Why is it necessary to activate Airplane Mode while flying? Moshe Strugano

Have you ever questioned the rationale behind turning our mobile devices into aeroplane mode when flying? Moshe Strugano
Alternatively, what does Airplane Mode even do?

How does Airplane Mode work?

The option to stop all Bluetooth, Wi-Fi, cellular data, and GPS network connections on your mobile phone is known as Airplane Mode, often referred to as Flight Mode.
As a result, if you enable this setting, you won't be able to make or receive phone calls or text messages.

However, this does not imply that using Airplane Mode on your phone will render it completely unusable.
Feel free to rock out to music stored on your phone (Spotify Premium saves the day) or watch Netflix episodes you have already downloaded onto your phone as only functions that require transmission signals (that connects your mobile phone to mobile phone towers) will be disabled.

Additionally, since your phone won't be looking for signals from cell towers when in Airplane Mode, this could help your phone's battery last longer.

Why then do we have to change it while flying on our phones?

This regulation, like all airline rules, has a safety component.

Your mobile phone is connected to the outside world while you are on land thanks to network connections.
However, when you are in the air, your mobile phone will continue to emit signals to look for mobile network connections even when it is no longer inside the range of a land network connection.

In this scenario, the signal broadcasts from your phone may produce audible interference on the radios of the aircraft, resembling the sound of a skipped CD.
Unfortunately, this interference has the potential to interfere with seamless communication between pilots and air traffic control officers by blocking the radio frequency used in the cockpit.

Additionally, since its legislation in 1990, switching your mobile phones to Airplane Mode has been a federal necessity in various nations, including the U.S.
The Federal Communications Commission's concern that the radio frequency emitted by mobile phones would possibly interfere with cell tower networks on the ground was the reason behind this.

When should Airplane Mode be activated?

When you hear the recognisable announcement from the cabin crew, it's time to put your phone in Airplane Mode.
Once your aircraft has landed at its destination, you can disable it.

As an alternative, some travellers decide to keep their smartphones in Airplane Mode the entire time they are travelling.
In this manner, individuals can take a digital detox and fully enjoy the restful vacation they have prepared for themselves.

So what about WiFi on aeroplanes?

If you are an avid Internet user, don't worry—many airlines also provide in-flight Wi-Fi services.

Even though the Airplane Mode initially turns off your Wi-Fi connection, you can still opt to solely activate the Wi-Fi setting.
As these airlines' Wi-Fi services are satellite-based and provided by orbiting satellites, this is permitted.

Do you want to know if there is Wi-Fi available on your flight?
When making a reservation with BudgetAir.co.uk, we'll let you know if there's internet access on the plane.
You can see the in-flight amenities provided for each available trip along your chosen itinerary in the flight search results.
The amount of legroom offered is also displayed in addition to WiFi availability (represented by the network symbol in the centre).

Additionally, you may find out if your flight will include catered in-flight meals, an outlet or USB port, and an in-flight entertainment system.