Every frequent flyer has heard a flight crew announce that it’s time to turn off phones or switch them to airplane mode. But what is airplane mode, how does it work, and why do you actually need to use it while flying? Here’s what to know.
What Is Airplane Mode?
Airplane mode is a phone setting that temporarily switches off cellular and Wi-Fi signals while leaving the rest of the device fully usable.
- On Android, swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings, then tap the airplane icon to turn it on.
- On iPhone, open Control Center (swipe down from the top-right corner or up from the bottom, depending on your model) and tap the airplane icon.
What actually happens when you switch it on?
Your phone stops sending or receiving cellular and Wi-Fi signals, so you can’t make calls, send texts, or load web pages or email over a network connection. You can still use anything already stored on the device, including downloaded messages, documents, games, music, or movies.
How To Switch It On
On an iPhone or iPad, swipe up (or down from the top-right, depending on model) to open Control Center, then tap the airplane icon; it’ll turn orange to confirm airplane mode is active. On Android, the toggle sits in the same Quick Settings panel you’d use to adjust Wi-Fi or Bluetooth.
When To Switch Airplane Mode On/Off
Switch on airplane mode as soon as the cabin crew instructs you to, and keep it on for the full flight. Some travelers leave it on for their entire trip as a kind of digital detox; others switch it off the moment the cabin door opens if they want to reconnect right away.
Why Airplane Mode Is Required During Flights
Your phone is a fairly powerful little transmitter. It sends out radio signals that could, in theory, interfere with an aircraft’s communications equipment, which is not something anyone wants mid-flight.
The FCC also restricts cellular use in flight because a phone connecting to towers from altitude can hit multiple cell towers on the ground at once, creating interference for networks below. With millions of people flying every day, that adds up fast.
Whatever your take on the exact mechanics, the simplest approach is just to follow the crew’s instructions and switch to airplane mode once you’re airborne.
What Happens If You Don’t Switch to Airplane Mode?
Older phones in particular can transmit on frequencies close to those used by some aircraft systems, which is part of why the rule exists, though modern aircraft are much better shielded against this kind of interference than older models.
In the US and many other countries, using airplane mode in flight isn’t just airline policy, it’s an FCC requirement, and ignoring it can technically carry a fine.
There’s also a simpler safety argument: airplane mode keeps you from being glued to your phone during takeoff and landing, the two points in a flight where paying attention to your surroundings matters most. That’s also why you’re asked to put devices away during those phases specifically.
Does Airplane Mode Save Battery?
Beyond the rules, there’s a practical upside: constantly searching for and maintaining a wireless signal is one of the biggest drains on your phone’s battery. Airplane mode cuts that out entirely, so you land with more battery left for calls, a rideshare app, checking email, or navigating to your hotel.
Other Uses For Airplane Mode
Airplane mode is also handy well beyond flights. It blocks calls, texts, and casual browsing, which makes it a simple way to focus on deep work without constant pop-ups and notifications.
It’s useful for kids too: hand over a phone or tablet in airplane mode, and they can still play games, take photos, and use offline apps, without any risk of an accidental call or in-app purchase.
It also charges your phone faster, since it’s not spending battery searching for a signal while plugged in, which is handy if you’re topping up for just a few minutes before heading out the door.
Summary
Airplane mode is simple once you know where the toggle lives on your device. Figure it out before your next flight so switching it on and off isn’t one more thing to stress about at takeoff.
Hello, I am Jan, a travel writer based in the Czech Republic. I specialize in discovering and writing about my homeland—medieval towns, mountain hikes, the local pub scene, and off-the-tourist-radar destinations.
I also write about life as an expat in Czechia—just what it is like to live here, and not just visit. I write sometimes about other countries from the region: Slovakia, Austria, Slovenia, and Croatia.
As an experienced traveler, I also give expert advice on travel, travel tips, and I often review travel gear.