You hear it on almost every flight: please switch your phone to airplane mode. Most passengers comply without thinking, but few know what their phone is doing thousands of feet above the ground. Air Arabia recently answered that question with a video advisory featuring one of its pilots.
Why Airplane Mode Still Matters & What Your Phone Does Mid-Flight
Ever wondered why we ask you to switch your phone to airplane mode? ✈️ Here’s the reason behind that familiar announcement. #AirArabia #WhereNext https://t.co/Sd01LiWRMm
— Air Arabia (@airarabiagroup) October 4, 2026
According to the pilot of Air Arabia, a phone that isn’t in airplane mode keeps searching for a mobile network, even when it is cruising far above the nearest tower. As reported on their social media, that means it keeps sending signals that serve no purpose in the air. One phone is a small matter, but a cabin is full of them. Airplane mode isn’t about what a single device might do.
What Airplane Mode Actually Does
Switching it on stops your phone from searching for mobile networks and helps avoid unnecessary signals during the flight. Calls, texts and mobile data pause, but the rest of the phone keeps working. Your camera, alarms, downloaded music, games and offline videos are all unaffected.
It Doesn’t Mean Putting Your Phone Away
Air Arabia’s message is relaxed: just switch it on and enjoy your flight. On most phones you can turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on while airplane mode stays active. That lets you connect to approved onboard services where available or pair wireless headphones if the airline allows it. Rules vary between carriers, so follow the crew’s instructions.
A Battery Bonus
Searching for a signal is one of the bigger drains on a phone battery. Airplane mode removes that workload, so you’re likely to land with more charge for ride-hailing apps, messages and hotel directions. Phones also tend to charge a little faster in this mode.
Quick Checklist Before You Fly
- Download films, playlists, maps and boarding passes before departure.
- Switch on airplane mode when the crew asks.
- Re-enable Wi-Fi manually if the airline offers onboard connectivity.
- Turn airplane mode off after landing.
Also Read: Air Arabia’s Düsseldorf Flights To NCM’s Red Alert For Saudi Arabia For Heavy Rains; 5 GCC Updates
The Bottom Line
Airplane mode is a small habit with a clear purpose: it stops your phone from hunting for a network it can’t reach. It costs you nothing, and you can still use your phone for most of the flight.
Cover Image Courtesy: Air Arabia/Instagram, CanvaPro/Techa Tungateja from Getty Images
FAQs
Is a phone really dangerous on a plane?
Airlines ask for airplane mode to reduce unnecessary signals and possible interference with sensitive aircraft systems. There is no need to panic if a phone stays on by mistake, but the rule exists for a reason, so follow crew instructions.
Will callers know my phone is in airplane mode?
Calls won't connect, and to the caller it generally looks as if your phone is switched off.
