If I have airport mode on my Apple Watch will the Activity still track

Hi

Yes - both the Activity app and Workout app will still track your activity when your Apple Watch is in Airplane Mode.

For Apple Watch Series 2 models (which have built-in GPS), for outdoor walking, running, cycling and open water swim workouts that are recorded via the built-in Workout app (or third-party apps that support the feature), a route map will also still be recorded for your workout. This will be synced to the paired iPhone once the devices are reconnected and can be viewed via the workout summary in the Activity app on your iPhone.

GPS is a receiver in one of the Watch chipsets that uses the antenna to determine where you are located by contacting at least 3 global positioning satellites. On the iPhone if you go into Airport mode it turns GPS off. I don't have an Series 2 watch so I can't test whether it does or not.

Whatever reason the OP has for using airplane mode doesn’t matter to us, the question is valid and on topic for this area. From my own experience yesterday I was working on a ship away from land based cellular signals. The ship provides a satellite linked local cellular service for passengers but using it costs an arm, both legs and probably several children sold into slavery. £6 (U$10) per megabyte is excessive, so the obvious cost avoidance is to go dark and save the battery life. Then there are those of us who want to get on with work and avoid management distractions!

Thanks, I was starting to have doubts after a day (with airplane mode) on a ship. Some activity was tracked but it just didn’t seem enough for the distance walked and the number of times I went up and down to the engine room - about 8 flights of stairs each way

Sometimes an inane comment like my previous comment generates a response which gives much more information as in your case. I now appreciate your particular needs, I have learned something more about how these devices are used and I apologise if I gave any offence.

I am am usually trying to help but sometimes my English sense of humour and sarcasm pop out.

If you have a Series 2 that may turn off the GPS but all other tracking should work.

It’s airplane mode not airport mode. You only need this on an aeroplane and then why would you need to track, unless you walk up and down the aisles a lot?

I use Airplane Mode to conserve battery and when in work to stop alerts coming through. I only take it off when I want to sync it and/or when I get home.