Is flying and texting illegal?

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



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It just isn't possible, plus it's illegal (according to the FCC). Cell signals fade out as one gains altitude. It's possible to send and receive texts at low altitudes, but eventually the signal goes away.

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“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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In-flight voice calls remain illegal Note that this doesn't just include calls made via cell towers. In-air FaceTime and Skype calls are also illegal.

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In 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) issued a ban on in-flight use of wireless devices and cellphones. The main reason, it said, was network interference with communications on the ground.

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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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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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Cruise flight above 10,000 feet is non-sterile, meaning the flight crew can discuss whatever they'd like.

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 Thanks to advancements in technology, we're seeing better speeds — but plenty of aircraft still rely on outdated equipment, so you'll be waiting a while for that Facebook feed to load.

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Internet speed found aboard planes is definitely not as fast as on land, but you can still use it to continue text conversations, engage in email correspondences and even idly scroll through Instagram. Unfortunately, tasty Netflixing is not yet available for many airlines, although some do offer stream packages.

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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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Although it's not a well-studied question, a 2017 survey by Allianz Global Assistance found that about 40% of passengers said they left their cell service on while flying. But Federal Aviation Administration regulations still require all passengers to use airplane mode while in the air.

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Frontier said it stopped offering customer service by phone last weekend. The airline said customers can reach out by text or social media channels and WhatsApp. The shift aims to lower labor costs and increase the number of customers it can help at once.

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Keep your voice down, unless you're putting in a drink order A plane is not a private place. It's shared, similar to a doctor's office or a museum. Keep that in mind when talking, and use a hushed voice over a booming one to respect the travelers around you.

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International Airlines Permitting Voice Calls, Texting and Data
  • Aer Lingus. Long haul. — X. X.
  • Aeroflot. A320, A330, B777. X. X. X.
  • Air Asia. Select short-haul flights. X. X. X.
  • Air France. Select long haul B77-300. — X. X.
  • Azerbaijan Airlines. A320. X. X. X.
  • British Airways. A318. X. X. X.
  • EgyptAir. A330. X. X. X.
  • Emirates. Long haul to/from Dubai. X. X.


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