How do I listen to music on a plane?!

[NetflixWithoutFriendsIsWrong]

Explain this to an old dinosaur will you?! At home I just flick on YouTube and type in whatever song I want to listen to! I only have the radio in the car.

I don't know anything about downloading or Spotify etc etc. It's a 9 hour flight, I don’t really want to rely on in-flight entertainment. Just want to kick back and close my eyes with a couple of MJ and Bowie albums at my own choice.

HOW? 🙈 I only have a basic smart phone and some ear pods that connect via blue tooth. I could just about set that up!

Bring back the Walkman. I don't belong here. I'm only 41!

Good idea..

It'd worth a trial run to ensure you can (or are confident you know how to) have flight mode selected and also have bluetooth running so the wireless headphones stay connected to the phone...

Just to add on the earphones point, you might want a wired pair as well as if it’s a 9 hour flight you’ll have some down time whilst they recharge, they won’t get through the whole flight if that’s what you’re looking for.

Just because there is one thing she (I) can't doesn't mean technologically incompetent.

I've never streamed music or a podcast. But then I never listened to CDs, had a Walkman, or mp3 player. It's just not something I have an interest in.

Doesn't mean I've not just up with technology in other areas. Just this sector I've got no need to know about.

Thanks for the people who managed to reply with helpful and non patronising comments. Much appreciated 👏

I keep wondering how to download films and TV shows to watch on a plane. Surely you have to be connected to WiFi to listen to Spotify?

I think it's advisable to download with WiFi as otherwise it chews into data but once saved in your phone it's there at your leisure 😌

If you just open it up and want to start streaming music then yes. If you go on and download what you want beforehand then that selection is stored on your device and no need for data or WiFi.

No. With Spotify premium you just download the songs you want and can listen to them offline.

Not sure what Spotify allows but there's the ability with some providers to download content pre-flight and store it for playback to your phone.

In any event some aircraft/airlines have WiFI on-board...

Just to add as well, you can also download podcasts both from Spotify and from BBC Sounds. I'd probably add a few of those in in case you fancy a change while you're on the flight. Audible also often offers a free trial too.

I would say, though, that it probably is really worth considering how you interact with technology. My granny is 91 and has a smart phone and tablet. Some stuff she does struggle with, but being able to use them has maintained her independence massively in comparison to my friends with grandparents or even parents who haven't. And ultimately that capability came about because she determinedly carried on learning how it all worked even when she couldn't really be bothered to through her 50s, 60s and 70s.

Spotify is the easiest way, even my technophobe dh manages it, alternatively you can download music to your phone you have bought. I use wired headphones on planes. Depending on airline they do have plenty of music preloaded on the system as audio

With Spotify (premium) you have to download each song/album/playlist/podcast etc you want to listen to offline.

And yes you can download from Spotify but you need a paid membership not the free ad version, it’s about £12 for a month, you can switch to the free version when you get back

I think it’s more concern than being patronising. Not understanding how this very base level of tech works at only 41 isn’t good, and you’re setting yourself up for a fall in the not so near future.

It’s not difficult to learn, but only really engaging when you’re pushed into it out of necessity will leave you in the dust.

It'd be more patronising to write you off as a dinosaur at 41. I felt pretty insulted when I read that's how you see people in their 40s. I'm certainly not incapable of learning about technology. Like I said if you don't want to fine but don't blame your age.

Wonder why my post is hidden. I juet said i copy my cds to the phone

No it wouldn't. It's perfectly possible to feel a dinosaaur with one aspect of tech at a certain age but use it happily it other areas. I rarely listen to music other than the radio in the car, so this tgread has been very helpful - thanks to the OP for starting it.

Also, get a SIM card for your phone when you get there, unlimited data.

Exactly, you could be great in lots of tech areas but not have flown in many years. You can’t be good at everything.

Many of us posting here are the same age as you (or similar ages) and don’t see ourselves as dinosaurs - in fact I’m only 4 years younger than you and would be mortified if someone thought my age meant I was incapable of using basic tech that’s been around for decades.

Someone with sense. You're very welcome have a lovely weekend

Depends what you regard as essential tech..

Plenty of folks around who have jobs which means they are definitely tech savy but who might struggle initially with the likes of Spotify.

I am much older but fly long haul regularly, here is my pre flight routine.

I have a phone / tablet with good storage - if not you can buy phones/tablets for much cheaper secondhand (backmarket is good).
I have Bluetooth and cabled headphones.

Music - we have a family premium Spotify plan. I have playlists so download what I want to my device.
Podcasts - I download episodes, I have trusted favourites that are good for zoning out to.
Audio books - i use Libby and Borrowbox free from my library - i download the book regardless if I'm getting on a plane.
Tv shows - make sure i have a few 30 minute type things, download these from Netflix, Prime ( i have subscriptions) or player.
Films - again have a few downloaded from Netflix. Prime and iplayer.

I get on the plane, switch on airplane mode and can access all the content direct from my device. Often I only watch the in-flight films, there are music channels too. Last flight I mainly listened to an audiobook as that was what I fancied.

It sounds like you are missing out of experiences at the moment, podcasts for example are a big part of my life. Don't disconnect from tech it's not hard.

It's only basic if you use it. I have no interest in downloading music, films or podcasts, I prefer to read or listen to the radio. Doesn't mean I couldn't learn - which is why this thread is so helpful.

I have Amazon prime and keep getting emails saying I’m not using the music function. I would rather use Spotify.