Long flights can feel boring without fun games on your phone. Many travelers wonder, “Can you play games on your phone while flying?” Yes, you can play games during flights, but you need to follow some rules.
Airlines allow phone games as long as you turn on airplane mode. Get ready to discover five tips that will make your next flight more fun with mobile gaming.
Key Takeaways
You can play mobile games during flights, but phones must stay in airplane mode to prevent signal interference with aircraft systems.
European airlines began allowing 5G calls and texts in 2023, while major carriers like Emirates and Delta now offer in-flight Wi-Fi services.
Popular offline games for flights include Minecraft, Candy Crush Saga, Alto’s Adventure, and The Room series, which work without internet connection.
Airlines require phones to block cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi signals during flights, but passengers can still enjoy downloaded content like e-books and offline games.
Travelers should fully charge devices before flights and bring power banks in carry-on bags, as most airlines restrict lithium batteries to carry-on luggage for safety.
Table of Contents
Can You Use Your Phone on a Plane?
Flying with your phone has strict rules. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission bans cell phone calls during flights. Your mobile devices must stay in airplane mode from takeoff to landing.
This rule keeps aircraft systems safe from signal interference.
Safety first, gaming second – that’s the golden rule at 30,000 feet.
Airplane mode blocks cellular, Bluetooth, and Wi-Fi signals on your phone. You can still play many games, like Aviator bonus or Alto’s Adventure, without internet.
Some airlines like Emirates and Delta now offer in-flight Wi-Fi. European carriers started allowing 5G calls and texts in 2023. Flight attendants will ask you to switch off your phone if you don’t follow these rules.
I learned this the hard way on a recent JetBlue flight when my phone wasn’t in airplane mode.
What Does Airplane Mode Allow?
Now that you know the basic rules about phone use on planes, let’s explore what airplane mode actually lets you do. Airplane mode acts as your phone’s flight-friendly setting. It shuts off your cellular radio and wireless communications right away.
The good news? You can still turn Wi-Fi back on manually after activating airplane mode on most airlines. This means you can connect to the plane’s internet if they offer it.
Your phone keeps many functions active in airplane mode. Text messages won’t work, but your alarms stay on. The federal aviation administration allows passengers to enjoy downloaded content like offline music and e-books.
I learned this on my last flight while playing Alto’s Adventure – a great offline game. Your touchscreen works perfectly fine too. Think of airplane mode as your device’s way of playing nice with air traffic control systems.
It blocks cellular towers signals but keeps your phone’s basic features running smoothly at 30,000 feet.
Types of Games You Can Play While Flying
Let’s explore the exciting mobile games that keep you hooked at 35,000 feet, from match-three puzzles like Alto’s Adventure to story-rich adventures like The Walking Dead – stick around to discover your perfect in-flight gaming companion.
Puzzle Games
Puzzle games shine as perfect flying companions. Games like Bejeweled Classic pack hours of brain-teasing fun without needing Wi-Fi for cellular data. I’ve spent countless flights matching colorful gems in Classic mode, racing against time in Lightning rounds.
The simple touch controls work great even in tight airplane seats.
Nothing beats a good puzzle game at 30,000 feet – Mobile Gaming Monthly
You’ll solve intricate challenges while other passengers watch movies. The series now has four games to keep you busy on long flights. Next up, let’s look at simulation games that work well in the sky.
Simulation Games
Simulation games let you step into different roles during your flight. Game Dev Tycoon puts you in charge of a game company from the 1980s. You’ll build games, hire staff, and grow your virtual business right from your mobile phone.
The game works perfectly in airplane mode, making it a great choice for long flights.
RollerCoaster Tycoon Classic brings theme park management to your iPad screen. Build thrilling rides, set ticket prices, and watch happy guests explore your park. I spent six hours on my last flight to San Francisco creating the perfect theme park layout.
The game runs smoothly without Wi-Fi networks or cellular telephones, so aviation safety stays intact. These games help flight time zoom by while keeping you busy with fun management tasks.
Action/Adventure Games
Action games pack a punch on your flight. Grand Theft Auto series stands tall as a top choice for tablet gaming in the sky. GTA III, Vice City, and San Andreas offer stunning graphics and smooth controls on both iPad and Android tablets.
These games turn your boring flight into an exciting adventure through virtual cities.
Mobile phones bring Pokémon Quest right to your fingertips during air travel. This RPG game mixes cute Minecraft-style graphics with fun island exploration. You’ll love hunting Pokémon across Tumblecube Island while soaring above the clouds.
The game runs perfectly on airplane mode for both iPhone and Android users. Your flight will zoom by as you catch Pokémon and build your team.
Tips for Playing Games on a Plane
Flying doesn’t mean you have to stop gaming. I’ll show you some handy tricks to keep your phone ready for hours of fun above the clouds, from picking the right games to keeping your battery alive.
Use Offline Games
Offline games save your day during flights. I load my phone with games like Minecraft and Candy Crush Saga before takeoff. These games work great in airplane mode and don’t need cell phones or internet to run.
Last week, I played Tetris for three hours straight while you’re on a private jet. The US Federal Communications Commission backs offline gaming as a safe option during flights.
Your best picks include puzzle games like Sudoku, action games like Angry Birds, or brain-teasers like Monument Valley. These games boost your thinking skills and keep you busy on long flights.
Major airlines like Qantas and RyanAir allow offline mobile gaming during flights. Just grab these games from your app store before you board. Make sure they work without Wi-Fi or data connection.
Ensure Your Device is Fully Charged
A dead phone ruins gaming fun at 30,000 feet. Your device needs a full charge before takeoff. Pack a power bank in your carry-on bag for extra juice during long flights. Most airlines limit lithium batteries to carry-on bags due to fire risks.
Smart travelers switch to low-battery mode and dim their screens to save power.
Public charging stations at airports pose risks through juice jacking. Bring your own charger and find a safe outlet near your gate. Close WhatsApp and other background apps to extend battery life.
Travel insurance covers phone damage, but prevention beats claims. I learned this the hard way when my phone died mid-flight while playing Alto’s Adventure last summer.
People Also Ask
Is it safe to play games on my phone while flying?
Yes, you can play games on airplanes once they reach cruising altitude. Airlines like Air China and Jetstar allow phone use in airplane mode. Games like Alto’s Adventure or match-three puzzles won’t cause planes crashing – that’s just an old myth!
What types of games work best during flights?
Simple handheld games that don’t need internet work great as inflight entertainment. Match-3 games are perfect for flying because they work offline and won’t drain your battery too fast.
Can I play online games using airplane Wi-Fi?
You’ll need a virtual private network (VPN) to play most online games. But not all games work well with airplane internet. Skip heavy games like The Grand Theft Auto series – they need too much data to run smoothly.
Do different airlines have different rules about gaming?
Yes! Each airline sets its own flight safety rules about phone use. Some carriers like Jetstar have strict rules, while others are more relaxed. Always check your airline’s policy before pulling out your phone to play.
References
https://esim.holafly.com/how-to/what-can-you-do-on-airplane-mode/
https://www.allianztravelinsurance.com/travel/flight/airplane-mode-flying-with-phones.htm
https://www.afar.com/magazine/what-does-airplane-mode-do-and-why-do-you-need-to-use-it (2023-04-10)
https://pajaronian.com/games-to-play-while-traveling/ (2024-10-17)
https://apps.apple.com/us/story/id1246442444
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.fungames.flightpilot&hl=en_US
https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.WalkTalk.FlightMaster&hl=en_US
https://www.zupee.com/blog/games-to-play-in-airplane/
https://www.skyparksecure.com/blog/phone-tablet-games-flight
