few items that they just won't let you buy. I remember someone (cove?) mentioning of some shipping services you could use to get around this (they essentially forward on the mail). Anyone have any recommendations? The UK price is ridiculous.

PriceUSA is quite popular and reputable.
 
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