What is a flight mode?

If you’ve ever travelled by plane, you’ve probably been told you can only use your phone or other devices if they’re on flight mode. And if you haven’t yet and are preparing for your first travels, you’re probably asking yourself “What even is a flight mode?”, “How does it work?”, and “What can and can’t you use while in flight mode?“. Well, whether you’re a seasoned traveller or a newbie, you’re probably looking for answers – and we’re here to provide them!

What does flight mode do?

Flight mode, often also referred to as airplane mode, is a setting that disables your device’s wireless and cellular signals – this means it turns off its connection to any cellular or Wi-Fi networks. Simply put, when flight mode is activated, you are no longer connected to the internet and cannot make or receive any calls or texts. 

Turning on airplane mode might also automatically switch off your Wi-Fi and Bluetooth settings. This does not mean that you cannot use them throughout your flight – they can be switched back on manually while still in flight mode if necessary. This allows you to keep the connection to your other devices or accessories like smart watches or headphones, or even to surf the internet if your flight offers Wi-Fi service. However, if you don’t have any accessories and don’t need the internet to keep yourself busy, we recommend keeping them off – it’s also a great way to save your battery!

Why do you have to put your phone on airplane mode?

The airplane crew asking you to switch on flight mode on your phone makes it sound as if not doing it is a crime and could cause terrible things to happen. But would it actually? Not really. (But you didn’t hear that from us)

The purpose of airplane mode is to limit the interference to the airplane’s communication and navigation systems. If not switched to flight mode, your phone can produce signal that can inhibit the communication between the flight crew (including pilots) and the air traffic control facilities. At times, especially with more challenging weather conditions, this can be crucial to ensure the most comfortable flight. So, strictly speaking, if you forget to put your phone on flight mode once, nothing bad will happen. But don’t make it a habit – it is in the interest of your safety for the airplane communication and navigation systems to be undisturbed.   

So what can I do with flight mode on?

When in flight mode, you can’t in fact call or text, but you can use all features of your phone or device that don’t require internet connection. This means you can read an e-book, play some games, go through your photos or watch something you downloaded in advance. Some functions of your phone, however, won’t work while flying with airplane mode on, so it’s good to know beforehand what works and what doesn’t.

What happens when someone calls you on airplane mode?

The call simply won’t go through. Depending on your carrier settings, the person calling might be redirected to voicemail or get a message that your phone is “switched off”. You will only get notified about the call once you turn flight mode off. 

Does Bluetooth work on airplane mode?

As mentioned, when you turn airplane mode on, it will most likely automatically switch off your Bluetooth. You can, however, switch it back on manually and use it while still remaining in flight mode.

IMPORTANT: Some airlines (very few) might ask you to turn off Bluetooth for takeoff and landing, so make sure to follow the crew’s instructions.

Does alarm work on airplane mode?

Yes! As long as you don’t have any focus mode on, your alarms work normally while in flight mode. 

Does airplane mode turn off location and does Find my iPhone work on airplane mode?

Airplane mode does not turn off your location per se – it doesn’t turn off GPS, which is based on connections to satellites. However, your phone’s wireless connection is switched off, therefore your phone is unable to send your location. This means that services such as Find My Iphone won’t work on airplane mode, as the location cannot be shared. 

Does Spotify work on airplane mode?

Yes, it does! However, you have to remember to download the music or podcast you want to listen to prior to departure, as in flight mode you only have access to the downloaded content. 

Does airplane mode save battery?

It can! Because airplane mode cuts off your phone’s (or other device’s) wireless connection, it limits the background processes which can take a lot of power. In aiplane mode your phone doesn’t have to search for or maintain signal and connections, which helps preserve battery life.

How do I turn flight mode on and off?

Enabling and disabling flight mode on phones and other devices is very simple and can always be done in settings, sometimes through a shortcut.

Airplane mode on IPhone, IPad and Mac

To turn on airplane mode on Iphone or Ipad, simply go to the settings and enable the toggle next to Airplane Mode – and disable it to turn the airplane mode off. It is one of the first positions in the settings. Alternatively, to make things even easier, the Control Center which you can access by swiping from the top right corner of your screen, allows you to quickly turn the airplane mode on and off by tapping the airplane icon. Once you’ve switched it on, a small airplane icon will be visible at the very top of your screen – so if you ever wonder if you’ve turned it on properly, look out for that!

The case with Apple laptops is however different. There is no dedicated airplane mode on Mac computers – what you can do to minimise the chance of causing interference is manually turning off your Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and AirDrop. 

Airplane mode on Android and Windows devices

Similarly to Apple devices, airplane mode on Android devices can be accessed in the settings. On Samsung, for example, you can turn it on and off by going into Settings > Connections > Flight Mode (or Airplane Mode). Alternatively, you can also switch it on and off by tapping the plane icon in the Quick Panel which you can access by swiping down from the top of your screen. 

To enable and disable flight mode on Windows laptops, go to Settings > Network & Internet > Airplane mode. You can also access it quickly through the Action Center, which you can open by pressing “Windows key + A”. 

When can I turn on / off flight mode?

You should switch on airplane mode as soon as the flight crew indicates it, and keep it on for the entire duration of taxi, take-off, flight and landing. The crew will typically also inform you when it is allowed to switch it off again. 

Now that you’ve read this, there’s nothing about flight mode you don’t know. Knowing what airplane mode allows and disallows, you can say goodbye to being surprised, because suddenly something you planned to do in the plane doesn’t work.

Flight compensation for delayed and cancelled flights

Did you know that if your flight was delayed by at least 3 hours or cancelled within the last 14 days prior to the planned departure, you can claim up to £520 in compensation per passenger? If this happens to you and the disruption is caused by the airline itself and not extraordinary circumstances, like bad weather conditions, you might be entitled to compensation.

Check if you are eligible and - if yes - claim it online using our Claim Calculator!

Did you like the content of this blog? Check out our other content:

• Should I AirTag my luggage?
• Death in the air: What happens if someone dies on the plane?
• Strange objects on the plane: how to fly with skis and snowboards
• How to maximise your vacation days in 2025
• What to do if my flight is delayed?