What is flight mode?

Our mobile expert says...

With many of us holidaying further from home, we’re keen to be able to use our smartphones to entertain ourselves during long flights, be it through watching films, listening to music or simply deleting old texts.

However, it is generally believed that airlines frown upon the use of mobile phones in flight because they could potentially interfere with the electronics of the airplane. So, how can you keep your phone on and be sure that you’re not going to send your flight plummeting into the deep blue sea? That’s where flight mode comes in.

What is flight mode?

“Flight mode”, also known as airplane mode, offline mode and standalone mode, is a feature of most smartphones that switches off all transmitting activities. So, calls cannot be made, text messages cannot be sent and Wi-Fi and Bluetooth cannot be used, so your phone will comply with many airlines’ regulations regarding phone use while in flight.

What can I do with my phone in flight mode?

While any function requiring your handset to connect wirelessly is out of bounds in flight mode, you will still be able to use your phone’s camera, play games, watch videos, listen to music and use applications such as organisers and word processors.

Would the plane crash if my phone wasn’t in flight mode?

As mentioned previously, most flights require phones to be switched off while in the air to remove any risk of mobile signals interfering with the plane’s electronics, but not all airlines agree on the potential risks of using mobile phones while in the air.

Using your phone in-flight can also cause problems for mobile networks, which are not able to handle mobiles operating at such height and at such a speed.

Will all airlines allow me to use my phone in flight mode?

While all electrical equipment must be switched off during take-off and landing no matter who you fly with, each airline has its own individual policy regarding the use of mobile phones onboard their planes, so it is best to check before you fly.

When asked about British Airways’ policy regarding mobile phone use, a spokesperson said: “All electrical devices must be switched off for take-off and landing. Mobile phones must also be put into flight mode for the duration of the flight but can be used once the seatbelt signs have been turned off. The only exception to this is on our London City to New York service where data services and text messaging are available throughout the flight.”

easyJet has a near-identical approach - “we ask passengers to have all electrical items switched off for take-off and landing,” said UK communications manager Sarah McIntyre. “During the flight they may be used in the flight safe mode.”

However, Ryanair’s website simply states “the use of mobile phones is not permitted onboard any Ryanair aircraft”.

Are there any airlines that will allow me to make calls or use the internet from my mobile while in the air?

Norwegian Air Shuttle ASA currently offers in-flight Wi-Fi on approximately 20% of its flights and recently announced that all its future Boeing 737 aircraft will be fitted with in-flight Wi-Fi, which obviously allows passengers to use wireless services such as mobile internet.

American Airlines offers in-flight Wi-Fi on selected flights thorough in-flight internet service Gogo, but connectivity is only available over the continental US, so no updating Facebook in the air unless you are within 100 miles of the US border to Mexico and southern Canada.

A spokesperson for Virgin Atlantic told Mobilechoices.co.uk: “The next stage of our new IFE [in-flight entertainment] on our A330 aircraft is connectivity and that will enable passengers to use email and SMS and give them the option to make phone calls from 35,000 feet using their own mobile phones.”

How else can flight mode benefit me?

Turning on flight mode while abroad will prevent you from incurring any unexpected roaming charges via phone, radio, Wi-Fi or Bluetooth - or if you have apps that might automatically go online. Turning on flight mode will eliminate this risk but still allow you to listen to music, play games and do anything else on your handset that doesn’t require a wireless connection.

How do I switch my iPhone to flight mode?

Enable “airplane mode” from the “Settings” screen. This will turn off voice, data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS. While airplane mode is on, an orange airplane appears in the status bar at the top of the screen.

Wi-Fi can be re-enabled while in airplane mode by tapping “Settings”, “Wi-Fi”, and then turning Wi-Fi on and choosing a network. The same can be done with Bluetooth by tapping “Settings”, “General”, “Bluetooth”, then turning Bluetooth on.

How do I switch my BlackBerry Bold to flight mode?

BlackBerry Bolds do not have a specific flight mode. However, connections can be turned off by clicking the “Manage Connections” icon from the home screen, then clearing the check box beside “Mobile Network” or turning off all wireless connections by clicking “Turn All Connections Off”.

An app called Cortado Flight Mode is available for BlackBerry phones, allowing users to make their handset ready for flight with just one click.

How do I switch my HTC Desire to flight mode?

Press “home”, then “Menu” and then tap “Settings” followed by “Wireless & networks”. Select the “Airplane mode” check box to enable flight mode. When enabled an Airplane mode icon is displayed on the status bar.

How do I switch my Samsung Galaxy S II to flight mode?

Simple - press and hold the “Power/Lock” key and select “Flight Mode” and you will only be using your device’s non-network services.

How do I switch my Nokia to flight mode?

To activate the offline profile, press the power key briefly and select “Offline” or “Flight”.