Q: Has anyone bothered to find out if you can use airpods when you are on airplane mode? Because if you cant connect to bluetooth since you are on airplane mode, can you use the airpods?

You can turn Bluetooth back on while in Airplane mode. See the information below from Use Airplane Mode on your iOS device - Apple Support

If the airline allows it, you can use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth while in Airplane mode. You just need to turn them on separately. On your iPhone, iPad, or iPod touch, go to Settings > Wi-Fi or Settings > Bluetooth.

You can also turn on Wi-Fi or Bluetooth from the Control Center. Swipe up from your Home Screen and tap or .

The new AirPods are not Bluetooth, they are wireless, and you can turn wi-fi on as well when in Airplane mode.