What is Airplane Mode and Why Use It?
Airplane Mode, also known as Flight Mode, is a setting available on most smartphones and even some laptops. When enabled, it disables the device’s ability to connect to cellular networks. This mode is particularly important when preventing interference with an aircraft’s communication and navigation systems, while at high altitude. The main purpose is to turn off radio transmissions to comply with aviation regulations.
Regulatory bodies like the Civil Aviation Authority (CAA) greatly emphasise the importance of Airplane Mode during flights. However, the rules have been relaxed throughout the years, allowing you to use WiFi and Bluetooth while in Airplane Mode. When you turn Flight Mode on, you can’t make or receive calls or texts, but you can still listen to music downloaded locally on your device.
On most smartphones, all you need to do to enable Flight Mode is to swipe down from the top of the screen to access the quick settings menu and toggle Airplane Mode.
Benefits of Using Airplane Mode
- Reduces Distractions: Airplane Mode is a great way to help you stay focused. The feature eliminates incoming calls which is perfect for a range of scenarios including studying or attending important meetings. This helps you stay on track with your work and get more done.
- Compliance with Aviation Regulations: Airplane Mode is required during aeroplane takeoff and landing. Using Airplane Mode contributes to flight safety and avoids potential disruptions.
- Improves Privacy: By enabling Flight Mode, you disable connectivity features, preventing networks from tracking your device and offering additional privacy and security. This action stops apps or services from continuously monitoring your location.
When Should You Use Airplane Mode?
Using Flight Mode During Flights
The best use of Flight Mode is, you guessed it, during flights.
Turning on Flight Mode during flights makes sure that your electronic devices do not interfere with the aeroplane’s systems. This is because, modern electronics emit signals that could disrupt these systems, potentially causing malfunctions.
Digital Detox: Do Not Disturb Mode
In an age where we’re constantly glued to our phones, finding some alone time can be challenging. Fortunately, our devices offer tools to help you find some peace amidst the chaos. Flight Mode is great for when you want to have a little bit of me time. By activating it, you can block all incoming calls and notifications, which creates a barrier between you and the online world.
What’s more, is that Flight Mode can help you disconnect from social media. The constant stream of updates, likes, and comments can be overwhelming, leaving you drained and distracted. Instead, turn this feature on and reconnect with the real world around you.
Save Battery Life
When on the move with limited access to chargers, preserving battery life is essential. One great way to save your battery life is to reduce active processes and connections. Activating Airplane Mode disables non-essential functions that run in the background which ultimately drain your device’s battery life.
This is especially useful in areas with poor cellular reception. In these areas, your phone constantly searches for a signal, draining its battery. Turning on Airplane Mode prevents this continuous searching, saving battery power and avoiding connection to potentially unsafe networks.
How Does Airplane Mode Affect WiFi and Bluetooth?
When Airplane Mode is on, it disables WiFi which stops your device from connecting to networks. Some airlines provide in-flight Wi-Fi, which allows passengers to manually re-enable Wi-Fi.
Bluetooth is also turned off by default. Even though there is a chance of Bluetooth interference, new rules let travellers carefully turn Bluetooth back on after they activate Aeroplane Mode. This flexibility allows passengers to use Bluetooth devices like keyboards and headphones during flights while remaining secure.
FAQs About Using Airplane Mode
Can You Make Calls in Flight Mode?
When you turn on Flight Mode on your device, all wireless connections are usually turned off, including regular phone calls. This feature makes it impossible to place regular calls.
There are some exceptions, though. Some airlines provide in-flight WiFi services that let you make calls calls over apps like WhatsApp and Skype.
Some modern aircraft also feature picocell networks, allowing limited cellular service through onboard base stations. This service is not generally available and may involve additional charges.
Can You Use GPS in Airplane Mode?
Yes, you can use GPS even when your device is in Airplane Mode. Activating this mode disables cellular, Wi-Fi, and Bluetooth however, the GPS receiver in most smartphones and tablets continues to function independently of these networks.
Airplane Mode: Essential or Outdated?
Airplane Mode has been a hot topic among travellers lately with many questioning the relevance of the feature on their devices. Originally, it was introduced to comply with aviation, however, with advancements in aviation technology, modern aircraft are much more tech-savvy and resilient.
One strong argument for maintaining Airplane Mode revolves around regulatory compliance and safety protocols. Despite technological advancements, airlines and aviation authorities prefer to prioritise safety. Keeping devices in Flight Mode minimises any chance of electronic interference, no matter how small. Plus, it helps passengers stay focused on safety instructions and cuts down on distractions.
On the other hand, Airplane Mode may appear outdated given how advanced aeroplanes are nowadays. Many flights offer in-flight Wi-Fi, keeping passengers connected (usually for a price). Plus, some airlines allow Bluetooth devices like headphones throughout the flight, making people wonder if Flight Mode is really necessary anymore. With all these tech improvements, many passengers see this setting as more of a hassle than a crucial safety step.
In the end, whether Airplane Mode is essential or outdated really depends on how you look at it. From a regulatory and safety viewpoint, it’s still a crucial step. But from the perspective of technological progress and what passengers expect, it can feel less relevant. As both aviation and electronic technologies keep evolving, future rules might find a balance between safety and the increasing demand for connectivity. For now, though, this feature will probably stick around as a standard practice in air travel, making sure all safety precautions are covered.
