If you are a frequent traveller, then you already know what is airplane mode. However, if you are a first time traveller and wondering about what does that small airplane icon do on your smartphone, then this blog is for you. That icon on your phone is called the airplane mode and it’s a crucial feature that you must be aware of before you board your first flight.
Let us discuss in detail what is the role of airplane mode on your phone, what it does and how you can benefit from it if you use it with eSIM technology.
Airplane Mode: What is it?
An aircraft relies on several critical navigation and communication systems which shouldn’t be interrupted when in flight. Mobile phones emit radio frequency signals that can interfere with the electronic equipments on an airplane. That’s not all! If mobiles are left with signals on while in flight, they may try connecting with multiple towers which will again result in interruption with the aircraft navigation. This is where airplane or flight mode comes into play.
When you turn airplane mode on in your phone, you disconnect it from its ability to send or receive signals. This means, your device can neither make or receive calls, messages and nor can it connect via Bluetooth or Wi-Fi. In short, the use of airplane mode is simple – it disconnects your phone from all cellular, Bluetooth, or Wi-Fi connections which ensures that your device doesn’t interrupts with the aircraft’s navigation.
What are the Benefits of Airplane Mode?
Now you’ve learned what is flight mode or airplane mode. You may now want to know how it can be useful in a few other scenarios outside of a flight.
1. It is surprising to know. But turning on and off airplane mode if you are having trouble receiving signal is very useful and you may quickly be establish strong network connection again.
2. Do you want to get into your “Do not Disturb” phase? Then knowing what is airplane mode and how it works is the best thing for you. Just before going to bed, you can quickly switch your phone to Airplane Mode so that it won’t wake you up repeatedly.
3. What is airplane mode is a common question, however, do you knowthat airplane mode is another great way to extend the life of your phone’s battery when necessary. As long as you don’t anticipate receiving a call or message from someone, you can utilize it and preserve your battery. You should also start to notice that your phone charges more quickly when plugged in when in Airplane Mode.
4. If you haven’t paid for international roaming, turning on Airplane Mode is a wonderful way to reduce how much data you use on your phone when traveling. This is because while traveling if your phone connects to a nearby tower, it will automatically charge you international costs. This gets worse if you don’t have roaming plans.
5. The cellular network connection on your mobile may interfere with the ground control and aircraft navigation systems. So if you are wondering what is airplane mode on a cell phone meant for, the answer is that it puts your safety first by ensuring less distractions.
How to Turn On Airplane Mode?
Activating “Airplane Mode” on your device is a straightforward process. The precise steps may vary greatly depending on the operating system of your device.
Here are the general instructions for
iOS (iPhone and iPad):
- Open the Settings menu, swipe down from the upper right corner.
- Tap the airplane icon to activate the feature.
For Android:
- Swipe down from the top of the screen to open the notification shade.
- Locate and tap the Airplane Mode icon to activate it.
For Windows
- Click on the Network icon in the taskbar.
- Look for the Airplane Mode switch & click on the icon to activate.
During the flight, what is the use of airplane mode?
You will frequently hear announcements during the entire flight advising you to turn your gadgets to Airplane Mode.
The safety of the aircraft and all occupants is a more important consideration than simply being mindful of other passengers.
Have you ever wondered how signals are sent by gadgets like phones and tablets? In other words, they release radio frequencies, often known as electromagnetic interference or EMI. The aircraft’s navigation and communication systems may be affected by these waves.
1. In order to navigate and communicate with air traffic control, pilots depend on clear signals. When you’re in the air, even a small error from these signals might cause confusion in the plane’s systems, which is a serious issue.
2. Controlling mobile phone signals is another cause. Cell phones attempt to establish connections with several cell towers on the ground when you’re traveling at high altitudes and speeds.
3. Continuous signal search can overload ground networks and cell towers, potentially leading to disruption and congestion. Therefore it becomes extremely important to know what is airplane mode & its advantages for travelers.
During a flight, what would happen if I forgot to switch on airplane mode?
1. Distractions- Your smart phone may transmit radio signals that could interfere with the aircraft’s communication systems if you fail to use Airplane Mode.
- The pilot may experience noise in their headset as a result of this interference, which could interfere with their ability to communicate with air traffic control or with other crucial signals.
- In severe situations, it may even interfere with navigational equipments, however more advanced aircraft systems are built to withstand such interference.
- While it may seem simple to understand what is airplane mode and its usage, if you forget to turn on Airplane Mode during a flight, there might be serious repercussions.
2. Quick Battery Drainage- Your phone will no longer look for and connect to networks when in Airplane Mode.
- Your gadget will use its battery more quickly if it continuously looks for signals and maintains a connection.
- This may cause the battery on your device to discharge more quickly than usual during the journey, giving you less power throughout. Why allow your phone to continuously look for an unavailable network connection?
3. Breaking the Guidelines- During takeoff and landing, everyone is required by the Aviation Administration and other global regulatory organizations.
- It is compulsory to switch your personal devices to Airplane Mode or turn them off.
- Failing to comply with this could result in fines or possibly your airline being suspended for non-compliance.
- Now you know, what is Airplane Mode? It is a regulatory measure focused on preserving the safety and comfort of all passengers.
4. Annoying Fellow Travelers – If you decide against using Airplane Mode, your eSIM is still available for calls, texts, and notifications and is connected to the cellular network.
- When everyone is trying to have a quiet and tranquil flight, these noises could be annoying in the cramped airline cabin.
Benefits of Airplane Mode with eSIM while travelling
In recent years, eSIM technology has transformed how we utilize mobile phones, especially for travel.
An eSIM, or embedded SIM cards, are integrated directly into smartphones, allowing you to switch between cellular networks without swapping physical SIM cards.
But you might wonder, “what is airplane mode?” Interestingly, when eSIM technology is used together with Airplane Mode, it enhances the travel experience by providing a level of connectivity that’s not disrupted by flight regulations.
- For frequent travelers, the convenience of a virtual eSIM card is unmatched. Unlike physical SIM cards, which can be a hassle to manage during international travels, an eSIM enables storing and switching multiple network profiles on a single chip.
- This flexibility allows you to effortlessly switch to local data plans, saving time, and money.
- While Airplane Mode removes the device’s ability to make calls, send texts, and use data, it doesn’t interfere with the eSIM’s capability to switch profiles or store multiple carrier profiles.
- Thus, you can be sure that you are ready to connect to a local network upon landing without affecting compliance with in-flight safety regulations.
The Final Words
Understanding what is aeroplane mode in mobile and it’s usage with eSIMs is important for secure and seamless travel.
Zetexa’s ZetSIM app is an ideal travel companion for individuals who wish to maintain smooth connectivity while visiting over 180 countries. Available for download on the Google Play Store and App Store, ZetSIM offers access to local plans, data packages, and global coverage.
Thus before while asking, what is airplane mode, don’t forget to know it’s adavantages with eSIM because who doesn’t want to switch easily to a local data plan upon arrival? With ZetSIM, you can have peace of mind during the flight and instant connectivity at your destination.
Download ZetSIM App from App Store
Download ZetSIM App from Google Play store
FAQs
Airplane mode is a setting on your smartphone or tablet that disables cellular data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS. Most airlines require passengers to activate it during takeoff and landing to prevent potential interference with aircraft navigation equipment.
In most cases, no. While some airlines are now offering in-flight Wi-Fi services, airplane mode typically turns off the Wi-Fi function as well. If available, you’ll need to specifically enable Wi-Fi on your device to connect to the airplane’s Wi-Fi network.
While the risk of interference is still under debate, most airlines consider using airplane mode during takeoff and landing a safety regulation. Disobeying these regulations could result in warnings or fines.
