Why should you turn off your phone on a plane?

Most airlines note that there is a chance that radio signals sent out from an electronic device could interfere with one or more of an aircraft's important systems, such as sensors that help the aircraft's instruments communicate with one another, navigation equipment, collision-avoidance equipment, and other forms of ...



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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 safer to have it on your phone when you fly, experts say. It's safer for everyone if you put your phone in airplane mode when you're flying. Cell phone signals can interfere with some of an airplane's crucial systems.

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“Mobile phone signals can interfere with aircraft navigational and landing guidance systems.” The relationship between phone signals and navigational systems is not an exact science, which is why everyone we spoke to was careful in their language.

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To text while flying, you'll need to use a messaging app like WhatsApp, Apple iMessage, WeChat or Facebook Messenger. These Over The Top applications don't require a cellular network connection and instead send messages through the internet.

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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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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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Consider the cost. The good news is that Wi-Fi on planes is not only getting better but less expensive as well. You might even get it for free. For instance, JetBlue offers free Fly-Fi on all of its flights, and certain airlines offer elite members free Wi-Fi.

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QUICK ANSWER You can use AirPods on a plane by turning on Airplane mode on your phone to deactivate its cellular radio. Then turn on Bluetooth to connect your AirPods for uninterrupted enjoyment during your flight.

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Your strategy depends on which airline you're flying. A few airlines provide free Wi-Fi to all passengers. Some airlines have credit card partnerships that will reimburse Wi-Fi purchases. Other airlines give elite members free in-flight Wi-Fi, while some airlines provide free Wi-Fi to premium cabin passengers.

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In the U.S., the Code of Federal Regulations states that the FCC prohibits use of cell phones when the plane is airborne. It says: “Cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground).

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Can You Make Phone Calls on a Plane? You can't make phone calls on a plane using cellular service, as using cellular service for any reason isn't permitted. WiFi calls may be allowed, though that's at the discretion of the airline, as it impacts passenger comfort.

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If you're wondering if you can watch Netflix on a plane, the answer is yes – with the right setup. You can download movies and TV shows in advance to watch on your device without an internet connection. When flying, you should put your device in airplane mode and connect to the in-flight WiFi if it is available.

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A number of airlines have incorporated free Wi-Fi texting into their offerings, including Southwest, Delta, Alaska, and JetBlue. Of course, if your fare includes access to the plane's Wi-Fi, you can also email, tweet, and update Facebook as much as the bandwidth allows.

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