Discover the potential risks and consequences of not turning on airplane mode on a commercial flight. Learn why following airline guidelines is essential for a safe and smooth travel experience.
When we board a commercial flight, one of the first instructions we receive is to activate airplane mode on our electronic devices. This action has become a standard part of the takeoff and landing process. But what would happen if no one activated airplane mode on a commercial flight? Would it really pose a risk to flight safety? In this article, we will take an in-depth look at the technical, scientific, and operational implications of not following this rule.
What is airplane mode?
Airplane mode is a setting available on most electronic devices, such as mobile phones and tablets, that disables the ability to transmit and receive radio frequency signals, such as cellular, Wi-Fi and Bluetooth. This mode is mandatory during critical phases of flight—takeoff and landing—and is recommended throughout the flight to avoid interference with the aircraft’s communications and navigation systems.
Scientific and technical foundations: electromagnetic interference
Since the invention of radar and radio communication systems on aircraft, there has been concern about the possibility of other electronic devices emitting signals that interfere with these systems. The primary concern is that personal electronic devices, such as cell phones, emit signals that may conflict with the frequencies used by aircraft navigation and communication systems, known as electromagnetic interference (EMI).
Electromagnetic interference can disrupt signals between aircraft and ground control centres, especially during the most critical phases of flight: takeoff and landing. However, studies over the past few decades, such as those conducted by the US Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and Boeing, have found that the risk of interference under normal flight conditions is relatively low.
Still, interference is possible. In particular, mobile devices can operate on frequencies similar to those used by some navigation and communication systems, which could lead to errors in altitude, speed, or direction readings. The FAA classifies this as a “potential hazard,” meaning that while the likelihood is low , the consequences could be severe if it were to occur.
Why is airplane mode still required?
Although aeronautical technology has advanced considerably , restrictions remain on the use of electronic devices due to possible interference and, more recently, the introduction of the 5G network. In several countries, the deployment of 5G networks has raised concerns in the aeronautical industry, since the frequency spectrum used by these networks is very close to that used by some air navigation equipment, such as instrument landing systems (ILS).
The fear is that in areas close to airports where planes rely more heavily on navigation systems to land, 5G signals could interfere with these critical communications. Although 5G networks are already operational in many countries without major problems, research into their effects remains a topic of discussion in the industry.
What happens if no one turns on airplane mode?
If all passengers on a commercial flight decided to ignore the recommendation to turn on airplane mode, the most likely result would be a greater number of radio frequency signals being emitted from the cabin at the same time. However, the aircraft is designed to withstand a certain degree of interference, and serious system failures are unlikely. That said, in rare cases, the following problems could occur:
- Interference in communication and navigation systems: Electronic devices, especially in large numbers, could cause sporadic interference in communications between the aircraft and air traffic controllers. This could lead to misunderstandings or delays in the transmission of critical instructions, especially during takeoff and landing phases.
- Issues with instrument-assisted landing: If the flight is at an airport that uses 5G technology, there is a small risk that interference could cause problems with the instrument landing system, potentially forcing the pilot to perform manual maneuvers rather than relying on the technology.
- Overloading land-based mobile networks: In addition to airborne issues, devices without airplane mode activated would continue to search for connections to cell towers on the ground. If multiple planes with hundreds of passengers on board were flying over the same region without airplane mode activated, the towers could become overloaded, affecting mobile services for users on the ground.
- Air rage or disruptive behaviour on board: A less technical but equally important aspect is the impact that unrestricted use of mobile phones in the cabin would have. Airlines are increasingly concerned about the phenomenon of “air rage”, a form of disruptive behaviour that can be triggered by factors such as passenger stress or noise disturbance. Massive use of phones for in-flight calls could increase discomfort between passengers and staff, leading to delays in service and potential altercations.
Studies and technological advances
In the European Union, since 2014, the use of electronic devices has been permitted throughout the flight, including takeoff and landing, although with restrictions on mobile connections and data usage. This was made possible by the implementation of new interference mitigation technologies and the modernization of aircraft communication and navigation systems.
However, the fact that these regulations have not been implemented uniformly around the world suggests that there are still concerns among aviation authorities about the potential impact of not using airplane mode. In some countries, research is continuing into better solutions to minimize any risk.
Is it necessary to continue using airplane mode?
In summary, while the use of mobile devices does not pose an imminent danger to aircraft safety, it is still prudent to activate airplane mode, primarily for two reasons:
- Preventing interference: Although the risk is low, airlines and aviation authorities prefer to take a precautionary approach until technology advances further or it is proven beyond doubt that there is no possibility of interference.
- Improving the onboard environment : Restricting the use of mobile phones also helps maintain a calmer in-flight environment, reducing the potential for conflict between passengers and ensuring that onboard service runs smoothly.
Airplane mode and other curiosities
Over the years, safety regulations on commercial flights have evolved to adapt to technological advances, but the need to activate airplane mode remains an important preventive measure. In addition, there are many other curiosities in the world of aviation that are worth exploring. For example, did you know that a commercial airplane can fly with only one engine under certain circumstances ? It is also interesting to ask whether you can use your mobile phone on a plane without generating any kind of interference . These questions open the door to discovering much more about how flights work and the measures that guarantee our safety in the air.