Devices in Airplane Mode...
#1
Original Poster
Join Date: Feb 2008
Location: ORD
Programs: AAdvantage general member, UA MP general member
Posts: 114
Devices in Airplane Mode...
Has anyone had trouble being allowed to use electronic devices such as smartphones and PDAs on UA flights because you were unable to convince FAs that the device's ability to send and receive information was turned off?
In my experience, FAs seem to be quite knowledgeable as to how to check LAPTOPS to make sure the WiFi is turned off, and indeed I am only asked to show my WiFi settings about half the time I fly. So no problems there.
Although I do not yet own a handheld device that has an airplane mode (I plan to snatch up the new iPhone in a few weeks), I have heard horror stories about FAs who either do not believe that airplane mode exists, and refuse to even look at the settings, or DO believe that a passenger's device is no longer emitting radio waves through the cellular radio or WiFi, but continue to insist that it not be used on the flight.
Has anyone here had an experience like that? As some of you may have read on my last post http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=841395, I am going to DEN for a couple of days, and it will likely be my first flight with an iPhone. I would be very angry if I were told to put it away despite the fact that in airplane mode, it's basically just an iPod!
Please share any stories relevant to this issue, and any advice on what to say to FAs who might tell me to put my phone away.
In my experience, FAs seem to be quite knowledgeable as to how to check LAPTOPS to make sure the WiFi is turned off, and indeed I am only asked to show my WiFi settings about half the time I fly. So no problems there.
Although I do not yet own a handheld device that has an airplane mode (I plan to snatch up the new iPhone in a few weeks), I have heard horror stories about FAs who either do not believe that airplane mode exists, and refuse to even look at the settings, or DO believe that a passenger's device is no longer emitting radio waves through the cellular radio or WiFi, but continue to insist that it not be used on the flight.
Has anyone here had an experience like that? As some of you may have read on my last post http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=841395, I am going to DEN for a couple of days, and it will likely be my first flight with an iPhone. I would be very angry if I were told to put it away despite the fact that in airplane mode, it's basically just an iPod!
Please share any stories relevant to this issue, and any advice on what to say to FAs who might tell me to put my phone away.
#4
Join Date: Sep 2005
Programs: UA Million Miler
Posts: 1,359
Really? Wow. I use my laptop on about 50% of my segments and I have never been asked about the WiFi setting on it. Though I probably should be asked, as I never bother to disable it. I know; I'm a bad person.
#6
Join Date: Mar 2001
Location: SFO
Programs: UA Platinum
Posts: 484
Not on UA but in other airlines (in China in particular) I've encountered FAs who insist I turn off my phone (laptops are never a proble) even in airplane mode. Sometimes they go as far to explicitly mention in the announcements that even phones with a airplane mode are prohibited.
#8
Join Date: Aug 2004
Location: OSL/IAH/ZRH (time, not preference)
Programs: UA1K, LH GM, AA EXP->GM
Posts: 38,265
The GPS alone once has drawn critique but never when connected to the computer ...
I had issues aboard LH regarding the bluetooth and twice because I used a wireless mouse (I know, I know), once because of noise canceling headphones. But most of all when I tried to load a CD or DVD into my drive . They were quite tough on these matters.
#9
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2008
Location: LGA/JFK/EWR
Programs: UA 1K1.75MM, Hyatt Globalist, abandoned Marriott LTT (RIP SPG), Hertz PC
Posts: 21,172
Assuming no power outlets at your seat...better to disable the Wifi every time for the sole reason that it's a huge suck on the battery (at least on my Lenovo ThinkPad).
#10
Join Date: Oct 2001
Location: GSO/KINT
Programs: AA PlatPro, UA 1MM, Marriott Lifetime Titanium, HHonors Diamond, Avis First
Posts: 596
was on a mesa operated us airways express flight today (united codeshare) and the FA announced that we weren't able to use devices even in "airplane mode"
love fa's who make up arbitrary rules.
love fa's who make up arbitrary rules.
#12
Join Date: Sep 2004
Location: NYC
Posts: 1,082
It happend to me once where the FA made a big deal about shutting my phone off (it was off). It was a UX flight and there was not much time left in the flight so capitulated and put it in my pocket (although it was just as "off" as it had been) rather than try and explain the situation to the FA.
#13
Join Date: Apr 2005
Location: ORD | Chicago O'Hare
Programs: UA-LifetimePremierGold, PLT: Bonvoy, IHG, GLD: Enterprise, Budget
Posts: 247
Never been asked either. I always carry a laptop, 2 3G cell phones and a 3G wireless modem. Have used all during pre-board, and use them with "wi fi / radio / etc disabled" without any issues.
I recall the "early days" of 2-way alphanum pagers (~1997), including the early RIM devices. Many FAs were not aware that these devices had transmit capabilities. We used to use them all the time in-flight - no real issues
I recall the "early days" of 2-way alphanum pagers (~1997), including the early RIM devices. Many FAs were not aware that these devices had transmit capabilities. We used to use them all the time in-flight - no real issues
#14
Moderator: Midwest, Las Vegas & Dining Buzz
Join Date: Jun 2001
Location: Chicago, Illinois
Posts: 17,976
Since this is not only a UA-related topc, I am going to send this to Travel Technology so thers can chime in.
iluv2fly
Moderator, UA
iluv2fly
Moderator, UA
Last edited by Ocn Vw 1K; Jul 6, 2008 at 9:23 pm Reason: Clarify destination forum
#15
A FlyerTalk Posting Legend
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: NY Metro Area
Programs: AA 2MM Yay!, UA MM, Costco General Member
Posts: 49,053
Has anyone had trouble being allowed to use electronic devices such as smartphones and PDAs on UA flights because you were unable to convince FAs that the device's ability to send and receive information was turned off?
In my experience, FAs seem to be quite knowledgeable as to how to check LAPTOPS to make sure the WiFi is turned off, and indeed I am only asked to show my WiFi settings about half the time I fly. So no problems there.
Although I do not yet own a handheld device that has an airplane mode (I plan to snatch up the new iPhone in a few weeks), I have heard horror stories about FAs who either do not believe that airplane mode exists, and refuse to even look at the settings, or DO believe that a passenger's device is no longer emitting radio waves through the cellular radio or WiFi, but continue to insist that it not be used on the flight.
Has anyone here had an experience like that? As some of you may have read on my last post http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=841395, I am going to DEN for a couple of days, and it will likely be my first flight with an iPhone. I would be very angry if I were told to put it away despite the fact that in airplane mode, it's basically just an iPod!
Please share any stories relevant to this issue, and any advice on what to say to FAs who might tell me to put my phone away.
In my experience, FAs seem to be quite knowledgeable as to how to check LAPTOPS to make sure the WiFi is turned off, and indeed I am only asked to show my WiFi settings about half the time I fly. So no problems there.
Although I do not yet own a handheld device that has an airplane mode (I plan to snatch up the new iPhone in a few weeks), I have heard horror stories about FAs who either do not believe that airplane mode exists, and refuse to even look at the settings, or DO believe that a passenger's device is no longer emitting radio waves through the cellular radio or WiFi, but continue to insist that it not be used on the flight.
Has anyone here had an experience like that? As some of you may have read on my last post http://flyertalk.com/forum/showthread.php?t=841395, I am going to DEN for a couple of days, and it will likely be my first flight with an iPhone. I would be very angry if I were told to put it away despite the fact that in airplane mode, it's basically just an iPod!
Please share any stories relevant to this issue, and any advice on what to say to FAs who might tell me to put my phone away.
Last edited by GadgetFreak; Jul 7, 2008 at 5:22 am