Using phone in "flight mode" while in flight
 

I usually only travel a few times a year, however coming early January I have quite a trip planned and then some, plus have become addicted to "smart phones", those phones that do everything and some calls on the side.

Currently my phone of choice is my Treo, which has an option to disable phone portion for use, say in an airplane.
Now during this upcoming trip I thought it would be a good idea to maybe...throw a couple movies and or shows onto my 2gig SD card and keep myself somewhat occupied during my many flights.

BUT I'm wondering what the reaction of flight staff and or the people around me will handle this, seeing as the device I will have in hand is obviously of the cellular nature....

I stumbled upon this article: http://www.news.com/8301-13579_3-9796512-37.html
"ATA Airlines detains passenger for using iPhone in 'airplane mode' "

I was just wondering if anyone has experience using their smart phone (iphone, treo, etc) while in flight, and if you ever got any negative reactions from either someone next to you and or yelled at by a FA.

I've never had an issue. Most airlines seem prepared for this and now announce something to the effect of, "you can use electronic devices including smartphones as long as all wireless features are off."

Some airlines actually request that all electronic devices be in the off mode for takeoff and landing. Do you really need it on for those few minutes?

Both AA* and WN* require that anything "with an off switch" be turned off until the aircraft reaches 10,000'. At that point, "approved personal electronics" may be used, "including wireless telephones and laptops with a wireless card, provided they have an aircraft or game mode." (quoting from my last flight on WN)

* American Airlines and Southwest Airlines, respectively, as future food for the search monster. :D

I'm pretty sure the OP meant that they were going to use the Treo "in flight", since that's included in the title of this thread. I don't think they are attempting to use it during takeoff/landing.

I would think "flight mode" is appropriate for most airlines. I think ATA is the only exception I've heard. I have used my Blackberry in airplane mode, while in flight, on both UA and AA recently with no problems.

Interestingly, WN used to prohibit all smart phone use in flight, specifically saying "even if it's in airplane mode." Thankfully they've changed that policy as of a couple of years ago.

Please continue to follow the discussion in our Travel Technology forum. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

I have used my blackberry many times with the wireless function turned off on CO and have never had a problem. I know that "wireless devices, in airplane mode" are not specifically mentioned as part of the their inflight electronic devices policy, but I have never had a problem from any FA. Some people give me stares, but that doesn't bother me.

The only time I have had a problem was on a UAX flight from IAD-LGA earlier this year. The FA said she knew nothing about a flight mode and they were trained that it had to be completely off according to the FAA. I turned it off and told her that she should check because either her recollection of her training or the training itself was wrong because that was not an FAA policy. She told me that she would check because I was the second person to tell her that. The first was a mainline UA pilot. I think there should be a message there, apart from my flying 100K+ miles per year on AA to minimize flying on UAX to IAD that is. ;)

Not at all, just wondering if I'd get dirty looks or tased by a FA if I were using it during the time permitted electronic devices were allowed.

I contemplated posting it in "Travel Technology", however felt it would be better suited in the "TravelBuzz!" based upon posts there. I am sorry I posted in the wrong section, again. I made a post probubly a year ago, also moved, and had a bit of a flare up with a mod.

Best to check with the exact airlines you'll be flying with. TG is another which explicitly disallows use of such devices "even in flight-mode", according to their in-flight magazine.

This is not an unreasonable request if it's the airline's policy. That's based on the numbers of people who can hardly distinguish and/or determine if their device is "on" or "off", let alone in some other mode. :D

I've never had an issue with this with my Treo which I use for music in flight.

I wonder how many people disable the wireless networking and/or bluetooth on their laptop computers during a flight (I always disable mine at the gate, before boarding, in case I want to use the computer)? Same issue, isn't it?