Buzz
Is it possible that turning on airplane mode can actually extend your phone’s battery life? Priscila Zambotto / Getty ImagesIf you’ve traveled by plane in recent years, you’ve likely heard flight attendants ask passengers to enable airplane mode or turn off their devices completely. This request is also supported by Federal FAA regulations.
But is there any proof that cell signals interfere with the plane’s operation? And what exactly happens in airplane mode to a cell phone? Are there additional benefits to using airplane mode, and what are the allowed methods for accessing the internet while flying?
To address some of these inquiries, we've consulted with technology expert Michael Collins. Michael is the director of Sphere IT, a corporate tech support firm based in the United Kingdom.
What exactly is Airplane Mode (also known as Flight Mode)?
Almost every modern smartphone, tablet, and laptop features a small airplane icon, which allows users to enable airplane mode. This effectively disables wireless connections to prevent interference with the aircraft’s navigation and communication systems.
Collins explains, “Airplane mode is a function found on most contemporary smartphones that turns off the device’s radio and wireless components. This stops the phone from receiving and making calls, texts, emails, and data via the mobile network.”
While in airplane mode, some wireless devices may not connect to cellular or WiFi networks. However, certain mobile devices allow Bluetooth and WiFi to be re-enabled while still being in airplane mode, though cellular service remains disabled.
Even so, your smart device will still be able to edit documents, show photos, and play any locally stored music or videos. (And yes, you can still use your Bluetooth headphones while in airplane mode.)
How Do Wireless Signals Impact Air Travel?
Essentially, when you activate airplane mode, you're helping the flight crew and your fellow passengers by ensuring your phone's radio signals don’t interfere with the aircraft’s communication or navigation systems.
Collins clarifies, “Airlines ask passengers to enable airplane mode to prevent signal interference on the plane. Aircraft rely on complex navigation and communication systems to stay airborne and safely reach their destination, but mobile phones use similar frequencies. So, when you're flying, your phone's signal can disrupt the airplane's systems.”
What Are the Dangers of Disabling Airplane Mode During a Flight?
CNN reported that from 2003 to 2009, out of 283,300 U.S. flights, only 75 cases of suspected electronic interference were recorded as causing equipment issues. Even now, no airline crash has been directly linked to cell phone usage. These rules regarding airplane mode might just be a remnant from a time when we didn't fully understand the effects of cellular signals.
However, it's still in your best interest to follow FAA regulations. When flying at cruising altitude, your device will be far too high to pick up any cell tower signals, so there’s really no downside to using airplane mode during the flight.
How to Activate Airplane Mode on an iPhone
- Access the Control Center.
- Tap on the airplane icon.
- To disable airplane mode, return to Control Center and tap the airplane icon again.
Apple also lets users sync their phone's settings with their Apple Watch (or vice versa). To mirror your smartwatch settings to your iPhone, open the Apple Watch app on your iPhone, go to General > Airplane Mode > Mirror iPhone.
How to Activate Airplane Mode on an Android Device
Turning on airplane mode on your Android device is just as simple:
- Open the Settings app.
- Navigate to and open the Network & internet section.
- Tap the Airplane mode icon to enable/disable it.
How to Access In-flight WiFi
Despite cellular limitations, many passengers still wish to check emails or use messaging apps during flights. To meet this demand, many major U.S. and international airlines have introduced WiFi on board. This service is usually activated once the plane reaches altitudes above 10,000 feet, as the highest risk of interference occurs during takeoff and landing.
- Delta provides complimentary in-flight WiFi to Skymiles members on most domestic flights. Passengers can verify availability for their specific flight through the Delta app. Before accessing the internet, they will need to enter their Skymiles information to complete the verification process.
- AAdvantage members of American Airlines can buy WiFi passes where available. These passes are valid for a single flight, typically costing between $10-20. For frequent flyers, there’s also a monthly subscription option at $49.95 for one device, and $59.95 for two devices. To make a purchase, users must log in to their AA account and have an active credit card saved to their profile.
- On United Airlines, WiFi is offered on all North American routes at a price of $10 per flight. MileagePlus members can enjoy a discount, paying only $8 or 800 miles. There’s also the option to buy a monthly plan for $49 or 7,500 miles. Furthermore, T-Mobile customers can access WiFi for free, as long as WiFi calling is enabled on their device.
- Southwest provides WiFi on select flights for $8 per device, or for free to A-List Preferred Members.
Does Enabling Airplane Mode Help Conserve Battery?
Collins explains, "Airplane mode not only stops interference but also helps extend your phone's battery life. Since most phones consume a lot of energy when connected to a mobile network, switching to airplane mode can give your battery a longer lifespan."
A 2016 experiment by Wirecutter on both iOS and Android devices revealed that browsing content in airplane mode led to only a slight battery drain of a few percent over four hours. In comparison, with wireless features turned on, the battery dropped by as much as 10 percent in the same timeframe.
When you're unable to charge your device, activating airplane mode is a great way to conserve battery. Keep in mind that with airplane mode on, you'll lose access to cellular data, meaning you can't send texts or make calls. This mode is also useful for avoiding distractions in quiet settings like cinemas.
