What really happens if you don’t put your phone on airplane mode

Anyone who's travelled on an plane will know the drill when it comes to safety whilst flying.

As well as keeping our seatbelts fastened and our tray tables stowed during takeoff and landing, we're reminded to keep our phones, laptops and other gadgets on airplane mode for the duration of the flight. But why is this?

You've probably wondered this before, but could not adhering to this rule have negative consequences? And what even is airplane mode?

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According to USA Facts, flying is deemed safer than riding subways, trains, buses and motorcycles, due to the amount of incidences compared to those on the roads. But there are a few factors which could potentially make a journey less safe.

Digital Trends suggests that switching your phone to airplane mode stops the phone from being able to communicate with cell towers, as well as preventing it from connecting to Wi-Fi networks and turning off the Bluetooth feature.

However, Apple claims that their devices can use Bluetooth and Wi-Fi whilst on airplane mode, they just need to be turned on separately.

This nifty airplane mode feature, that all modern-day cell phones now have, will prevent your phone from causing a ruckus by connecting to other cell towers and disturbing the frequencies used by air traffic controllers.

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Phone signals are not exactly linked to causing the plane to crash, but instead they can interfere with aircraft navigational and landing guidance systems, making the job more difficult for pilots and air traffic controllers.

While staff will be able to tell if there's interference coming from a phone, they won't be sure which phone is causing the interference. That's not to say you should risk it, though.

According to Travel and Leisure, there has never been a plane crash caused by a phone not being in airplane mode, but it is a common courtesy to minimise all distractions and not worth tempting fate.

However, if you did chance it and were somehow caught by a member of the airline team, you would be considered to be disobeying crew members instructions - which is a federal offence (in the US)and could result in serious repercussions.

It's better to let any family members or bosses know that you'll be flying in advance so you don't fear you'll miss an important phone call.

This is common sense, but it's also recommended that you follow the instructions of airline staff correctly and swiftly to ensure the safest possible journey.

Topics: Travel, Technology

Harley Young