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:
- 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.
- 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.