Can you use a phone on a plane

We are used to turning off our phones during a flight — devices have airplane mode specifically for this. Usually, this necessity was explained by safety rules: radio waves can interfere with the onboard system. But does small technology really affect modern aviation this much? Let’s figure out how mobile communication is organized in the air now and why you need to turn off your phone on a plane.

Reason for a complete ban

Turning off phones on planes began in 1991 after a study by the UK Civil Aviation Authority, to prevent mobile phones from interfering with the onboard computer and ground communication devices. The ban minimized risks for the carrier and passengers. This way, pilots would be sure that communication with air traffic controllers would not be interrupted, and passengers would remain vigilant: it’s no coincidence that phones are usually asked to be turned off during takeoff and landing — precisely when passengers need to be most attentive. Also, phone calls can disturb passengers resting during the flight. Who would like their sleep to be interrupted by other people’s conversations?

Modern airline policy

Switching phones to airplane mode is already common practice, but recently, an increasing number of airlines are installing special equipment to safely organize cellular communication during the flight.

In 2007, Airbus became the first company to receive approval for onboard mobile communication — the OnAir system does not interfere with aircraft navigation and communication during calls or message sending. Since then, an increasing number of airlines have sought to install OnAir or its analogue — AeroMobile.

Currently, smartphones can be used on board some aircraft of Air France, Air New Zealand, British Airways, AirAsia, Singapore Airlines, Delta, Emirates, Oman Air, Virgin Atlantic, Lufthansa, Ryanair.

Organizing mobile communication in the air is not cheap, as the system is not part of the standard aircraft configuration. The option is paid for either by the airline itself or by a partner — a mobile operator. The cost of communication on the plane depends on the operator and usually corresponds to roaming prices. It is important to remember: mobile communication signals do not interfere with the navigation system only at an altitude of 9–12 km above the ground. At lower altitudes, during takeoff and landing, and in turbulence zones, using a mobile phone is still not allowed.

Calls and Wi-Fi during the flight

Onboard mobile communication is not very widespread. Most likely, during takeoff and landing, you will have to switch your device to airplane mode or turn it off completely. But even if you are on a flight where cellular communication is allowed, you won’t be able to use it for long: calls, messages, and internet will have to be paid for at roaming rates.

The problem of huge roaming bills is solved by onboard Wi-Fi: although access to it is provided for a separate fee, you choose a fixed-price plan and know in advance how much you are paying and for what. On some airlines — for example, Emirates — access can even be free if you are flying business class.

Why turn on airplane mode on a plane

To save passengers time from turning off gadgets, but to stop Bluetooth and data transmission with a couple of taps, mobile phone manufacturers invented airplane mode. This makes it easier to observe precautions, and the phone doesn’t need to be turned off completely: you can play games or read during the flight. Additionally, airplane mode saves battery if you have a long flight ahead and no way to charge your smartphone.

Which devices cannot be taken on board

Before flying, it’s important to check what you can take on a plane and what you cannot. Smartphones are on the list of permitted carry-on items, but even among them, there are devices that cannot be taken on board. The Samsung Galaxy Note 7, for example, ended up on airlines’ blacklists for a reason: when the Korean smartphone was first released, several cases of spontaneous combustion were reported.

Civil aviation also treats hoverboards with caution. The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) prohibits carrying lithium-ion batteries in checked baggage — the same batteries found in phones and laptops. Some airlines have banned carriage if the battery’s energy capacity exceeds 160 Watt-hours. In most cases, you will be asked to declare the device as dangerous goods and remove the battery — it can be taken in carry-on luggage separately from the device itself.

If you don’t turn off your phone

No one can predict what will happen if you don’t turn off your phone, but we don’t recommend taking the risk. It’s best not to neglect safety and turn off mobile phones and other devices as soon as you board the plane. Moreover, by ignoring the rules, you risk both your safety and your place on board: if flight attendants discover a violation, the passenger may be removed from the flight, their ticket canceled, and a fine imposed.

Summary

To summarize, can you use a phone on a plane?

• you don’t have to turn off your phone completely, but you will need to switch it to airplane mode: during takeoff and landing, this is a necessary safety measure;

• if the aircraft is equipped with a cellular communication system, you will be able to use your phone on board, make calls or send messages;

• an alternative option is in-flight Wi-Fi: for a fixed cost, you will get internet access for a limited period or for the entire flight.