Technically, the regulation requiring Airplane Mode remains in effect in 2026, though its enforcement is often "soft" once the aircraft has reached cruising altitude. The FAA and FCC maintain this rule primarily to prevent cellular signals from interfering with ground-based cell towers rather than the aircraft's avionics. At high altitudes and high speeds, a phone not in Airplane Mode constantly scans for a signal, attempting to "hand off" between dozens of towers simultaneously, which can cause network congestion on the ground. However, you can turn on Wi-Fi and Bluetooth after takeoff once the flight crew gives the signal (usually above 10,000 feet). Most modern aircraft are equipped with "In-Flight Wi-Fi," which allows you to browse the web or stream content while the cellular radio remains disabled. In 2026, some airlines are testing "Picocells" that allow for safe cellular use in flight, but until specifically instructed by the crew, you should keep the "Cellular/Mobile Data" off. Turning Airplane Mode off prematurely can also drain your battery rapidly as the phone works overtime to find a signal that doesn't exist at 35,000 feet.