Smartphone flight mode

[Guest 17-APG]

Hi everyone. Has anyone else suffered this? For woek I make a lot of domestic and international flights. Almost without exception when I ask attendants if I can use my cell phone for mp3 player use with the transmitter radio turned off they say no. Its such a shame because not alone could you listen to music but you could also prepare emails etc for sending when you get to destination. How do we teach the regime to accept this?? :oops:

[Guest bluemeat]

The last few airlines I've flown on (BA/BMI) both make specific reference to PDA type devices in flight mode. Have you tried referring to it as such?

[Guest 17-APG]

The last few airlines I've flown on (BA/BMI) both make specific reference to PDA type devices in flight mode. Have you tried referring to it as such?

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Yip, I did but to no avail. Some listen and say no, others simply say no.Personally I think that most staff don't understand that there is such a facility on cell phones to enable use with no cell radio switched on.

In your experiences when they made reference to PDAs what is that they could be used or not?

[Guest monkeygadge]

I reckon they just don't know what it is.

I have used my phone as a movie player on many flights over the past year, and no-one has asked me to switch it off. I didn't ask if I could use it, I just did. They probably see what's on the screen and assume that you wouldn't be such an idiot to fly on a plane, use your phone and mess up their comms!!

[Guest Disco Stu]

Why ask for permission first ?

I'm preparing for a long flight to Mexico and intend to use my iMate Jam without a SIM for media entertainment.

I've read elsewhere on the forum that some airlines are happy as long as you are in flight mode. Clearly some are taking their time to catch up.

On a similar note, I do doctors' accounts and read all the notices asking you to turn off your phones in the surgery. When you get into meetings with them you face endless delays while they answer their own phones. :roll:

[Guest 17-APG]

Why ask for permission first ?

I'm preparing for a long flight to Mexico and intend to use my iMate Jam without a SIM for media entertainment.

I've read elsewhere on the forum that some airlines are happy as long as you are in flight mode. Clearly some are taking their time to catch up.

On a similar note, I do doctors' accounts and read all the notices asking you to turn off your phones in the surgery.  When you get into meetings with them you face endless delays while they answer their own phones.  :roll:

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I never used to ask permission; I just went ahead and used it. Was merrily listening to my music to be interrupted and so embarassed to be asked to turn it off even after me explaining and showing the little icon.Now I ask and am always told I can't use it. You are right, there is a lot of catching up to do. Mind you I have heard as well that it might be the case that airlines will allow the use of cell phones on planes as early as next year. I read that BMI are looking into it. That would solve my problem but create another one !!!

[Guest Disco Stu]

It shouldn't be embarassing for you but then you're not in control of the situation.

Presumably the airlines will clamp down on this until they work out how to charge us for the privilege :evil:

[Guest SinisterJunkie]

It really comes down to the flight attendents not being used to the technology. I almost always get strange looks and asked to turn my phone off on most domestic flights I take, which are usually Coach class. While I have never had a problem on international flights, which I usually fly Business or First class. The flight attendents in Business or First are more used to the newer devices and are usually pretty understanding. Doesn't hurt that you (work not me ;) ) payed 2K - 5K USD for your ticket. I have been asked if my device was in flight mode, but once confirmed all was fine. I think this will get better with time, but definitely not fast enough.

[Guest monkeygadge]

Maybe you should email the airline with a complaint to point out the error of their ways.....

[Guest Tish_D]

Hi !

Well, I'm a Pilot for a Major UK Airline, and I've always been an Avid User of Smartphones !! My SPV C550 and M5000 Are always in Flight Mode during my Flights and They accompany Me in the Cockpit ( Until That is, I figure out a way to Wire my Portable DVD player onto one of our system Displays :) ) ! I've never had an issues with interference on our instruments so far whilst in Flight mode, and it's also a good source of music thru it's small but powerful speakers on our Turnarounds !

For Laughs I sometimes do searches for other Bluetooth Devices in Fight, and it's Unreal the amount of people who keep their phones Switched on ! 99% Nokia Users !

Anyway, More to the point, I've spoken to some of our Cabin Crew, and as some of the Replies earlier suggest, almost all of them are unaware of this "thing" called "Flight Mode" ! So I suggest that you refer to your Device as a PDA rather than a Mobile Phone if asking permission to Keep it Switched on. The Word "Mobile Phone" automatically gets Crew into Defensive Mode so no matter what you may say, the damage Has been done because the Dreaded word was spoken and you WILL Have to switch it off so there's no point arguing!

Some Airlines have taken allowing PDA's to be left Switched on into consideration now, due to the vast number of business travellers they carry, and may eventually be allowed at some point next year 2006. Rumors are that it will be around Spring. But there are some Cabin Crew who have a slightly more indepth knowledge about this technology and will allow you to use it at their Discretion. It's usually the Male Cabin Crew who are more aware of this. ( No Disrespect meant to the Female Crew in any way ) So If ur gonna ask anyone, Make sure it's one of the Lads ! And not the Type of lads who cant catch or throw !

As a final Word, Just make sure it's switched off during Take off and Landing as cabin Crew will NOT allow ANY electronic devices to be left switched on during these phases coz these are the most critical stages of Flight, Specially in Bad weather ( Fog, heavy Rain, Snow etc ) cos we could do with reliable instumentation at times like that To get you all Home safe !

Anyways Here's a Pic I took from my office on the 3000th floor with my C550 ! Enjoy !

[Guest ScottS]

I think the problem with Smartphones is that they look just like normal mobile phones. If, for example you had an SPV M500, M2000 or M5000 (or equivalent on other network) then you would be less likely to be told to switch it off as Cabin Crew would think it's a PDA and not a phone.

Not trying to be stereotypical here but most of the young female cabin crew members are the people who are likely to have flip/slide Samsungs, Nokias etc. Some of them might have a smartphone or know someone who has one, but it's unlikely as at the moment Windows Smartphone users are only a small minority of the world mobile phone market.

It will be interesting to see what happens when I fly London Gatwick - Barcelona next year on EasyJet. I'm going to take my phone's manual with me and if a Cabin Crew member asks I'll just show them the page which says about Flight Mode.

Scott

Edited December 4, 2005 by ScottS

[Guest 17-APG]

Hi !

Well, I'm a Pilot for a Major UK Airline, and I've always been an Avid User of Smartphones !! My SPV C550 and M5000 Are always in Flight Mode during my Flights and They accompany Me in the Cockpit ( Until That is, I figure out a way to Wire my Portable DVD player onto one of our system Displays  :) ) ! I've never had an issues with interference on our instruments so far whilst in Flight mode, and it's also a good source of music thru it's small but powerful speakers on our Turnarounds !

For Laughs I sometimes do searches for other Bluetooth Devices in Fight, and it's Unreal the amount of people who keep their phones Switched on ! 99% Nokia Users !

Anyway, More to the point, I've spoken to some of our Cabin Crew, and as some of the Replies earlier suggest, almost all of them are unaware of this "thing" called "Flight Mode" ! So I suggest that you refer to your Device as a PDA rather than a Mobile Phone if asking permission to Keep it Switched on. The Word "Mobile Phone" automatically gets Crew into Defensive Mode so no matter what you may say, the damage Has been done because the Dreaded word was spoken and you WILL Have to switch it off so there's no point arguing!

Some Airlines have taken allowing PDA's to be left Switched on into consideration now, due to the vast number of business travellers they carry, and may eventually be allowed at some point next year 2006. Rumors are that it will be around Spring. But there are some Cabin Crew who have a slightly more indepth knowledge about this technology and will allow you to use it at their Discretion. It's usually the Male Cabin Crew who are more aware of this. ( No Disrespect meant to the Female Crew in any way ) So If ur gonna ask anyone, Make sure it's one of the Lads ! And not the Type of lads who cant catch or throw !

As a final Word, Just make sure it's switched off during Take off and Landing as cabin Crew will NOT allow ANY electronic devices to be left switched on during these phases coz these are the most critical stages of Flight, Specially in Bad weather ( Fog, heavy Rain, Snow etc ) cos we could do with reliable instumentation at times like that To get you all Home safe !

Anyways Here's a Pic I took from my office on the 3000th floor with my C550 ! Enjoy !

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Thanks for your detailed reply; it all makes sense. I have heard that some airlines may allow passengers to use their phones in flight for voice calls. That could cause in air moblie rage, what with people shouting down their phones when someone is trying to rest on a long haul journey!!!

But thx for the guidance, I will refer to it as a PDA from now on and I guess the sooner that all cabin crew get to understand what "flight mode " is all about the better.

By the way you pic is cool. I always wanted to get to the cockpit for a view but never did. Now I guess I never will after 911.

[Guest Tish_D]

Thanks for your detailed reply; it all makes sense. I have heard that some airlines may allow passengers to use their phones in flight for voice calls. That could cause in air moblie rage, what with people shouting down their phones when someone is trying to rest on a long haul journey!!!

But thx for the guidance, I will refer to it as a PDA from now on and I guess the sooner that all cabin crew get to understand what "flight mode " is all about the better.

By the way you pic is cool. I always wanted to get to the cockpit for a view but never did. Now I guess I never will after 911.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Not a Problem at all ! I'm single Handedly Trying to Get the cabin Crew Upto Speed on Flight Mode and I make it a Point to Mention it to Every Crew I fly with so they are all aware that it's safe to Use.

So If you Fly out of Belfast City, ( Which I'm guessing you do Being from Belfast )U might Be in Luck as it may be with one of the Crew I've Spoken to coz I'm Based in Belfast! And No Cookies for you for Guessing which Company I fly For !!! As we know there's just a Handful operating out of Belfast City !

As For Getting In the Cockpit, a Jump Seat ride is Extremely unlikely unless you know someone on the Flight Deck, all thanks to 911 as you mentioned earlier which is a real shame ! But The Rule is Very Strict in the UK and USA for Obvious Reasons. But once you are out of European or US airspace, you have a Better chance of getting a Look at the Flight Deck as they are a Bit more relaxed about it. Again, Knowing someone on the Flight Deck does make all the Difference ! But We are usually Quite happy to Show people the FLight Deck after Landing. So It doesn't Hurt to ask!

Good Luck and Hopfully see U on Board "BE" soon !

[Guest 17-APG]

Not a Problem at all ! I'm single Handedly Trying to Get the cabin Crew Upto Speed on Flight Mode and I make it a Point to Mention it to Every Crew I fly with so they are all aware that it's safe to Use.

So If you Fly out of Belfast City, ( Which I'm guessing you do Being from Belfast )U might Be in Luck as it may be with one of the Crew I've Spoken to coz I'm Based in Belfast! And No Cookies for you for Guessing which Company I fly For !!! As we know there's just a Handful operating out of Belfast City !

As For Getting In the Cockpit, a Jump Seat ride is Extremely unlikely unless you know someone on the Flight Deck, all thanks to 911 as you mentioned earlier which is a real shame ! But The Rule is Very Strict in the UK and USA for Obvious Reasons. But once you are out of European or US airspace, you have a Better chance of getting a Look at the Flight Deck as they are a Bit more relaxed about it. Again, Knowing someone on the Flight Deck does make all the Difference ! But We are usually Quite happy to Show people the FLight Deck after Landing. So It doesn't Hurt to ask!

Good Luck and Hopfully see U on Board "BE" soon !

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

Greta stuff. I do hop aboard from time to time and all very effecient I must say. I like to turbo props. It fascinates me the way in which the blades work for movement and lift. OOOOps . sorry, this is a cell phone forum!!

Anyway thanks again and have a great Christmas.

Arthur