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PhrasesOn the PlaneL'aereo sta decollando. Posso usare il telefono?
A2

L'aereo sta decollando. Posso usare il telefono?

The plane is taking off. Can I use my phone?

Pronunciation

de-col-LAN-do — the gerund of 'decollare' (to take off). de-COL-lo is the noun.

When to use it

During the take-off roll when you are unsure about electronic device rules.

What it means

'Sta decollando' uses 'stare' + gerund for ongoing action. 'Decollare' (to take off) comes from 'de-' (from) + 'collo' (neck) — the aircraft lifting its neck. During take-off and landing, all electronic devices must be in airplane mode. Full-on is not permitted.

Variations

Quando posso togliere il telefono dalla modalità aereo?

When can I take my phone off airplane mode?

Usually when the seatbelt sign goes off during cruise

Il laptop deve rimanere nel vano durante il decollo?

Does the laptop have to stay in the compartment during take-off?

Yes — all loose items must be stowed

Posso tenere gli auricolari durante il decollo?

Can I keep earphones in during take-off?

Yes, in airplane mode — you need to hear crew announcements though

Mini Dialogue

— L'aereo sta decollando. Posso usare il telefono? — Deve averlo in modalità aereo. La connessione deve essere disattivata. — Ce l'ho già in modalità aereo. — Perfetto allora. Può usarlo liberamente.

— The plane is taking off. Can I use my phone? — You must have it in airplane mode. The connection must be deactivated. — I already have it in airplane mode. — Perfect then. You can use it freely.

Cultural Note

ENAC (Ente Nazionale per l'Aviazione Civile) — Italy's civil aviation authority — follows EU-wide rules. Electronic devices in airplane mode are permitted during all phases of flight. The old rule requiring all devices off during take-off and landing has been relaxed in the EU. Some individual airlines still enforce the old rule.