Can you text on a plane?

Can I text on an airplane? Yes, but only using a Wi-Fi connection. The ban on using a cellular connection means passengers can't send SMS texts. Any communication has to be over Wi-Fi with a messaging app that provides similar functionality like iMessage, WhatsApp, or Viber.



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Most airlines will allow you to use your mobile phone in airplane mode once the aircraft reaches a safe altitude. Airplane mode disables the cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth functionalities of your device, ensuring it does not interfere with the aircraft's communication and navigation systems.

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You can listen to downloaded music, play games, write notes, view pictures, and do any other activities on your mobile device as long as they do not require an internet connection. An internet or cellular connection is only required for in-flight calls, video calls, online games, streaming, and text messaging.

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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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Plenty of airlines offer Wi-Fi on flights, but not all service is created equal. Thanks to advancements in technology, we're seeing better speeds — but plenty of aircraft still rely on outdated equipment, so you'll be waiting a while for that Facebook feed to load.

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The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) currently prohibits the use of mobile phones aboard any aircraft in flight.

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Standard SMS messaging typically won't work in the air since you'll need a cellular network connection. But as long as there's Wi-Fi available on a flight, you'll have some way to communicate with people on the ground.

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Things to do on a long flight without Wifi
  • Read a book. ...
  • Do a crossword puzzle. ...
  • Get up and walk around! ...
  • Drink water!! And go to the bathroom. ...
  • Download movies or tv shows prior to the flight. ...
  • Delete items from your phone and organize your home screen. ...
  • Bring a journal and write/reflect. ...
  • Download podcasts or playlists.


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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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It's a concern rather than a fact that phones could radiate energy which in turn could cause interference with aeronautical systems, said David Russell, COO of OnAir, a Swiss company that provides several European, Middle Eastern and Asian airlines with air-to-ground communication systems.

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By default, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® are disabled in airplane mode—you can't make or receive FaceTime calls or use features or accessories that require wireless communication, but you can listen to music, play games, watch videos, and use other apps that don't require internet access.

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Despite the urgings of flight crews to turn off all phones or put them in airplane mode, cell phones can continue to work after a plane takes off, but only while in range of a cellular tower. Cell phones communicate through cell towers, which are located on the ground but can stretch hundreds of feet into the air.

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Quick Answer: Yes, AirPods work on planes and you can even use them during your flight. Airlines treat them no differently than wireless headphones. However, you should be aware of a few limitations. True wireless earbuds like Apple AirPods are great for work, home, and working out.

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The service is available on flights to, from and within the U.S. Among the airlines that use Gogo internet (which means free texting for T-Mobile customers) are Alaska, Delta and American.

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