Planes

A pilot has explained the real reason passengers need to switch their phones to airplane mode during flights, and it’s not just a formality

Flying remains one of the safest ways to travel, largely due to meticulously crafted safety protocols. Whilst some procedures might appear mundane or superfluous, each serves a vital purpose in safeguarding passengers and crew alike.

However, a pilot (@PerchPoint) has taken to TikTok to clarify whether one specific procedure genuinely needs following. Whether through absent-mindedness or simply not knowing better, switching your phone to aeroplane mode matters – and it’s not “a conspiracy theory,” the pilot cautions.

But what actually occurs if you don’t bother? In the video, the pilot explained: “This is just a friendly PSA, that the airplane mode button is not a conspiracy.

“If you forget to put your phone on airplane mode, no, it’s not the end of the world, the plane will not fall out of the sky, and it won’t even mess with the systems on board.”

However, does this mean passengers can disregard the procedure? “If you have an aircraft with 70, 80, or 150 people on board and even three or four people’s phones start to try and make a connection to a radio tower for an incoming phone call, it sends out radio waves.

“There’s a potential that those radio waves can interfere with the headsets that the pilots are using.”

He proceeded to describe his own encounter with this interference whilst attempting to land safely, noting there was an irritating noise in the headset that “sounded like a mosquito.”

The pilot explained: “No, it’s not the end of the world, but it’s pretty annoying when you’re trying to copy down instructions and it sounds like a wasp or something flying around you. So if you’re ever curious why you need to put on airplane mode, that’s why.”

According to Travel and Leisure, it goes beyond mere irritation. Pilots frequently operate with restricted visibility, meaning they depend heavily on information relayed from ground control, particularly during takeoff and landing – the phases when most aviation incidents take place.

Consequently, it’s vital that they remain focused and their communication isn’t compromised.

Rule or courtesy?

Per Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) regulations, all passengers must enable airplane mode during flight to avoid potential signal interference.

It’s also a straightforward gesture of consideration that contributes to a seamless journey for all passengers, according to Booking.com.

“When smartphones and devices were first introduced, it was found that cell phones that aren’t in flight mode can overload the networks on the ground, especially during takeoff and landing, as phones try to connect to multiple towers at once.

“How much phones affect aviation technology hasn’t been studied in-depth, but pilots say they can hear background noise and interference from phones while flying, especially when they’re landing, and mobile phones begin to make contact with towers again.

“So, while your phone may work at times during flight, do you really want to distract your pilot while they’re speaking with air traffic control to execute a safe landing?”

Why are flight crew permitted to use devices?

According to Lovely Planet, pilots and flight attendants are seen with devices right in the cockpit, which gives them access to digital charts and documents.

However, unlike passenger devices, this equipment has undergone rigorous testing to guarantee it won’t disrupt the aircraft’s systems.

EL TORO — In an extraordinary step, Brig. Gen. Wayne T. Adams has permanently banished from local Marine bases the man he fired as his chief of staff, refusing him access to the officers’ club, the golf course and other facilities usually open to retired personnel.

Col. Joseph E. Underwood, 51, was fired from his post earlier this year and later retired amid allegations that included using base planes for golfing jaunts. Adams decided last week that, because of the charges, the colonel could no longer use the air bases at El Toro or Tustin, his spokesman, Maj. Jim V. McClain, said Monday.

“He’s debarred from this base–period,” McClain said. “He is not allowed to come aboard this base,” except for medical care and commissary visits with his wife, who is ailing, he added.

“The commanding general made the determination that, by the nature of the offenses, Col. Underwood’s presence on the El Toro and Tustin bases was prejudicial to the good order and discipline and proper functioning of these two bases,” McClain said of Adams’ decision.

Adams himself is under investigation by the Marine Corps inspector general’s office for his own use of military planes during trips to Florida, Big Bear and elsewhere.

McClain would not elaborate on what caused Underwood’s banishment. Underwood, however, said he believes that it came as a result of statements he made in an article two weeks ago in The Times Orange County Edition in his first interview since his disciplining.

“It’s so petty. Why don’t they just let it go away?” Underwood complained. “They’ve already killed Col. Sabow–what do they want from me?”

Col. James E. Sabow was the assistant chief of staff at El Toro who killed himself in January, after being suspended also in connection with allegations of misuse of base planes. Underwood and Sabow’s family have charged that what they characterize as the military’s mishandling of the investigation drove Sabow to suicide.

Military officials have vigorously disputed that assertion. McClain on Monday would not discuss Underwood’s claims that he was being “harassed” in the same way that Underwood said Sabow was or that his debarment was spurred by his comments in the Times article.

Underwood, known as “the mayor” of the El Toro base during a sometimes stormy four-year stint as chief of staff, asserted in the article that he had not done anything wrong in his use of base C-12 Beechcraft planes and that Adams had reneged on promises to end the matter quietly.

Underwood also asserted that Adams himself had once ordered a plane to pick him up from a family emergency, even after Underwood had specifically told him that doing so was against regulations.

The Marine Corps is now investigating whether Adams improperly mixed personal and business trips in that case and at least four other flights he took around the country.

In the newest step of that investigation, Adams is to meet in Washington today with the Marines’ inspector general, Maj. Gen. Hollis Davison, officials said.

In his position as commander of the Marines’ western air bases, Adams maintains authority over who can and cannot use government facilities. It was with this authority that he barred Underwood, a move that officials said probably cannot be appealed through the military.

McClain said 175 people–both military and civilian–have been barred from western air bases in the last five years. He did not have a breakdown of these people by rank, but Underwood and three other military officials, in Washington and on the West Coast, said debarments of officers–much less of a colonel–are extremely rare.

“It’s an extraordinary measure for someone of his rank and time of service to be debarred from a base–it’s just not done,” said one high-ranking officer close to the case.

Underwood, a veteran of three decades’ service, said that during his time at El Toro, there were debarments “many times for criminals–drug dealers, thieves, wife beaters, attempted rapists. . . . But how many colonels have ever been barred from a base? The answer I’m sure is zero. . . .”

While Underwood was visiting the East Coast last week, the El Toro command went so far as to boot the tires on his two cars on the base to ensure that he would see the base provost marshal and pick up the letter informing him of his debarment. The letter activates the order.

Since his firing earlier this year, Underwood had been staying in base officers’ quarters for about $5 a day, and he had planned to return there when he gets back to El Toro in mid-May. As a result of his banishment, he will have to find other temporary housing until he joins his wife in a few months to begin a vacation.

He also will not be able to attend official base functions or use facilities such as the officers’ club, the golf course and other recreational sites open to retired officers. He can only use the commissary when accompanied by his wife, McClain said.

One source close to the case said that Underwood’s debarment came in part because of prodding from the Marine Commandant’s office in Washington.

The banishment had been discussed in February at the time Underwood pleaded guilty to charges against him and agreed to pay fines and restitution before his retirement. The ban was not carried out at that time. But later, people from Washington “had seen him on the golf course at El Toro” and it angered them, the source said.

A plane passenger has sparked a debate after bringing up an unspoken ‘middle seat rule’ that she demands all fliers follow, but some people have claimed she’s being ‘cheeky’

Nobody relishes being stuck with the middle seat on a plane. We all have our preferences when it comes to flying, and for virtually everyone, that means either bagging the window or aisle seat, while the dreaded middle spot remains the universally unwanted option for most travellers.

The middle seat earns its poor reputation because it offers none of the perks associated with its neighbours. You’re denied the scenic views enjoyed by window-seat occupants, and you miss out on the additional legroom that comes from stretching into the aisle. What’s more, if you’re flying solo, you’ll typically find yourself sandwiched between two strangers.

One woman has recently taken to social media to argue that there should be an unwritten “rule” observed by all air travellers, granting middle-seat passengers a modest degree of comfort – though whilst many backed her stance, others branded her simply “cheeky”.

Australian Molly Wroe posted a video on TikTok documenting her middle-seat ordeal on a recent flight. Throughout her journey, she found herself trapped between two male passengers who wouldn’t allow her access to either armrest – which she insisted violated a crucial unspoken aviation etiquette.

She questioned: “Who’s gonna tell these men I get both arm rests because I’m in the middle??”

She reinforced her position in the caption, stating: “Middle person gets both armrests.”

This unofficial etiquette surrounding the middle seat has been debated before. It’s frequently suggested that passengers occupying the window and aisle seats shouldn’t monopolise their inner armrests, given they already benefit from an outer armrest plus the additional perks of avoiding the middle position.

Consequently, many argue that the middle seat passenger ought to have access to both armrests flanking their seat, as they’re denied the privilege of a decent view or extra legroom. This was precisely Molly’s argument in her video – though not everyone saw eye to eye with her stance.

Several commenters on her clip branded her “cheeky” for expecting access to both armrests. They contended there’s no “airline rule” stipulating the middle seat gets armrest priority, suggesting instead that she should simply ask her neighbouring passengers if they’d mind shifting their arms.

One person questioned: “Why would you get both, and they both get zero?” Another remarked: “Absolutely not, one each, which is fair; there are no rules regarding arm rests.”

A third commented: “Why don’t you tell them instead of filming? It’s not an official rule that the middle seat gets both armrests.”

However, others leapt to Molly’s defence, insisting it’s an unwritten rule rooted in basic courtesy. Whilst it’s neither a legal requirement nor an airline regulation that’s actively enforced, most passengers would willingly relinquish the armrest out of compassion, recognising that the middle seat is utterly miserable and warrants some degree of comfort.

One commenter remarked: “Everyone in the comments is not getting it, but you’re right. It’s an unofficial rule, but it’s just polite. Middle gets nothing, so they get both armrests. The window and the aisle each get their outer armrest and all the other perks.”

Another contended: “The window seat gets one armrest and the window, aisle seat gets one armrest and obviously the aisle to get up whenever they like, and the centre seat gets no window, no getting up when they like and BOTH armrests. THAT’S THE RULE ON ANY AND ALL AIRLINES.”

A third added: “They both have one on the outside, one gets the window, and one has free access to the toilet. Would seem fair to me.”

Captain Steve Scheibner, an American Airlines pilot popularly known as Captain Steeeve, noted that he turns his device off, stating that he can “live without” it until the plane reaches 10,000 feet

An airline pilot has shared the real reason why we have to switch our phones to airplane mode when we take to the skies. A common query among passengers, activating airplane mode on our phones is considered a crucial safety precaution, and one pilot appears to have confirmed that it remains important when we travel in 2026.

Captain Steve Scheibner, an American Airlines pilot popularly known as Captain Steeeve to his YouTube audience, was asked this very question in a recent Q and A session for his channel.

In the video, titled “The TRUTH About Airplane Mode!”, when asked why we need to enable airplane mode during taxi, take-off, and landing, he addressed the initial “uncertainty” among authorities concerning the use of mobile phones.

He explained that, at the time, it was questioned whether these devices could “impact the navigation equipment” on the plane, and Steve wants to ensure that it’s not being “interfered with”.

Indeed, the airline pilot also described how the US‘ Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) completed a “whole bunch of tests” and made a decision based on an “abundance of caution”.

Captain Steve said: “Okay, so years and years ago, when we first started getting all these devices that we carried with us, there was a lot of uncertainty about if it would impact the navigation equipment of an airplane.

“So the FAA did a whole bunch of tests, and they came up with some stuff. They thought, you know, out of an abundance of caution, let’s get everybody to turn off their devices, or that’s what they came up with, airplane mode, and they just put them in airplane mode so they don’t transmit.

“And if you think about it, you’re in a long metal tube and at one end is all my electronic and navigation gear. So I want to make sure that that’s operating properly and it’s not being interfered with by anything.”

Steve claimed that you could, if you so desired, find “thousands” of YouTube videos and websites covering “what a bunch of bunk it is”, but he stressed that he simply wants to be “cautious and safe”.

He noted that he indeed turns his device off and pointed out that he can “live without” it until the plane reaches 10,000 ft, and “so can you”.

However, Steve also went on to highlight an occasion when they can be a “concern”.

He added: “On rare occasions, all those devices can cause some interference for the navigation gear, and that’s really a concern if I’m in bad weather.

“If it’s really clear outside, is it a big deal? Not really, but you know, you didn’t hear that here. Okay, there you go.”

A flight attendant has revealed the one clothing item you should never ever wear on a plane and instead leave sitting in your suitcase as she claimed it’s ‘unhygienic’

If you’re planning on going abroad for a holiday or any other type of trip, the outfit you choose to wear on the plane might not be the most important thing to try to decide, but it should be. What you decide to wear on a plane can deeply impact your comfort levels as you’re sat in a cramped airplane seat for hours.

While it may seem like a simple thing to decide, it can prove to be more complicated than originally expected. While jeans often feel overly restrictive, opting for shorts and sandals risks leaving you shivering throughout the journey. If you’re currently struggling with this wardrobe decision for an upcoming flight, there are some crucial advice you should take notice of.

Taking to TikTok, one creator named Cher, who boasts over six years’ experience as a flight attendant, has recently shared her expert recommendations to her 24,000 followers. She highlights specific items of clothing that passengers should keep packed away in their luggage rather than being worn on travel days.

“Outfits I surprisingly approve of as a flight attendant,” she said at the start of her video, before she went on to first explain the clothing items to avoid wearing on a flight.

She went on to firmly argue that wearing shorts aboard aircraft should be ‘illegal’, as it exposes your legs to the ‘gross’ seats – having previously disclosed they’re rarely properly sanitised, meaning you never known what might be hiding on there.

Flight attendant’s perfect travel outfit

So what should you wear on a flight? Cher’s recommended outfit comprises loose, comfortable trousers, trainers, a simple T-shirt and a jumper providing shoulder coverage. This combination suits both gentlemen and ladies, allowing you to utilise any suitable items already hanging in your wardrobe.

“This is the perfect travel outfit no matter what,” she declared.

It ensures you appear presentable while remaining comfortable and shielded from the ‘gross’ seats and frequently chilly cabin temperature.

Nevertheless, should this ensemble not appeal to you, alternative options exist. Cher suggests two better alternatives, with the first one being a long maxi dress.

“Any variation of a long dress like this is cute, and your legs are covered, they’re not touching the seat,” she elaborated.

She also explained that wearing a long maxi skirt could be another approved outfit, but saying to also stay away from sandals as she ‘wouldn’t have her toes out’.

“But with trainers, this would be perfect,” she told viewers.

Cher continued to suggest any outfit featuring a matching set with a long skirt and top is an excellent choice for those wanting to appear stylish yet comfortable at the airport. This could also work for men, who could opt for matching sets of trousers and a top.

So there you go – some simple yet chic outfit ideas for your next flight!

A man who refused to move from a plane seat he had paid extra for shared details of the encounter, with people online backing his decision

Taking a long-haul flight can be deeply uncomfortable, but securing a decent seat has the power to transform the entire journey.

For those unable to afford the indulgence of first class, extra legroom in economy is arguably the closest alternative.

After shelling out extra cash for additional legroom on a gruelling 12-hour flight, one man stood his ground and refused to swap seats for an elderly couple who attempted to claim his spot.

Sharing his experience on popular forum Reddit, the man admitted he endured dirty looks from fellow passengers after declining to budge from the seat he’d paid for.

Titling the post, the Reddit user wrote: “Old couple try to take our seats on a plane.”

The man detailed: “Saw a few plane seat-related posts so I thought I would add my story.

“A few years ago my significant other and I planned a three-month trip around the world. Our first flight was from New Zealand-LA. 12-13 hours.”

“We booked and paid for our flights and I added the premium economy seats as I’m 6’3 and wanted the extra legroom. Cost an extra $60 (£50).

“This flight was with Air New Zealand, the screen has your name on it when you get to your seat.

“We get on the plane. Find our seats and there is this older couple sitting there (mid 70s). I ask them if they got confused with their seat numbers. They hadn’t.

“I show them my ticket and seat number and point to my name on the screen. They then ask me just sit in their seats which were ten rows back. No leg room.”

After the elderly pair refused to budge from the seats, the man insisted they return to their allocated places as he had “paid extra”.

The man eplained the exchange: “Me: You want me to sit in your seats?”.

“OP(old people): Yes, that would be nice thank you.

“Me: I paid extra for these seats and would like to sit in them. Please move to your seats.

“OP: Oh, it’s not that bad there’s plenty of legroom.

“Me: Yeah, there’s plenty of legroom in my seats because I paid for it. I’ll help move your bag if you need.”

During their discussion, a flight attendant intervened to find out what was happening as a lengthy queue had formed down the aisle.

The exchange continued: “OP: This man wants us to move seats!”.

“Flight attendant: Sir, please go to your allocated seats.

“Me: Here is my ticket, these people are sitting in my seats. I paid extra because I need the legroom.

“FA to old people: Excuse me, you will have to move to your own seats as you have not paid for these seats.

“Old people: Well, can we please have an upgrade?”.

“FA: Sorry, this is a full flight so that’s not possible.”

The man said: “I got some stink eyes from other people on the flight. I paid for the extra legroom and I need it.”

Taking to the comments section, Reddit users weighed in on the contentious incident.

One said: “I have no idea why the other people who paid extra for legroom would glare at this guy.”

Meanwhile, another person added: “This isn’t a two hour flight where you buck up for the good of old people, which is still not right given the social experience that is flying – I wouldn’t care if it was a two hour flight there is still the principle of the matter, but I may cave depending on my mood.”

They said: “12-13 hours is no joke though – there is no giving in. You move those people or the plane doesn’t take off!”.

Passengers on a busy British Airways flight from London Heathrow to Jamaica divided opinion with their behaviour, which some described as “inconsiderate” and “rude”

Some British Airways passengers divided opinion online after footage emerged of them chanting and preaching during a flight.

Clips posted on social media show a woman standing in the aisle and singing while waving and shouting at fellow passengers until they join in and clap along during the journey from London Heathrow to Jamaica this month. Further footage captures a man loudly preaching while standing at his seat until staff announce the seat belt signs have been turned on and he sits back down.

Maxine Munroe, who was on the flight and shared a clip on TikTok, described her bizarre experience as “almost like being in church,” and fierce debate followed on the social media platform. Maxine, a 56-year-old nurse, said the antics early into the flight and continued for nearly three hours.

“It was almost like we were at church…. I think I was just surprised that this was happening 40,000ft in the air. At some point I was thinking we need to settle down and we need to rest. There were a lot of people (online) who say they don’t think they could cope on a flight like that,” Maxine, who is from Croydon, south London, said.

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Indeed, some online who blasted the behaviour, describing it as “inconsiderate” and “rude”. One Tiktoker posted: “I’d have found this so rude, they’re making a show of themselves and not thinking of others at all.” Another said: “As a nervous flyer this would send me over the edge.”

The clips show no obvious backlash from other passengers onboard the flight. Maxine, who regularly visits family in Jamaica, continued: “You will be on flights and people will pray before the flight takes off or if there’s turbulence you might hear somebody pray but not to that scale… It was fine while it lasted but it’s got its limit and I can understand when someone says that it is too much.

“I did think how long it would be until the crew had had enough. They need to be able to do their job and have the flight under control and it was a bit of an obstacle.

“A lot of people thought alcohol was related and actually there was no alcohol involved. It was more high on the godly spirit than they were on the alcohol, which is why I don’t think it affected the flight attendants as much as people drinking and being rowdy.”

British Airways has not faced direct criticism online following the emergence of the videos. Social media users were, though, angry at the passengers themselves for their decisions. One said: “Looks a nightmare.” Another stated: “It’s inconsiderate. I would’ve been so cross.”

But others were entertained and applauded the joyful tourists. One TikToker posted: “It was a lovely thing to see and f**k what anyone else says.” Another shared: “This would be the best flight. I like it when people are happy.” The Mirror has contacted British Airways for comment.

A flight attendant has shared the tell-tale signs that a passenger is a nightmare aboard the aircraft

The role of a flight attendant appears simple and glamorous – jetting off to exotic locations, while their main duty involves upholding health and safety standards and providing top-notch service. However, cabin crew frequently deal with entitled and discourteous passengers.

In an exclusive interview with Express.co.uk, an anonymous British flight attendant revealed how certain passengers’ disruptive behaviour would disrupt operations and cause problems for staff. This specific type of traveller would be identified using a simple code word.

The cabin crew member explained: “There are a lot of things and icks from passengers that we can overlook, but if we say the word ‘precious’ it generally means that they’re acting like a ****.”

The “precious” passenger will be identified among the entire crew, which may affect the level of service that the individual receives.

However, the anonymous employee stressed that alternative codes might exist across different airlines that she’s never used with her colleagues.

For instance, speaking to The Sun, one flight attendant disclosed: “If you’re labelled a ‘Philip’ then you’ve done something wrong and should probably expect to get bad service for the rest of the flight.

“That name originated from the term PILP – Passenger I’d Like to Punch – but has changed over time to become slightly more subtle.”

Another discreet signal concerns crew members noticing an attractive passenger. The flight attendant, who boasts two years’ experience, disclosed: “This is an old one I’ve heard, but if we find you attractive, we would say ‘cheerio’ when you’re leaving instead of goodbye.

“Obviously, we have to be discreet and can not outwardly be like ‘hey, you’re hot’, but that’s a fun way to secretly flirt.”

The cabin crew member explains that countless codes exist chiefly for operational efficiency. While there are different ways to identify passengers for various reasons, staff will never refer to you by your real name.

She clarified: “If we are referring to passengers, we do not use your name; we use your seat number. So if someone wanted something, we wouldn’t say ‘Mary, sat in row 50, wants a coffee’. We would say, ’50 Delta, 50 Kilo or 50 Charlie’. We use seat numbers and the phonetic alphabet; it’s just easier.”

This shouldn’t spark any concern or intrigue, as cabin crew are simply working out how best to assist you without causing any commotion or gossip. However, do pay attention if you’re being branded a “precious Philip” – you might want to apologise for your behaviour.