Pilot explains why you should switch your phones to airplane mode

A pilot explained why you’re told to put your phone on airplane mode when flying. Risks include everything from potential interference with flight navigation instruments to unexpected charges for connecting to terrestrial networks.

Tour operator Ski Vertigo spoke to a pilot to discover the critical reasons behind airlines simply requiring passengers to switch their devices to airplane mode during flights.

Airplane Mode is a setting available on smartphones, tablets, laptops, and other electronic devices that disables the device’s wireless communication features. When enabled, airplane mode disables call, text and mobile data, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth, and GPS features.

The main purpose of airplane mode is to prevent potential interference with the aircraft’s communication and navigation systems during flights. This is especially important during takeoff and landing. However, it also serves other functions, such as conserving battery life and reducing distractions by cutting off all wireless communications.

When Airplane Mode is enabled, users can normally use non-wireless functions of their device, such as listening to music stored on the device, using offline apps, reading downloaded books, or playing games that do not require internet access. Some airlines now allow in-flight Wi-Fi if the aircraft is equipped with the necessary technology and the Wi-Fi feature is re-enabled, keeping the cellular connection turned off.

According to the pilot, there are six key reasons to switch to airplane mode:

1. Interference with aircraft systems: The main reason airlines require passengers to switch their devices to airplane mode is to prevent any potential interference with the aircraft’s navigation and communications systems. Although modern aircraft are designed to be resistant to such interference, and incidents of actual interference are rare, caution remains.
2. Battery discharge: Your mobile device will continuously search for a signal while you are in the air, which leads to faster battery drain. This is because the phone will put more effort into establishing a connection with cell towers that are either far below or within reach, increasing power consumption in the process.
3. Possible connection to terrestrial networks: At lower altitudes, your phone may be able to connect to terrestrial cellular networks. This may result in roaming or other unexpected charges depending on your phone plan and network coverage. However, as altitude increases, the probability of connecting to these networks decreases significantly.
4. I impact on cellular networks: If many people on a flight don’t put their phones on airplane mode, the devices could theoretically connect to multiple cell towers on the ground while the plane moves at high speed. This rapid switching can cause congestion and inefficiency in the network, although actual reported problems of this nature are minimal.
5. Legal and Policy Requirements: Failure to comply with airline policy, including use of electronic devices, may result in repercussions from the airline. While enforcement varies, and the consequences for not switching to airplane mode are rarely serious, it is still a violation of airline policy.
6. Unavailability of cellular service: Most of the time, your phone will not be able to maintain a stable connection to cell towers due to the high speed and altitude of the plane. This means that even though it is not in airplane mode, the functionality will be limited.

A spokesperson from Ski Vertigo said: “Beyond the immediate benefits, such as preserving battery life and avoiding potential roaming charges, enabling Airplane Mode serves as a silent badge of an informed and courteous traveller. It is a practice that, although seemingly insignificant, says a lot. about realizing the collective effort required to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey for everyone on board in an environment where every detail counts, these actions are noticed and appreciated by the flight crew and airline staff.

“Airlines operate in a highly competitive and service-oriented industry where customer behavior and engagement are closely watched. Demonstrating a proactive approach to safety and compliance, as simple as switching to airplane mode, can have a positive impact on how airline staff perceive and interact with you. “