Question about airplane ✈️ mode.

[MOMFUDSKI]

Why? Explain it to me like I am a kid. TIA

[Phoenix61]

1. You can play games, take photos, read/watch downloaded stuff

But no connectivity.

[jcgoldie]

2. It disables the cellular connection

The FCC and FAA ban cell phones for airborne use because its signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments.

[Ocelot II]

3. It turns off all your phone's communications modes -

Bluetooth, wifi, cellular, other data connections. The phone will still do all of its self-contained functions. This is to be sure none of the communication functions could interfere with the airplane's electronics.

[brooklynite]

6. Also useful when not on a plane...

...to preserve battery life.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

8. It doesn't necessarily

Turn off Bluetooth - I use Bluetooth AirPods in airplane mode all the time.

And in American Airlines flights, you can still connect tot their in-flight Wi-Fi in airplane mode.

[Ocelot II]

10. I haven't been on a plane in a few years - sounds like Airplane Mode has been modified

to make those functions usable. I know that when cellphones became common the airlines and the FAA were concerned that all that stuff, especially cell phone calls, would screw up airplane electronic communications. You still can't make or receive phone calls. Bluetooth is probably not robust enough to affect any other systems.

[SickOfTheOnePct]

12. I think

You’re right…Bluetooth signals are much less powerful than cell signals.

[FreeState]

13. Wi-Fi & Bluetooth has never been an issue

Wi-Fi has been approved since 2003 and Bluetooth since 2013.

[cally]

4. I use it frequently

When I’m in a meeting that I don’t want to be interrupted.

[twodogsbarking]

5. You should have written "explain to me like I am a Republican member of Congress".

Best to you.

[MOMFUDSKI]

9. Lol

And thanks to all for great explanations

[RainCaster]

7. It does this...

It saves battery life.
It keeps people from being able to call you.
It won't let you call others.

If your phone is more than 5 years old, it might also turn off Bluetooth & Wi-Fi. Most modern phones only disable the phone company connection.

[yellowdogintexas]

11. American asks that all electronic devices be put into airplane mode

I usually have a Kindle for reading, so I make sure that my current books are already loaded into the device before I leave home. Then I don't need connectivity at all.

Last time I flew, I used their Wi-Fi to allow You TUbe on my phone so my seatmate (9 year old boy with limited English skills) could watch silly kid stuff on my phone. His family was split up over 3 rows of seats so it was nice to keep him entertained.

I never travel without something to read.