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Can I text on a plane with Wi-Fi?

Among the airlines that let you text for free, the list includes JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Alaska Airlines. These carriers allow texting either through free inflight Wi-Fi or with the use of text messaging services.



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Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled. You may use the WiFi connection on your device if the plane has an installed WiFi system and the airline allows its use,” according to the FAA website. So what exactly is airplane mode?

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Why are airplane passengers asked to put their phones in airplane mode? Per the FAA website's Safety Information page, “The FCC and FAA ban cell phones for airborne use because its signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments. Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled.

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Mobile phone signals can interfere with aircraft navigational and landing guidance systems.” The relationship between phone signals and navigational systems is not an exact science, which is why everyone we spoke to was careful in their language.

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When do you switch Airplane mode on / off? Put your phone in Airplane mode as soon as the cabin crew indicates this. Airplane mode must remain on during the entire flight. Some people choose to leave their phones in Airplane mode for the entire vacation.

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Do pilots know if your phone isn't on airplane mode? Well, sort of. “The flight attendants or the pilots are not going to get an indicator that says 13A has their cell phone on,” Laurie says. “But if there's enough people that they still have it on, and they're encountering that interference, then, yes.”

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In the United States, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) restricts cell phone usage on aircraft in order to prevent disruption to cellular towers on the ground.

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JetBlue bills itself as the only major airline to offer, free, high-speed Wi-Fi at every seat, on every plane. The in-flight satellite service is provided by Viasat, and passengers can use it to browse the web, send messages and emails or stream video.

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For the moment, the range of activities is still pretty limited. You can use your personal electronics — music players, tablets, e-readers and so on — during all phases of flight, but that comes with several caveats.

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Put your device into airplane mode before takeoff. Open the Netflix app and select the downloaded content you want to watch. Enjoy your movie or show without the need for an internet connection!

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You can use airplane mode to avoid roaming charges when travelling. You won't be able to send or receive text messages or phone calls, or use data services, but you could connect to a Wi-Fi network to check your email or browse the internet.

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