Airplane Mode. It’s Not Just for the Sky Anymore.

When was the last time you used Airplane Mode?

I hadn’t given a lot of thought to Airplane Mode on my phone. When I stopped racking up the frequent flyer miles for my job back in 2001, smart phones weren’t common and the iPhone hadn’t even been invented yet. I did enough flying in the 90’s to last me a while and don’t hit the skies very frequently these days.

However, I’ve been making generous use of the phone setting, Airplane Mode, recently and I have to say that it’s been a wonderful thing! Here are some reasons you might want to think about using it more often:

1. Electromagnetic Radiation (EMR)

Yep, I’m getting the “crazy talk” reason out of the way first. There are many other reasons to use Airplane Mode, but this is the one that started my thinking about it in the first place.

Lately I’ve been hearing quite a bit on the topic. Generally people don’t even consider the possibility that all of these electronic signals could possibly be harmful. The industry, of course, claims that all of the cell phone, WiFi, and Bluetooth signals, along with all of the other electronics that we surround ourselves with everyday, don’t affect our bodies at all. They claim that it’s crazy to even consider it.

But there are some who disagree. And there is a growing body of pretty intelligent people out there who think there is good reason to be cautious. I’m starting to think that, while I’m not ready to go throw my iPhone in the pond just yet – I sure do love gadgets – perhaps I don’t want to be a guinea pig either and should consider taking some simple mitigating steps. Some of these have been turning off our router at night, keeping devices out of the bedrooms at night, and making regular use of Airplane Mode, especially when my phone is in my pocket.

But wait…there’s more!

2. Ding-free Dinner (or Lunch, or Conversation, or Creative Work Time, or Christmas, or…)

When I use Airplane Mode, my phone isn’t interrupting my thoughts constantly with the lure of the ding. I can complete a thought or finish a task without being tempted to check messages and get sidetracked. I can have a conversation without being distracted.

My friends and family don’t expect me to respond within seconds. So I can control the inflow of messages for an amount of time, then check them and respond in more of a “batch” method. As an added benefit, I’m less likely to forget to respond to a text when it gets buried since I’m now checking them when I actually have a few minutes to respond.

3. When Your Kids Have Your Phone

Ever give your phone to your kid so they can play a game or look something up, then have a bunch of texts or notifications pop up? It’s so easy to turn on Airplane Mode, you can flip the switch before you hand over your device.

4. Saving an “Oops”!

We’ve all sent a text or email, then suddenly realize that it contained an error or that it went to the wrong person. If you turn it on in time, Airplane Mode will prevent that message from sending. Save!

5. Extending Battery Life

Turning on Airplane Mode, especially in no-signal zones, can extend your battery’s charge. Your phone also charges faster in Airplane Mode.

So, you may not be on board with the dangers of EMR. But how about a little ding-free time at Christmas? I think everyone can agree that it might be good to unplug a bit during the holidays. Give it a try. You just may like it!