Airplane Mode and In-Flight Wi-Fi

Parent Cafe
1

<p>So I am feeling pretty dumb… but the last couple of times I have flown SouthWest, they have offered me free in-flight movies on my laptop or other device using their Wi-Fi service. But they say to put the device in airplane mode when on the plane… I am confused, how can I pick up a Wi-Fi signal in airplane mode (I think of that as an offline mode that won’t allow me to link up to networks). For example, airplane mode on my iTouch means no network access. I am not even sure how to turn the mode on and off in Windows 7 (running on my laptop). Maybe they just mean that devices need to be in that mode during takeoff and landing now, and we can get out of it when we are higher up? Can anyone enlighten me?</p>

2

<p>Yes, you need to be out of airplane mode to pick up the wifi. Put it on for takeoff and landing. </p>

3

<p>Okay… I think that means on my computer hitting the little key with the picture that looks like a little broadcast tower. Is it also a choice to shut down completely during takeoff and landing, and leave the mode alone? If I don’t boot until we are given the okay to get out larger devices, and shut down completely when told to before landing, then it seems like that would also work.</p>

4

<p>As long as you disable wireless communications. Some computers have a physical switch for wireless. Tablets have their slider. In Windows you can disable the wireless adapter. You can also put PCs into hibernate.</p>

5

<p>Yes, your computer has to be completely powered down until the plane reaches 10,000 feet. After that, feel free to turn it on and use wifi. Again, 20 min or so before landing the flight attendants will ask you to turn your laptop off. </p>

<p>On tablets and smartphones, wifi will work even when they are put into airplane mode. </p>

6

<p><a href=“Gadgets, airplanes, and you: What's up with the FAA rules - CNET”>http://news.cnet.com/8301-11386_3-57605600-76/gadgets-airplanes-and-you-whats-up-with-the-faa-rules/&lt;/a&gt;&lt;/p&gt;

7

<p>On my phone, putting it in airplane mode turns off both the wifi and phone function. But I can then turn
only the wifi back on; the phone function remains off, and the phone still claims to be in airplane mode.</p>

8

<p>Interesting, I have never noticed that before, as my iphone is generally set to data.
Bunsen is right. Turn wifi on & turn to airplane mode, wifi stays on, but the data switches off.</p>

9

<p>Airplane mode generally means that cell-phone capability is turned off. This is relevant to cell phones and tablets, but generally not to laptops. So there is no “airplane mode” for laptops.</p>