Using Your Phone on a Plane: Everything you Should Know

Having a mobile phone is essential to staying connected. You can call or chat with family members and friends, answer emails, and stay on top of work even from that tiny device.

But what if you are traveling via plane? Can you use your phone? Are there any restrictions to using your phone on a plane?

Can I Use My Phone on a Plane?

You can use your phone when you travel on a plane—but only for specific uses. In general, you need to put your phone in flight or airplane mode for the entire trip. Some airlines will even request that you switch off your phone entirely during taxiing, take off, and landing.

Putting your phone in airplane mode limits the use of your phone for activities like reading, watching pre-downloaded movies, listening to downloaded music, and the like. You can also use it to take pictures and videos or play games.

Can I Use My Phone During Take Off and Landing?

As essential as it is to stay connected, you are not allowed to use your phone during take-off and landing. Connecting, streaming, or making calls are prohibited during a plane’s ascent and descent. If you keep your phone on, its signals can interfere with the plane’s navigational instrument, which could cause serious accidents.

Can I Use My Cell Phone to Make Calls While on a Plane?

Using your phone to make calls is one of the banned activities because making a call requires using cellular services, which is not allowed while on the plane.

Cellular tower signals can interfere with aircraft instrumentation, creating safety issues during the flight. Some cellular technologies can even interfere with aircraft instruments, which can be dangerous. Because of this, you aren’t allowed to make phone calls while on a plane.

Can I Text on a Plane?

Yes. If you are connected to the in-flight Wi-Fi service, you are allowed to text while on a plane.

Can I Watch a Movie or Listen to Music on My Phone While on a Plane?

If your music or movie is already pre-downloaded onto your mobile phone, you can access it while on the plane. Several apps like Netflix, Spotify, and Apple Music allow you to download what you want to watch or listen to and access it later, even without an internet connection.

Additionally, several airlines offer in-flight entertainment services, giving you access to movies and music while on the flight, so you can opt to try that out instead.

Can I Use AirPods on a Plane?

Yes, you can use your AirPods on a plane. You have two options:

• You can use it on your own device (phone or tablet) to listen to music or watch movies already stored there.
• You can connect to the plane’s in-flight entertainment system, but you’ll need an AirPods adapter such as AirFly.

Can I Use WiFi on My Phone on a Plane?

Some airlines offer WiFi packages for a small fee. Some providers have open services, allowing you to browse any app or website. Others, however, restrict access to certain apps and websites only. It’s best to check if the airline’s WiFi will allow the apps and websites you want to use before buying a package.

Can I Charge My Phone on a Plane?

Some airlines provide outlets where you can plug in your plane to keep it charged. However, not all aircraft have that option. If you have a portable charger or power bank, you may use that as another option to keep your phone battery at maximum capacity.

Putting Your Phone on Airplane Mode During a Flight

These days, you won’t be allowed to use your phone during the flight unless you are in airplane mode.

What is Airplane Mode?

If you check your phone settings, you might see a button that allows you to put your phone on airplane mode. This feature disconnects your phone from the cellular network. It also turns off Bluetooth and WiFi connections on your phone. With airplane mode built into your phone, it is easy to comply with aircraft requirements without turning off your phone completely. Tap the icon (usually the symbol of an airplane) to turn it on or off.

Do I Need to Put My Phone on Airplane Mode?

Passengers aren’t allowed to use cellular service while on a plane. Putting your phone in airplane mode is an easy way to comply with the rules. You can also opt to turn off your device, so you don’t connect to the network.

There is a good reason why you must turn off your mobile phone or put it on airplane mode. Every time the plane passes over a cell tower on the ground, your device will attempt to connect to it. The signals your phone and cell tower send out to try to connect can interfere with airplane navigation. At the same time, your phone will constantly scan and connect each cell tower it detects, which will drain your battery.

What Will Happen If I Forget to Put My Devices on Airplane Mode?

You know the feeling of panic when you are up in the air and realize you haven’t placed your gadgets (such as Kindle, mobile phone, or smartwatch) on airplane mode?

Relax! Time and tests have shown that nothing drastic will happen if someone accidentally leaves their gadgets on and it is not in airplane mode. However, it’s better to be safe than sorry, rather than for all passengers on the flight to use cellular connections together.

Are Phone Rules the Same for All Airlines?

The specific rules for using phones or other electronic devices vary depending on where you are flying. In the United States, for example, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) allows the use of personal electronic devices (PED’s) such as mobile phones in the airplane as long as they are in airplane mode or flight mode during the entire flight.

In other countries, the rules may be different. Some countries may have stricter regulations on using mobile phones and other electronic devices on the plane. It’s always best to check with the airline or the country’s aviation authority to learn the specific rules before traveling. Pay attention to the flight crew’s instructions, as they are responsible for the safety and security of the passengers on the plane.

Conclusion

Long-haul flights can be boring, but with your phone, you can find some things to keep you entertained throughout the trip. You’ll be fine if you keep your phone on airplane mode and avoid chatting, texting, or calling using cellular service.

Thankfully, several flights offer WiFi or in-flight entertainment, such as movies you can watch or music you can listen to. You can also enjoy a meal during your flight or catch up on some sleep.