Why switching your phone to airplane mode during a fly

In today’s hyperconnected world, most of us rely heavily on our smartphones for communication, navigation, entertainment, and productivity. So, it’s no surprise that one of the most common questions air travelers ask is: “What really happens if I don’t switch my phone to airplane mode during a flight?”

Is it just a suggestion? Will it interfere with the plane’s systems? Or is it simply outdated advice from a time before modern technology? Let’s explore what airplane mode actually does, why it’s important, and what the potential consequences are - both technical and regulatory - if you choose to ignore it.

What is Airplane Mode?

Airplane mode (also called flight mode) is a setting available on all modern smartphones, tablets, and other wireless devices. When activated, it disables the device’s ability to transmit or receive any wireless signals, including:

Cellular signals (for calls, texts, and data);
Wi-Fi;
Bluetooth;
GPS (sometimes, depending on the device).

You can still use your device to access offline apps, play downloaded music or videos, or use functions that don’t require a wireless connection.

Why airlines ask you to use airplane mode?

The primary reason for requiring passengers to activate airplane mode during flights is to prevent interference with the aircraft’s avionics and communication systems. Aircraft use sensitive radio frequencies for communication with air traffic control and for navigation purposes. In theory, large numbers of active mobile devices could cause signal interference.

While a single device may not cause significant issues, hundreds of devices all trying to connect to ground-based cell towers from cruising altitude could create a noisy radio environment. This interference, though rare, could potentially impact the cockpit’s ability to communicate clearly or operate navigation systems safely.

Additionally, mobile phones are constantly searching for a strong signal. At cruising altitudes (typically around 35,000 feet), phones attempt to connect with multiple towers at once, creating unnecessary strain on cellular networks below.

What actually happens if you don’t switch?

Let’s break it down:

You may cause minor interference

Airlines and aviation regulators have acknowledged that modern aircraft are generally well shielded against electromagnetic interference. That said, mobile signals can still create a background “buzz” in the cockpit’s headphones - similar to the sound of a phone next to a speaker when it receives a call or message.

It’s unlikely that a single phone will disrupt critical systems, but with more devices left on, the cumulative effect increases. It’s not about panic, it's about precaution.

Battery drain and signal search

If your phone isn't in airplane mode, it will continuously search for a cellular signal that doesn’t exist. This can drain your battery quickly and may cause the phone to overheat. It also places unnecessary strain on the mobile network infrastructure on the ground, as your device connects and disconnects from towers sporadically.

Did you know that, airlines have some rules for flying with a power bank in your luggage? They often limit the maximum power capacity of power banks allowed on flights. For instance, power banks with over 100 watt-hours (Wh) may require airline approval. So, be sure to check the Wh rating of your power bank before you travel!

Potential non-compliance with aviation laws

In many countries, including the United States and those within the European Union, failure to follow crew instructions, which includes switching your phone to airplane mode, is considered a violation of aviation safety regulations. While enforcement is rare, it could technically result in fines or being denied boarding on future flights. In short, it’s not just a recommendation - it’s the law. Find out here when you are eligible for a denied boarding compensation.

What about Wi-Fi and Bluetooth on planes?

Many airlines now offer in-flight Wi-Fi and allow Bluetooth to remain active during flights, especially for headphones or keyboards. In these cases, once your device is in airplane mode, you can manually turn Wi-Fi or Bluetooth back on without re-enabling the cellular connection.

Airplane mode is not about disconnecting you from everything; it’s about managing and minimizing signal interference. If your airline allows it, you can safely stream content, send messages via apps like WhatsApp or iMessage, and even take calls over Wi-Fi (if permitted).

The future: are these rules outdated?

Some critics argue that airplane mode is becoming less relevant, especially with advancements in aircraft technology and better shielding against electronic interference. In fact, Europe has begun considering relaxing airplane mode rules, especially on 5G-enabled aircraft that use dedicated in-flight mobile networks.

However, until such changes are adopted globally and standardized across all airlines and aircraft types, airplane mode remains the universal safety protocol.

Think of it as a low-effort, high-impact safety measure. It’s easy to do, doesn’t limit your ability to use your phone for most tasks, and helps ensure a safer flight for everyone onboard.

How to enable airplane mode (quick guide)

📱For most smartphones:

iPhone: Swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) and tap the airplane icon. It turns orange when active.

Android: Swipe down from the top of the screen to access Quick Settings, then tap the airplane icon.

Once airplane mode is enabled, you can go back into your settings to turn Wi-Fi or Bluetooth back on manually, if allowed.

Final thoughts

While your phone won’t cause a plane to fall from the sky if you forget to activate airplane mode, the risks associated with non-compliance, however small, aren’t worth it. The rule exists for a reason: to minimize even the slightest chance of interference with critical flight systems and to ensure the smooth operation of both the aircraft and mobile networks on the ground.

Switching to airplane mode is simple, takes just a second, and contributes to everyone’s safety. So next time you hear the announcement, take it seriously and flip that switch.