Is operating in airplane mode a genuine nuisance or a myth about flying? We explain the science behind it and the reasons it’s still necessary to use on your phone.
What does “airplane mode” mean?
Your smartphone’s “flight mode,” also known as “airplane mode,” is a setting that momentarily disables Wi-Fi and signals while keeping the rest of the device operational.
When you switch your phone to airplane mode, what happens? The radio signals that allow you to send and receive text messages, make phone calls, browse websites and web-based email accounts like Gmail, and download files cease to be received by your phone. On the other hand, previously downloaded text messages and other stored data, such as any files you’ve already saved on your device, such as games, music, movies, or papers, might be available.
Why is this what we have to do?
Your mobile phone is a little but mighty instrument. It releases electromagnetic interference (EMI) and radio waves that may interfere with an aircraft’s communication systems. Furthermore, nobody wants an aircraft that is unable to connect with the air traffic control system at the airport they are flying to.
Additionally, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) has concluded that plane-borne cellular signals have the potential to overwhelm cell towers below, disrupting service. That would be a lot of tower blockage, considering that millions of people travel by air every day.
It’s a good idea to heed your flight attendant’s directions and turn on airplane mode when you’re in the air, regardless of the reasons or your feelings towards them.
The bright side
The FAA determined that the regulations pertaining to cell phones and other cellular devices were somewhat excessive six years ago. Thus, they began permitting the use of WiFi and Bluetooth by passengers while in flight.
Feel free to connect to the internet and look around if your plane has WiFi. Bonus: your Bluetooth headphones are compatible as well. Once in airplane mode, you only need to manually switch WiFi back on (in that same dock menu you saw above).
Additional applications for aircraft mode
– Quicker charging (and longer battery life)
Your phone isn’t continuously looking for a wireless network or signal when it’s in airplane mode. You’ll get a lot more use out of your battery.
Turn on airplane mode if you have a long day ahead of you and you forgot your battery pack. When you need your phone to navigate to that trendy new restaurant you’ve been dying to visit, it will still have some charge, and you’ll get more done and feel a little more at ease.
Bonus: Your phone will charge faster in airplane mode because it won’t be attempting to do as much and can concentrate on charging. Therefore, this will be useful if you don’t already have a new, really quick charging gadget.
– Keep your children safe
And speaking of kids, they can benefit from using airplane mode as well. You don’t want your kid to unintentionally contact your employer or buy everything on your Amazon wish list if you give them access to your phone or tablet (for very little screen time, right?).
Simply turn on airplane mode now. They will still be able to take pictures, play games, and use other apps. Simply put, they won’t be able to cause as much difficulty.
Do some work.
Consider putting your device in airplane mode if you need to concentrate and perform some in-depth work. What a relief it is to not have annoying pop-ups, notifications, or noises from your device anymore.
You don’t have to keep your phone in airplane mode all day; you may set a time limit for yourself. Say your significant other needs to know what you’re having for supper. Or does your child need to contact you?). See how much you can accomplish in a few hours if you try.
– Unplug and have a rest.
Finally, there are moments when you just want to put your phone or tablet down and get rid of all the notifications. Well done; carry it out.
When your smartphone is in airplane mode, it’s simple to switch it off but leave it on (for example, to use as an alarm clock or take pictures while on vacation). So press that tiny airplane button and temporarily put your worries aside.
