What to expect about the mobile phone usage during a flight to China and based on the CAAC regulations

I recently booked a flight departing from the US to China from China Southern Airlines and while reading some info on their website related to the inflight entertainment I found this about the Wifi service:

In accordance with the regulations of CAAC, mobile phone must be turned off throughout the flight. Please bring laptop or tablet PC with the Wi-Fi function.

(Obtained from: http://www.csair.com/cn/czadscale/2016/20160628_0/20150627.html?subsite=AU_EN)

So, I was surprised to read something like that and I wonder how the airline crew is going to handle this. In other words, are they really strict and it means that I won’t be able to even use my mobile phone in airplane mode and just for listening music?

Just FYI, CAAC is the Civil Aviation Administration of China.

Best Answer

The regulations have finally been updated to allow airlines to make their own policies about the use of phones and electronic devices.

China Eastern and Hainan Airlines now allow electronic devices to be used on-board, with phones in airplane mode. Other airlines will set their own rules.

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Is it safe to use mobile data during flight?

Yes. The Federal Communications Commission, the Federal Aviation Administration, and most major airlines can say with confidence that no laws are prohibiting you from using your phone's data while flying.

Do cell phones work on international flights?

Despite the urgings of flight crews to turn off all phones or put them in airplane mode, cell phones can continue to work after a plane takes off, but only while in range of a cellular tower. Cell phones communicate through cell towers, which are located on the ground but can stretch hundreds of feet into the air.

Why do airlines tell you to turn off cell phones?

You need to turn off your mobile phone to prevent interference with the plane's avionics equipment.

How many mobiles are allowed in international flights?

The TSA currently states that there is no limit to how many cellphones you can bring with you on a plane. However, airlines often have rules specifying that you can bring up to 2 phones with you in your carry-on bag.

Should Cell Phones be Allowed on Airplanes?

Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.

Images: Andrea Piacquadio, Andrea Piacquadio, Amina Filkins, SHVETS production