Smartphones

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.

Adventure Leisure, operator of Mulligans indoor crazy golf and Ninja Warrior UK venues, is introducing a mobile phone ban during February half term week to give families more time to connect without smartphone distractions

We’re all aware that excessive screen time can negatively impact our mental wellbeing, yet stepping away from our devices entirely remains a challenge. Even during family outings, many of us can’t resist a quick peek at emails or a scroll through social media.

That’s why the company behind two popular UK attractions has revealed plans to ban mobile phones across its venues this half term, allowing families to spend quality time together free from smartphone distractions. Adventure Leisure, behind the move, describes the initiative as the first of its kind in Britain, with a ‘phone patrol’ ensuring guests keep their devices tucked away.

Adventure Leisure operates Mulligans, a chain of indoor crazy golf centres that also features activities ranging from pool to virtual reality experiences, alongside five Ninja Warrior UK venues. Throughout February half term week – running from February 16 to 22 – its locations will transform into ‘no phone zones’, with families requested to switch their mobiles to airplane mode upon entry.

According to a company statement, the initiative will enable “uninterrupted time to create lasting memories” for parents and children alike. Instead, families can immerse themselves in Mulligans’ entertainment offerings, including themed crazy golf, electro-darts, rebound shuffleboard, and karaoke.

READ MORE: Brits face ‘horrendous’ 3-hour queues on tarmac at Tenerife after huge changes in airport

Meanwhile, at Ninja Warrior UK, families can tackle numerous challenges at adventure parks boasting climbing frames, inflatables, and various physical activities inspired by the hit television programme. Families visiting Mulligans this February half-term will receive a 50% discount voucher valid for a return trip in March.

The mobile phone ban for the forthcoming February school holidays follows concerns raised by Catherine, Princess of Wales, who warned that excessive screen time is fuelling an “epidemic of disconnection”.

Writing alongside Professor Robert Waldinger from Harvard Medical School, she highlighted the damaging impact of smartphone overuse, cautioning: “We’re physically present but mentally absent, unable to fully engage with the people right in front of us.”

READ MORE: UK’s worst towns for 2026 as tourists slam concrete centres and humdrum atmosphereREAD MORE: Cheapest dates to travel during the 6-week summer holidays – including ‘golden’ week

Recent research revealed that British adults now spend more time glued to their mobiles than watching television, clocking up an average of seven and a half hours of daily screen time. The findings also exposed the relentless nature of phone usage compared to TV viewing.

Whilst television consumption peaks outside working hours, mobile phone activity remains constant throughout the day, making it a persistent distraction during both professional and personal time.

Stephen Brown, Chief Operating Officer at Adventure Leisure, commented, “We know how important spending quality time with your family is, so we wanted to create the best environment where our guests can make their memories. We’re really proud to be the first leisure operator to introduce an official ‘No Phone Zone’, and we hope to see others following suit in the future.”