Use of the mobile phones on an airplanes:

Use of electronic devices, especially mobile phones is strictly prohibited when on board an airplane. This is because mobile phone signals may cause interruptions to the aircraft’s equipment and communication systems which can endanger the passengers of the aircraft and the people on the ground. The Federal Communications Commission or FCC forbids the use of mobile phones on airplanes because it can cause disturbance to the wireless networks on airports. Most airline companies will ask their passengers to have their mobile phones turned off for the duration of the trip. Thankfully, the ‘airplane mode’ was devised by mobile phone manufacturers so that people can still utilize their mobile phones while on board a plane.

Mobile phones, especially newer models, have a setting called ‘air plane mode’. While on airplane mode, the wireless communication features of the mobile phone is temporarily deactivated. The deactivated features include sending and receiving calls, sending and receiving text and multimedia messages, using of Bluetooth device, as well as accessing the Internet from the mobile phone. By deactivating these features, the mobile phone is practically available for use on an airplane. This will allow you to use the other features of your phone like the games, music player, camera, calculator, calendar and notepad.

• Read your mobile phone’s user manual to learn more about the airplane mode setting. The best source of information to learn more about your mobile phone’s airplane mode setting is the user manual provided by the manufacturer. Instructions on how to activate and deactivate the airplane mode setting will also be specified in the user manual. Usually this option is available under the ‘Settings’ menu of your mobile phone. After the airplane mode is activated, an icon showing a little airplane will appear on the top portion of the mobile phone screen.
• Know when you can use the airplane mode of the mobile phone. Although some airline companies allow use of mobile phones while on airplane mode, many companies will still prohibit its use and will require you to turn it off while the plane is airborne. To be sure that you can use your mobile phone on airplane mode, verify with the cabin crew if the airline company allows this. Usually, you will need to turn off the phone and any other electronic devices during takeoff and landing. Once the plane is up in the air, the crew will announce that you may now use approved electronic devices. They usually have a list on the information on a card tucked into the pocket of the seat in front of you, or near the back of the airline’s magazine.

Airline companies follow strict rules and regulations, especially regarding the use of electronic devices on an aircraft. Individuals who refuse to follow these rules and regulations may be asked to leave the aircraft, or certain criminal charges.