Some airlines let you keep your iPhone turned on if you switch to airplane mode. By default, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth® are disabled in airplane mode—you can't make calls, but you can listen to music, play games, watch videos, and use other apps that don't require network or phone connections.

To listen to music on an iPhone without Wi-Fi in 2026, you must download the music for offline use before you leave the ground. On Apple Music, find the album or playlist you want, tap the "+" icon to add it to your library, and then tap the cloud/arrow icon (Download). You can verify this by going to "Library" > "Downloaded." If you use Spotify, you must be a Premium subscriber; toggle the "Download" switch on any playlist until a green arrow appears. In 2026, YouTube Music and Amazon Music offer similar "Offline Mode" features. Once on the plane, put your phone in Airplane Mode, which disables cellular and Wi-Fi but keeps Bluetooth active so you can use your AirPods. A pro-tip for 2026 is to enable "Automatic Downloads" in your music settings, which ensures your most-played tracks are always stored locally. Always check your storage space before a long flight, as high-fidelity "Lossless" files can take up significant room on your device.