Flight Mode

Many wireless computers, especially mobile phones and PDAs, allow basic operation of the device even while the device is turned off. This feature is extremely useful in airplanes. Flight mode is also known as airplane mode, offline mode, or standalone mode.

Wireless radio devices can interfere with a plane’s radio and navigation systems, so airlines prohibit use of wireless radio devices during flights. Airplane mode allows the use of non-wireless features of the phone, including the calendar, games, and music. Since it is extremely difficult to test the mode the phone is running in, airlines generally prohibit phone usage to be on the safe side.