This one’s going to have terrible photos, people. Also, it’s random. What? You got a video yesterday..
If you’ve ever had the privilege to take a plane ride, but the simultaneous misfortune of being seated separately –or maybe coincidentally bumped into your friend you haven’t seen in for_ever on a plane– AND you have bluetooth on your smartphone, here’s a solution to messaging each other after they close the doors and you are required to turn to airplane mode:
Use Airdrop!
Ingredients:
Friend(s) within 30 feet on a plane*
2 iPhones**
Steps: (steps 2-4 cribbed from Apple’s website)
- After you switch to Airplane mode, turn your bluetooth on in Control Center (this one
). - Swipe up from the bottom of your screen to open Control Center.
- Tap AirDrop.
- Choose one of these options:
- Off: Turns off AirDrop.
- Contacts Only: Only your contacts can see your device. <—THIS ONE.
- Everyone: All nearby iOS devices using AirDrop can see your device.
- Create a new note using Notes: draw, paste photos, write text (see Apple for further detail on Notes usage).
- Send the note to your friend via Airdrop (see this icon
). - Your friend clicks ‘Accept’, unless the find the message offensive.
- Your friend takes the note, adds more content, and sends it back via Airdrop.
Novelty Rating: 4 of 5
Likelihood of Repeat: 100% this was my recent method of messaging with K_____ on our 9+ hr overseas flight recently, and the shenanigans shall continue.
Lesson(s) Learned:
*According to random internet sources, 30 feet(about 9 m.) is the approximate range for bluetooth to work.
** Sorry friends, I’ve only tried this with iPhones.
If you have a non-iPhone and have recommendations for what relatively straightforward app works with bluetooth to share across devices (same devices, or across platforms), please share in the comments below!
