What is Airplane Mode in Android Phones?

It is illegal to use cell phones while in a flight because the signals can cause interference. However, there is a way Android phone users can go around this so that they continue to listen to music and check appointments on their phones even when they are inside a flight. In the next section, we will discuss the airplane mode which is the way to go while inside a flight so that you do not cause interference.

First, why is phone use banned on aircraft?

• Phones emit radio signals that can interfere with communications and guidance systems that can pose danger.
• Secondly, a phone up there can confuse network on the ground due to the fast speed at which aircrafts travel and the high altitude as well which make it hard for networks to cope with them.

Way forward?

Yes, there is a way of going round the ban. Airplane mode is the way out. This is the mode which cuts all communications and radio signals propagated by your Android phone as the law demands that you switch off all electronic devices during takeoff and landing of a plane. This mode is found in the menu of your phone and you activate it so that you see an icon on your screen. Sometimes, a password is required to activate or disable this mode.

The law is very strict about cell phone use in aircraft. In fact, after the September 11^th 2001 terrorist attacks in the US, a penalty of up to 10,000 USD was placed on those who refuse to switch off their phones after being asked to do so in an aircraft. Worse still, you may be asked to get out of a plane when you refuse to switch off and sometimes you may not get a refund of your ticket and would miss crucial appointments.

Please note that some aircraft attendants may not understand how the airplane mode works if they are behind the technology update, and so they may insist that you switch off completely, you must comply. However, some may understand if you explain to them that you are on airplane mode, so try to explain first as you may be fortunate to land on a reasonable one.