Elevate Your In-Flight Experience with the Twelve South AirFly SE
If you’re a frequent flyer who dreads the standard airline headphones, you’re not alone. After years of tech reviewing, there’s one standout gadget that has become a must-have for my travel essentials: the Twelve South AirFly SE. This compact Bluetooth transmitter is a game-changer, especially for long-haul flights.
What is the AirFly SE?
The AirFly SE, priced at around £40 on Amazon, is the entry-level model in Twelve South’s AirFly lineup. While best known for creating stylish accessories for Apple devices, the AirFly SE is versatile enough to work with a variety of wireless headphones, including popular brands like Sony and Bose. This means you can finally ditch those uncomfortable airline earbuds and enjoy your own high-quality headphones during flights.
Key Features
- Bluetooth Transmitter: Easily connects to your trusty wireless headphones, delivering superior audio from the in-flight entertainment system.
- On-device Volume Control: Adjust the sound level directly on the AirFly, a handy feature that lets you tailor your audio experience.
- Compact Design: Measuring just 57 x 25.5 x 11mm, this gadget takes up minimal space, ensuring you won’t notice it in your carry-on.
- Long Battery Life: With up to 20 hours of playback, it’s more than enough for even the longest transcontinental flights.
Simple Setup Process
Pairing your Bluetooth headphones with the AirFly SE is a breeze—taking only seconds. Simply plug the AirFly into the audio jack, normally reserved for those clunky provided headphones, and you’re good to go. The upgraded audio experience is significant; you’ll hear dialogues clearly and enjoy immersive background sounds you might have missed before. For those using noise-canceling headphones, this feature shines even brighter, drowning out the drone of the plane engines or nearby conversations.
Comparison with the AirFly Pro
For those considering a step up, the AirFly Pro offers additional features, such as the ability to connect two pairs of headphones simultaneously and extended battery life. However, it comes with a price tag that’s double that of the AirFly SE. Unless you frequently travel with a companion who shares your movie-watching habits, the SE comfortably meets most travelers’ needs.
Final Thoughts
In summary, the Twelve South AirFly SE is an invaluable gadget for travelers seeking a more enjoyable in-flight audio experience. Its reasonable price, compact size, and impressive battery life make it a worthy investment. Once you’ve experienced the comfort and sound quality of your own headphones in the air, there’s no going back. So, before you embark on your next adventure, make sure to pack the AirFly SE—it could be the upgrade that transforms your travel routine.

Writes about personal finance, side hustles, gadgets, and tech innovation.
Bio: Priya specializes in making complex financial and tech topics easy to digest, with experience in fintech and consumer reviews.