What is AIRPLANE MODE®?
AIRPLANE MODE® Explained
Airplane mode is a smartphone setting that disables wireless transmitters so devices can be used safely on aircraft during flight.
AIRPLANE MODE® is one of the most widely recognised features on modern smartphones and one of the most widely used digital functions in the world:
• Airplane mode exists on virtually every smartphone, laptop and tablet
• It is used globally across the aviation industry
• It is activated an estimated 1.8 billion times every day
• It is universally recognised by travellers worldwide
• It is part of the standard safety procedure on all commercial aircraft worldwide
• Airplane mode was invented, specified and documented on 27 February 2001 by Rob Lowe during the Odin smartphone development programme, with the original written design notes preserved at The National Museum of Computing at Bletchley Park.
Originally introduced to prevent interference between mobile devices and aircraft systems, AIRPLANE MODE® temporarily disables wireless transmissions such as mobile networks, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This allows passengers to keep their devices on during flight while ensuring safe operation of onboard systems.
Today, the feature is built into virtually every smartphone, laptop and tablet.
Airplane mode is one of the most widely used features on modern smartphones and is activated billions of times every day.
A Simple Behaviour Everyone Understands
Over time, AIRPLANE MODE® has become more than a technical setting.
Passengers around the world instinctively understand the moment when devices switch into AIRPLANE MODE®. It signals the beginning of a journey — a transition from everyday connectivity into a quieter, more focused environment.
This shared understanding has made AIRPLANE MODE® one of the most familiar interactions between travellers and modern technology.
Airplane mode disabling wireless transmitters on a smartphone during flight:
Used Far Beyond Aviation
Although AIRPLANE MODE® was created for flight, people now use it for many other everyday situations.
Common uses include:
• saving battery power
• avoiding interruptions in meetings or cinemas
• focusing on work or study
• allowing children to play on phones safely
• preventing accidental calls or roaming charges while travelling
• taking a break from notifications and digital noise
For many people, switching on AIRPLANE MODE® has become a simple way to create a moment of calm.
Airplane Mode in Aviation
Because AIRPLANE MODE® is already built into smartphones and widely recognised by passengers, it provides airlines with a clear and familiar reference point when communicating about device usage during flight.
The concept also presents opportunities to enhance how passengers understand key moments of the journey — from boarding through to landing — using a simple behaviour that travellers already recognise.
AIRPLANE MODE® therefore represents not only a device setting, but a shared language between passengers and aviation.
A Global Everyday Action
Every day, AIRPLANE MODE® is activated billions of times around the world.
Whether preparing for take-off, focusing on work, or simply taking a break from digital distractions, the concept has become a universal symbol of calm, clarity and control over connectivity.
AIRPLANE MODE® is a registered trademark of Airplane Mode IP Ltd, London.