If you travel by plane frequently and have a Windows 8/8.1 tablet or laptop, you should know that the Airplane Mode feature is now included in these operating systems. Just like smartphones, any tablet or laptop running under Windows 8.x has Airplane Mode so you can use it safely while flying.
What Airplane Mode does, is it basically makes sure none of your tablet’s or laptop’s radio chips interfere with the airplane’s navigation and communication systems, by turning them off.
Airplane Mode disables the mobile data connection, wireless network card and Bluetooth connection of your mobile device. Here are two simple ways to access the Airplane Mode feature and enable/disable it at any time.
Enable/Disable Airplane Mode from the Networks List
1. Access the Settings Charms Bar. To do that you can either open the Charms Bar (Win+C or hold the mouse cursor in the top-right corner of the screen) and click/tap on the Settings Charm or simply press Win + I.
2. At the bottom of the Settings Charms bar click/tap on the Network icon.
3. From here you can turn the Airplane Mode on and off at any time.
Enable/Disable Airplane Mode from PC Settings
1. Open up the Charms Bar (Win + C or hold your mouse or finger in the top-right corner of the screen). Click/tap on the Settings Charm.
2. Click/tap on Change PC settings.
3. Go to the Network section and click/tap on Airplane Mode. Use this feature’s switch to turn Airplane Mode on or off.
Even while in Airplane Mode you can enable/disable your wireless connection or Bluetooth as you need them (some planes provide in-flight Internet service).
Note: To find out quickly if Airplane Mode is on or off, go to Desktop mode and take a look at the Taskbar in the Notifications area. If the airplane icon is displayed, it means Airplane Mode is enabled. When it’s turned off, that icon is not shown in the Taskbar.
