Why do you have to activate flight mode on a plane?

Flight staff usually ask passengers to activate flight mode on electronic devices such as smartphones before a flight. But why is that actually necessary? The backgrounds.

“Please make sure that electronic devices such as smartphones or tablets are switched off or in flight mode”: After this announcement, every air traveler knows: It’s about to get started. But while most people follow the flight crew's instructions, there are also some who don't respond.

But the question remains: Why is it important to activate airplane mode on mobile devices? Some passengers suspect that the devices could interfere with on-board electronics and potentially cause the plane to crash. The good news: the consequences wouldn't be that bad. Nevertheless, there are good reasons to adhere to the regulations.

That's why you should activate flight mode on the plane

Anyone who switches their mobile devices to airplane mode disconnects all wireless communication interfaces. Access to the mobile phone networks is prevented and with it the connection to WLAN, Bluetooth and NFC. This means that you can still listen to music and watch films, but only if they have been downloaded first.

If a laptop, smartphone, smartwatch or tablet is offline, they can no longer send out signals. This is important on an airplane so that the pilots' communication is not interrupted. Because if mobile devices are not in airplane mode, in the worst case scenario they can cause disruptive noise. This can be compared to the sounds that speakers produce when there is feedback from a cell phone or something similar.

The flight crew can then no longer understand potentially important radio signals. In addition, the noise can cause distraction. So that pilots can maneuver undisturbed and ultimately passengers can travel safely, it is safer to activate flight mode.

Modern devices are now safer

Anyone who is now looking forward to the next flight in panic should know that the situation has improved significantly in recent years. Thanks to modern technology, it is unlikely that a cell phone or smartphone will interfere with radio signals these days.

Until a few years ago, the use of Bluetooth on airplanes was also prohibited. However, these regulations have now been relaxed. However, possible complications due to signal interference cannot be completely ruled out. Therefore, users should continue to listen to the flight crew and activate flight mode for the time being.

Activate airplane mode on iOS or Android

On the iPhone Activate airplane mode by swiping down from the top right corner of the screen. This is how you open the Control Center. Now tap on the airplane symbol. Alternatively, you can also activate airplane mode in the settings.

On Android devices Swipe down from the top of the screen to open Quick Settings. Tap the airplane icon to turn on airplane mode. Depending on the device, the position of the icon may vary slightly.

At iPads Activation works similarly to the iPhone: Open the Control Center and tap the airplane symbol. At Android-Tablets pull down the quick settings again and activate airplane mode using the corresponding symbol.

By the way: Many airlines now also offer the use of paid WiFi. Passengers above the clouds do not necessarily have to do without an internet connection.

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