Introduction
I have been using Apple Vision Pro (AVP) for the past month, and I've seen many people's experiences with AVP. This got me curious about how well it would be in a flight. So I decided to try it out during a 50-minute domestic flight in economy class. I wanted to see how it feels, what features work well, and whether it's practical to use AVP while traveling.
Boarding
Walking with Apple Vision Pro can be a challenge especially in a busy and unfamiliar environment such as an airport. Thus, I've decided to wear it just before the boarding started. Even during the boarding I felt uncomfortable with the limited field of view. I was worried about bumping into obstacles or tripping over something. I was lucky since I was with my friends during the boarding. So, I ended up in my seat without any problems, but all curious eyes were one me.
Travel Mode
It's important to enable Travel Mode before the plane starts moving. Fortunately, Apple Vision Pro automatically detects when you're in flight and prompts you with a pop-up to turn on Travel Mode. I, however, pushed the limits by delaying the activation until the last minute. I wouldn't recommend doing this, as it may lead to unexpected bugs or glitches. Turning on Travel Mode ahead of time ensures that the device functions smoothly and avoids any interruptions during the flight.
Content is Crucial
Access to content is essential for making the most of the Apple Vision Pro during a flight. If you have internet access on board, you can explore a wider range of content options. However, I didn't have internet access during my flight, so I relied on pre-downloaded content. My options included reading books, watching both spatial and standard videos, and playing games. As someone who always downloads content before flights, this part was already a familiar routine for me. Preparing in advance ensures a seamless experience, especially on flights without connectivity.
Battery
The Apple Vision Pro comes with a single battery, providing 2–3 hours of usage on a full charge. For my short-haul journey, a fully charged battery was more than enough to cover the trip. However, on medium or long-haul flights, you may need an additional battery to ensure uninterrupted use. Another option is to carry a high-output power bank, which allows you to recharge the device during the flight. Make sure your power bank meets airline regulations to avoid any issues while traveling.
Conclusion
From boarding to deboarding, I spent about 1.5 hours using the Apple Vision Pro during my flight. As someone with experience on long-haul flights, I find that traditional in-flight entertainment systems and my iPad Pro are more than sufficient for both entertainment and productivity. For economy class passengers, the limited space and movement make it a bit more challenging to fully enjoy the experience with AVP. While the device has its potential, I believe for shorter flights or when space is tight, relying on other forms of entertainment may still be the more comfortable option.