Pilot explains why you need to switch phones to airplane mode
A pilot has explained why you are told to put your phone in airplane mode when you are flying. Risks include everything from potential interference with flight navigation tools to unexpected fees from connecting to terrestrial networks.
Travel tour operator Ski Vertigo spoke to a pilot to uncover the critical reasons behind airlines' simple request for 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 functions. When enabled, airplane mode turns off your call, text and mobile data functions, Wi-Fi, Bluetooth and GPS.
The primary purpose of airplane mode is to prevent potential interference with aircraft 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 activated, users can typically still use non-wireless features of their device, such as listening to music stored on the device, using offline applications, reading downloaded books, or playing games that do not require internet access. Some airlines now allow the use of Wi-Fi in-flight if the aircraft is equipped with the necessary technology and if the Wi-Fi feature is turned back on while keeping the cellular connection disabled.
According to the pilot, there are six key reasons you have to switch to airplane mode:
Interference with Aircraft Systems: A primary reason airlines ask passengers to switch their devices to aeroplane mode is to prevent any potential interference with the aircraft's navigation and communication systems. Although modern aircraft are designed to be resilient against such interference, and incidents of actual interference are rare, the precaution remains enforced.
Battery Drain: Your mobile device will continuously search for a signal while you are in the air, leading to a quicker depletion of the battery. This is because the phone will exert more effort to establish a connection with cell towers that are either far below or out of reach, thereby increasing its power consumption in the process.
Possible Connection to Terrestrial Networks: At lower altitudes, it's possible for your phone to connect to terrestrial cell networks. This can lead to roaming charges or other unexpected fees, depending on your phone plan and the network's reach. However, as the altitude increases, the likelihood of connecting to these networks decreases significantly.
Impact on Cellular Networks: If many people on a flight do not switch their phones to aeroplane mode, the devices could theoretically connect to multiple cell towers on the ground as the plane moves at high speed. This rapid switching can cause congestion and inefficiencies in the network, though actual reported issues of this nature are minimal.
Legal and Policy Requirements: Failing to comply with the airline's policy, including the use of electronic devices, can result in repercussions from the airline. While enforcement varies, and consequences for not switching to aeroplane mode are rarely severe, it is still a violation of airline policy.
Cellular Service Unavailability: Most of the time, your phone won’t be able to maintain a stable connection to cell towers due to the high speed and altitude of the plane. This means that, despite not being in aeroplane mode, functionality will be limited.
A spokesperson from Ski Vertigo said: "Beyond the immediate advantages such as preserving battery life and avoiding potential roaming fees, turning on aeroplane mode serves as a silent badge of an informed and courteous traveller. It's a practice that, though seemingly insignificant, speaks volumes about your awareness of the collective effort required to ensure a safe and pleasant 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 behaviour and engagement are closely observed. Demonstrating a proactive approach to safety and compliance, as simple as switching to aeroplane mode, can positively impact how airline staff perceive and interact with you.”