Can you use your phone on a plane in airplane mode?

Putting your phone in Airplane mode is an alternative for anyone who doesn't want to switch off their phone completely. For example to listen to music during the flight. Switching on Airplane mode makes the device OK to use in an airplane. You no longer have to turn it off.



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Turning your phone on airplane mode once your plane is preparing for takeoff is a standard part of any frequent flier's onboard routine. In airplane mode, your phone is disconnected from cellular networks, but you can still use the device — and even connect it to in-flight Wi-Fi if it's available.

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The use of mobile phones onboard aircraft to make voice calls or send texts is prohibited on UK airlines, unless the aircraft has been especially equipped with an approved mobile phone control system.

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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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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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Plane texting FAQ Yes, you can text in airplane mode but you will need to connect to the aircraft's Wi-Fi (assuming that it is available). Some airlines like Delta will allow you to do this free of charge. Can you text on a plane with data? No, you generally cannot text on a plane with data due to FCC regulations.

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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 Thanks to advancements in technology, we're seeing better speeds — but plenty of aircraft still rely on outdated equipment, so you'll be waiting a while for that Facebook feed to load.

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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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The reason devices have to be turned to airplane mode or all the way off is that some of the onboard systems can be affected by interference from phones. Interference is rare, and probably wouldn't affect your flight, but aviation is an industry built on certainty, not probability.

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Yes, it's safe to use AirPods on a plane. They're pretty much like regular wireless headphones, and airlines allow taking them on a flight.

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The maximum speeds for these systems are currently around 5 megabits per second (which is shared by hundreds of passengers), according to Andrew Zignani, a research director at technology intelligence firm ABI Research who specializes in wireless connectivity.

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