are AirPods covered under protection plan

Possibly, but I am not 100% sure. It may depend on Asurion’s rules and guidelines. What protection plan ‘name’ do you subscribe to?

I have DIRECTV™ Protection Plan Premier

Doesn't look like Airpods are covered.

https://www.directv.com/satellite/technology/protection-plan/

Receivers, remote controls, dish antenna, dish antenna realignment, associated cabling and switches; and an unlimited number of devices used to enjoy DIRECTV. Home theater systems, laptops, TVs, routers, and modems. LCD, plasma, and LED TVs. PC computers equipped with Windows XP or newer operating system; Apple computers equipped with Mac OS X or newer operating system; and other computers equipped with Linux OS with 2009 publication date or later. iPad® 2, iPad® Mini, iPad® Air, and Android™ tablets version 1.6 or newer. Technical support on mobile phones relating to your DIRECTV viewing experience; 3D glasses. If device stops working as expected for any covered reason, we’ll troubleshoot, repair, or replace it.