When you’re getting ready to take off, you’ll often hear the pilot ask all passengers to switch their devices to airplane mode. This applies to phones, tablets, electronic readers, and more because it could potentially cause issues with the cellular networks that the pilots use to communicate with the air towers.
Once you’re safely in the air, you can once again use your devices, but only if you’re connected to Wi-Fi. Listen to the in-flight announcements to see when the service has resumed. You are allowed to text using Wi-Fi, and many airplanes include this as a complimentary service. This will help you communicate with your loved ones, especially if your plane is facing a delay.
Here’s all you need to know about texting on a plane.
Key Takeaways
- When on a plane, it’s important to switch your device to airplane mode during takeoff and landing to prevent any potential interference with the airplane’s communication and navigation systems.
- Wi-Fi is typically available on most planes and texting using Wi-Fi is usually complimentary, but fees may apply for other internet usage. However, it’s important to check with your airline to confirm their policies and fees.
- You can charge your phone while on a plane, but it’s important to check if your seat has charging ports available, and to be mindful of conserving battery life. Additionally, many airports have charging stations available once you land.
- Whether or not you can make phone calls using Wi-Fi while on a plane depends on the airline and their policies, but it’s not very popular among passengers.
- Joining the in-flight Wi-Fi network allows you to text using messaging apps such as WhatsApp, Facebook Messenger, or iMessage (for iPhone users). However, it’s important to keep in mind that your phone may use up battery life while texting, so it’s important to be conservative with its usage if you’re worried it will die.
Texting Using Wi-Fi
While you can enable Wi-Fi at any point during your flight, it really won’t be available until the airline staff activates the service. That’s typically when the aircraft is above 10,000 feet, and once they do, you’ll be free to text over Wi-Fi, though some fees may apply. Check with your airline to see what features are available and if the service is complimentary.
Just because you can text for free over Wi-Fi does not mean that it comes with free Wi-Fi access, so you may still need to purchase a pass to stream movies, access social media, browse the internet, and more. This varies by airline and even aircraft based on capabilities.
In order to text, you have to join the in-flight Wi-Fi network. Your service will not work while in the air, so it’s important that you keep it off to prevent interference. Some airlines are testing technology that allows these features to be available for the duration of your flight, so it may be subject to change.
Can I Call Using Wi-Fi?
It depends on the airline. Many domestic flights within the United States prohibit talking on the phone while in the air, while many international carriers allow their passengers to make and take voice calls over Wi-Fi. This feature is allowed in addition to texting and browsing the internet; however, it is not very popular with passengers.
Can I Charge My Phone While Flying?
If you have a long-haul flight and are worried about your phone dying, you can charge it while in flight, granted that your seat has charging ports available. Some of the older planes do not have these features available, so you may need to keep your phone switched off to preserve battery life unless you have a portable charger.
Because your phone is not searching for service, it should not drain your battery; however, you will use up some of its life when you’re texting, so it’s important to be conservative with your phone use if you worry it will die.
Many airports have charging stations available once you land, so you can always power up as you wait for your luggage to arrive. You have options, but if you want to stay in communication while in flight, you are able to text.
So, Can You Text On A Plane?
It’s complicated, and there’s no universal answer, but as long as your plane has Wi-Fi service available, you should be able to text while flying! Listen to the in-flight announcements when you need to switch it to airplane mode and once again when service is available. Then, you should be able to connect to Wi-Fi and start texting.
Your message bubbles will temporarily turn green while in flight if you’re using an iPhone, so don’t panic! Your iMessage service will resume in no time.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Why must I switch my phone to airplane mode during takeoff and landing?
The pilot asks passengers to switch their devices to airplane mode to prevent potential interference with the airplane’s communication and navigation systems.
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Can I text while on a plane using Wi-Fi?
Yes, you can text while on a plane using Wi-Fi. However, fees may apply for other internet usage, and it’s important to check with your airline to confirm their policies and fees.
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Can I make phone calls while on a plane using Wi-Fi?
It depends on the airline and its policies, but it’s not very popular among passengers.
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Can I charge my phone while on a plane?
You can set up your phone on a plane if your seat has charging ports. However, it’s important to be mindful of conserving battery life and checking if your phone usage may use up battery life.
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Will my iMessage service work while in-flight?
Yes, if you’re using an iPhone, your iMessage service will work while in-flight. However, your message bubbles will temporarily turn green, and it’s important to connect to the in-flight Wi-Fi network to use it.
