airplane

Ever wondered why you have to put your phone on airplane mode during a flight? Here, people share the real reason behind the long-standing rule, and it may surprise you

As your plane ascends, you’re well aware that your mobile phone must be switched to airplane mode. But have you ever pondered why this is necessary, especially considering your phone probably wouldn’t function at 42,000 feet anyway? One curious traveller took to Reddit’s ‘ask’ forum to find out what could possibly go wrong if they used their phone mid-flight and whether it could lead to disastrous consequences.

And they finally uncovered the true reason behind the need to switch off your phone on a plane. They queried: “Why do they ask us not to use our phones during flights? I am just curious, what are the stakes here? Will it go boom?”

A response came: “No. There are two reasons for this:

1. Against popular thinking, the main reason is that it was feared that as the plane is taking off and landing, the phones would be connecting/disconnecting to multiple phone towers rapidly, which would cause issues with those towers. However, this isn’t really a problem in this day and age, especially. It was a precaution anyway.
2. It could mess with flight instrumentation, especially the radio. Ever had a speaker or radio open and when you get a call, you can hear sounds from the speaker? This does still happen, but is more rare nowadays as you need to receive GSM call really”.

Another Redditor chimed in: “And to have a better chance that people will listen to the safety briefing. Pay attention, people! It might just save your lives!”

“Honestly, that’s probably 100% the reason. Using your mobile on a plane shouldn’t interfere with any instruments. Doesn’t even make sense. We are surrounded and being bombarded and flying through all sorts of electronic signals. Plus they offer WiFi ON some planes,” someone else added.

Another person shared: “It’s for peace and quiet and to control a herd of people. It’s the only place left on earth where you can disconnect and nobody cares. I hope it never changes”.

One bloke stated: “I’ve read it largely has to do with potential interference with the pilot’s headset”.

When somebody responded saying it’s been tested and showed no interference, he replied: “That small sample size doesn’t dismiss the risk, nor does it take into account future headsets. I’d rather play it safer than sorry during the statistically most dangerous parts of flying”.

What is the real reason you can’t use your phone on a plane?

The genuine reason you’re told not to use your phone for calls or texts during flights is chiefly down to regulations and potential interference concerns, rather than any immediate threat to the aircraft.

Previously, there were worries that signals from numerous phones might potentially disrupt the delicate navigation and communication systems on board, particularly during take-off and landing.

Today’s aircraft are well-protected, and the likelihood of interference is now deemed extremely minimal.

Nevertheless, rules have stayed cautious.

Another factor is that at flying altitude, your mobile would attempt to link with several ground-based cell towers, potentially creating network issues for phone companies and rapidly depleting your battery.

Furthermore, airlines and aviation authorities wish to preserve a peaceful cabin atmosphere, and permitting voice calls might disturb fellow travellers.

For these reasons, you’re usually required to activate aeroplane mode, which switches off cellular connectivity whilst still enabling Wi-Fi access if the carrier offers it.

Therefore, it’s advisable to turn off your phone, or activate flight mode, whenever you step aboard an aircraft.

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A commercial pilot has revealed why you’re asked to put your phone in airplane mode before takeoff – and it’s nothing to do with the plane crashing

The holiday season is back, and with it all the niggling hassles like squeezing into last summer’s shorts, digging out your forgotten passport, and sprucing up those toenails for sandal-worthy feet.

Once you’ve finally boarded your plane, you’re often met with a stark reminder from cabin crew to switch your mobile to airplane mode. Is it really plausible that one tiny device could threaten the integrity of a gargantuan jet?

This question has been addressed by aviation boffins, and indeed they suggest there’s a need for caution. Commercial aviator Perico Durán advises: “Smart people think that something could happen if we don’t activate airplane mode, so do it.”

Back when mobiles were becoming omnipresent, there was genuine concern regarding their potential to disrupt aircraft systems. Notably, in 2011, Boeing 737 cockpit displays were discovered to be vulnerable to mobile-induced interference.

Perico clarifies that while interference wouldn’t cause an engine failure or stop landing gears from deploying, it might lead to misreadings or untimely distractions: “What might happen is a false indication of something, a distraction at a specific moment.”

According to Perico, air travel regulations are formulated to preclude even the most minute hazards: “We tell people to activate flight mode to avoid distractions,” he asserts.

He emphasises the triviality of being disconnected briefly: “What difference does it make?” Perico remarked. “It’s only ten minutes from ten thousand to fourteen thousand feet. Put your phone in flight mode and avoid a distraction. Being without your mobile phone for ten minutes is nothing.”

A 2017 survey by Allianz Travel Insurance involving over 1,500 Americans revealed that 40% don’t always switch their phones to airplane mode, with nearly 14% admitting to sneaking texts or calls mid-flight.

In the US, adherence to the flight attendant’s advice is more stringent due to Federal regulations which state, “cellular telephones installed in or carried aboard airplanes, balloons, or any other type of aircraft must not be operated while such aircraft are airborne (not touching the ground). When any aircraft leaves the ground, all cellular telephones on board that aircraft must be turned off.”

However, European travel offers a more laid-back approach. With the introduction of 5G technology on airlines in 2023, EU passengers can now freely make and receive calls and texts during flights, thanks to EU 5G networks operating on different frequencies than American ones, thus not interfering with aircraft systems.

If you’re concerned about your mobile phone battery dying mid-flight, it’s perfectly acceptable to bring an external power bank in your carry-on luggage. However, they should not be packed in your checked luggage due to the lithium batteries they contain, which can occasionally ignite.

Should a battery fire break out in the passenger cabin, flight attendants can quickly identify and extinguish it before it causes significant damage. Conversely, if a fire starts in the cargo hold, it could become dangerously widespread before an alarm is triggered.

If crucial documents like your boarding pass are stored on your phone, having a backup battery is a wise move. While airline staff will likely assist if your phone does run out of juice during your journey, it’s always better to be prepared.

You may hear it if you try the facilities when you fly this summer

A flight attendant says birdsong is now being played in plane toilets to hide embarrassing “toilet sounds”. Esther Sturrus posted a video to TikTok to demonstrate the new feature.

She posed in the mirror and showed the speaker inside the toilet. The 24-year-old, who has worked for Dutch airline KLM since 2020, laughed as the sound of birds chirping filled the air. The sound has been installed on the brand new Airbus A321neo.

Since the summer of 2024, KLM has gradually been replacing their Boeing 737 with the model, according to their website. “[The birdsong] definitely catches people by surprise the first time,” said Esther, who is from Rotterdam.

“You’re expecting the usual hum of the engines or total silence, and instead you’re suddenly surrounded by chirping birds. The idea behind it is to make the onboard experience a little more soothing and enjoyable, even in the smallest and most unexpected places.

“The birdsong gives a sort of spa-like vibe. Let’s be honest, it also nicely covers the classic toilet sounds, so it might just be functional too. I found it unusual and amusing and just had to capture the moment.

“It’s little touches like these that show how much thought can go into even the tiniest details of a flight experience.”

Esther often reveals secrets of the skies with her 222,500 followers on TikTok. And the 24-year-old attracted 21,300 views with her latest video.

Her followers loved the new feature, and some viewers said they’d even had the sounds installed in their own homes. Ronald said, “So nice, we have this at home too.”

KLM Airlines said: “Very mindful.”

“I’m the type of person who just falls asleep on the toilet with such a calm sound,” added Giovanni.

A fourth viewer joked: “Next flight bring bird food.” “This is what we have at home,” another person added.