@chellemonkey Putting your phone in airplane mode turns off all wireless communication. But you can still turn back on Bluetooth and wifi. Airplane mode will keep your cell signal turned off.
@walarney On US planes they still do ask that you turn off your phone or put it in airplane mode for the take off and landing. Many other countries have come to the conclusion that it’s BS that your phone will interfere with the cockpit workings and therefore don’t even bother requesting that.
@Thumperchick good point. Though I must admit, I rarely pay much attention any more. OTOH Delta tried to lighten the mood some with the safety brief they did on the in-flight entertainment system for a while. It was actually pretty funny in places…
@Pantheist Early on, I believe, a big part of the concern was interference with ground networks.
It kind of makes sense, especially in the early days of cellular. When they were just starting to build out their networks, they probably weren’t expecting users to suddenly have line-of-sight to twenty different cell towers at once, and then tower-hop at 500 MPH.
Yes, you can totally use Bluetooth on airplanes now. I fly 25,000 or more miles a year (45,000 last year, which wasn’t much fun) and the only thing that’s required is airplane mode, but you can turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. No more turning cellphones off during takeoff or landing in most countries including the USA. The only thing you have to put away is large electronics like laptops, since they can become projectiles in a rough landing. The Lufthansa A380s even use cellphone signals to deliver internet so on those you don’t even use airplane mode except for takeoff and landing.
I’ve filmed my takeoffs and landings from my seat on Delta, and the cabin crew had no issues. You will still have to stow laptops and other larger devices during takeoff and landing, due to the hazard of them getting loose and bouncing around the cabin.
@PooltoyWolf as long as you aren’t pinging a cell tower you’re golden. You could do the same with a regular point-n-shoot, so no problem as long as it’s in ‘airplane’ mode…
@chienfou My phone stays in Airplane Mode for the duration of the flight anyway, to save my battery from being drained by the phone constantly searching for signals.
If you noticed, one of the recent updates on the iPhone will actually allow you to leave Bluetooth on when you enable airplane mode. If you enable airplane mode and Bluetooth turns off, simply enable it. This setting is remembered and the next time you turn on airplane mode, it will leave the Bluetooth on. You’ll also note that your Apple Watch no longer goes into airplane mode when you set your phone to airplane mode. Happy flying!
Bluetooth is in just about every smartphone, tablet, laptop, etc. It’s allowed on planes.
@Thumperchick but don’t they tell you to put your device in airplane mode?
I think they still do for takeoff and landing. (I’m usually asleep for those parts.). The rest of the time it’s ok.
@chellemonkey Putting your phone in airplane mode turns off all wireless communication. But you can still turn back on Bluetooth and wifi. Airplane mode will keep your cell signal turned off.
@walarney On US planes they still do ask that you turn off your phone or put it in airplane mode for the take off and landing. Many other countries have come to the conclusion that it’s BS that your phone will interfere with the cockpit workings and therefore don’t even bother requesting that.
@chienfou I think at this point, they ask so there’s a better chance that you pay attention during the safety brief.
@Thumperchick good point. Though I must admit, I rarely pay much attention any more. OTOH Delta tried to lighten the mood some with the safety brief they did on the in-flight entertainment system for a while. It was actually pretty funny in places…
@chienfou I’ve always figured if cell phone communications could actually cause problems they wouldn’t allow them out at all on the plane.
@Pantheist Early on, I believe, a big part of the concern was interference with ground networks.
It kind of makes sense, especially in the early days of cellular. When they were just starting to build out their networks, they probably weren’t expecting users to suddenly have line-of-sight to twenty different cell towers at once, and then tower-hop at 500 MPH.
Yes, you can totally use Bluetooth on airplanes now. I fly 25,000 or more miles a year (45,000 last year, which wasn’t much fun) and the only thing that’s required is airplane mode, but you can turn on Bluetooth and Wi-Fi. No more turning cellphones off during takeoff or landing in most countries including the USA. The only thing you have to put away is large electronics like laptops, since they can become projectiles in a rough landing. The Lufthansa A380s even use cellphone signals to deliver internet so on those you don’t even use airplane mode except for takeoff and landing.
I’ve filmed my takeoffs and landings from my seat on Delta, and the cabin crew had no issues. You will still have to stow laptops and other larger devices during takeoff and landing, due to the hazard of them getting loose and bouncing around the cabin.
@PooltoyWolf as long as you aren’t pinging a cell tower you’re golden. You could do the same with a regular point-n-shoot, so no problem as long as it’s in ‘airplane’ mode…
@chienfou My phone stays in Airplane Mode for the duration of the flight anyway, to save my battery from being drained by the phone constantly searching for signals.
@PooltoyWolf since I get wifi from tmobil on Delta I will sometimes leave my wifi on during a flight… if I’m not sleeping!
Arrrr! Ay, he be!
But that Blackbeard - he’ll walk the plank afore I’ll allow the likes o’ him on a plane!
/giphy pirate
Found this. Bluetooth good to go
If you noticed, one of the recent updates on the iPhone will actually allow you to leave Bluetooth on when you enable airplane mode. If you enable airplane mode and Bluetooth turns off, simply enable it. This setting is remembered and the next time you turn on airplane mode, it will leave the Bluetooth on. You’ll also note that your Apple Watch no longer goes into airplane mode when you set your phone to airplane mode. Happy flying!