i wait the 6 minutes, I get my plane list, I look up how much it is to buy points, I hit the back button and the timer is back at 6 minutes and I didn't even play a game!

What gives?

Once you hit play that starts a game. If you back out or if you play and it ends or you quit, then you go back to the beginning of the waiting period.

However, since you weren't really ready to fly, then what's the big deal?

I WAS ready. I was just taking a look at my options.

Oh I just duplicated what you did.

Yeah, maybe it's not the best system, but it is what it is. Just have to wait the 7 minutes, or pay for a subscription.

Another thing is when I get the low battery message, it disconnects me and I have to wait another 6 minutes to get back on!

Well, that's not the fault of the game/