airplane mode

noun

variants US airplane mode or British aeroplane mode

: an operating mode for an electronic device (such as a mobile phone) in which the device does not connect to wireless networks and cannot send or receive communications (such as calls or text messages) or access the Internet but remains usable for other functions

Today [in 2009], airlines may let passengers use newer-model cell phones in what's called "airplane" mode, which essentially disables the transmission function so they can't make calls. … FAA guidance allows cell phone calls once the plane has landed and is taxiing to the gate.

—Air Safety Week

Now, I do all I can to ensure that I have a calm and productive morning. I keep my phone in the kitchen overnight, often not turning it off airplane mode until I start work.

—Benjamin Spall

Examples of airplane mode in a Sentence

Recent Examples on the Web

Walmart has decided to put some of its delivery drones in airplane mode. —Meghan Hall, Sourcing Journal, 19 Aug. 2024

In those cases, travelers’ devices will automatically connect to the network when the vessel gets far enough away from land – as long as roaming is enabled and airplane mode is off. —Nathan Diller, USA TODAY, 15 Aug. 2024

Students will have to either turn their cellphones off or place them on airplane mode which blocks incoming calls, texts and notifications. —Alecia Taylor, Miami Herald, 24 July 2024

The most convenient timing is to load your eSIM before going into airplane mode on a flight. —Jonny Bierman, Travel + Leisure, 22 July 2024

Word History

First Known Use

2002, in the meaning defined above

Kids Definition

airplane mode

noun

: an operating mode for an electronic device (as a smartphone) in which the device does not connect to wireless networks and cannot send or receive communications (as calls) or access the Internet but is usable for other functions