Topics: Travel, World News
Airplane mode is one of those functions many of us will have questioned whether it's really necessary and experts have since weighed in.
The button is on many of our phones for a reason and some of us will use it when we go to the cinema or when we need some space from all the tweeting, scrolling and TikToking. But when it comes to actually using the 'Airplane Mode' function on an actual airplane?
Well, the query has probably sprung to your mind from time to time as to whether it's really crucial to turn your device onto airplane mode - after all, it's not like when the cabin crew come round they ask to check everyone's devices.
You may've even accidentally forgotten to turn your device off or on airplane mode and like one Twitter user wrote: "Didn’t turn on airplane mode. And lived."
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However, experts have since weighed in on the issue and why it's a 'rule' passengers should 'switch their phones off for takeoff and landing' or instead turn their devices on airplane mode.
Experts from Airalo said it's not as strict as it used to be with airlines demanding you completely switch your device off, noting 'most airlines will allow smart phones to be used when airplane mode is activated for non-text and browsing functions'.
And this may seem like a minor thing, but the experts emphasised there is actually 'scientific evidence' to prove you should turn your device on airplane mode in order to help ensure the safety of the plane, flight and ultimately those onboard.
They revealed: "When the aircraft is taxiing, scientific evidence proves that there is still a risk of mobile phone signals interfering with aircraft systems and impacting communication between ground control and air traffic.
"Mobile phones and electronic devices radiate electromagnetic signals which can interfere with pilots' headsets."
Granted, one phone not being on airplane mode may not make much of a difference, but imagine everyone on the flight has that same mindset and then what could happen?
Well, the experts continued: "When multiple passengers disobey this rule, the cumulative effect of a large number of mobile phones not in airplane mode, especially when the plane is taking off or landing, remains a serious concern."
The advice resolved: "Passengers should always stay cautious and keep their device in airplane mode when flying and inside an aircraft."
