Yes, you still have to put your phone in airplane mode on an airplane
Editor's Note
By now, we're all familiar with the overhead announcement that typically comes after boarding is complete: "Please turn off your phone or put it on airplane mode." The question is, do you really have to?
The simple answer is yes, you have to put your phone in airplane mode on a plane. Why? Because the Federal Aviation Administration mandates it. FAA regulations require all passengers to put their phones in airplane mode while in the air.
"The FCC [Federal Communications Commission] and FAA ban cell phones for airborne use because its signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments. Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled," per the FAA website.
That's why airlines make that announcement during every flight. The concern is that cell signals could potentially interfere with navigation and communication systems. That's a perfectly reasonable assumption, and it's one that many people have held since the dawn of the cellphone era. However, there is little evidence to support the premise that cellphone signals interfere with a plane's navigation or communications systems.
The FAA actually did a study on this back in 2012. The report found practically no instances where cellphone usage disrupted an aircraft. Cellphones have become even more embedded in modern society since then, and technology has continued to advance. We're in the 5G era now, and the thinking about cellphone use while on a plane has evolved. In 2022, Europe approved the use of cellphones on planes through 5G connectivity for calls and data usage.
The EU decision is in sharp contrast to the stance of U.S. authorities, who were once so concerned about 5G antennas on the ground interfering with airplane operations that it led to flight cancellations and diversions. However, 5G signals use different frequency bands than airplane communications systems, minimizing the risk of interference. Still, the increased sophistication of modern aircraft and their automated systems has not diminished some people's concerns that cellphone signals could interfere with an airplane's systems.
In fact, a pilot recently went viral on TikTok for a video he posted where he urged passengers to use airplane mode. He said "it's not a conspiracy," but a legitimate safety issue.
You may be wondering why cellphone signals are considered a potential risk, but Wi-Fi signals (which most planes offer) aren't. This is because Wi-Fi operates at lower strength and on different frequencies than cellphones.
But the true reason why you'll most likely still have to use airplane mode for the foreseeable future is because the FAA does not want to risk doing anything that would add to the stress of air travel. "I expect that the ban on voice calls and video calls will remain in place, at least for the foreseeable future, simply because airplanes are crowded shared environments," Henry Harteveldt, an aviation industry analyst for San Francisco-based Atmosphere Research Group, said. "Even on a good day, there's tension in the cabin from people given how full aircraft airline flights are."
Harteveldt added that he doubts the airline industry is in any rush to change the rules. "The airlines want the FAA to leave this in place because that way, when passengers complain, they can point the finger to the FAA and say, 'Well, we hear you, but it's their fault,'" he said.
For the airlines, the airplane mode mandate saves them the trouble of being the bad guy, and it also acts as a peacekeeping method that helps keep the friendly skies ... friendly.
"The airlines are probably telling the FAA, 'don't you dare change this policy,'" Harteveldt said. "I don't believe that airlines or the FAA want to risk further aggravating passengers by subjecting them to listening to their neighbor's conversations in an enclosed space where you literally have no room to escape."
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There’s a lot to love about the Amex Gold. It’s a fan favorite thanks to its fantastic bonus-earning rates at restaurants worldwide and at U.S. supermarkets. If you’re hitting the skies soon, you’ll also earn bonus Membership Rewards points on travel. Paired with up to $120 in Uber Cash annually (for U.S. Uber rides or Uber Eats orders, card must be added to Uber app and you can redeem with any Amex card), up to $120 in annual dining statement credits to be used with eligible partners, an up to $84 Dunkin’ credit each year at U.S. Dunkin Donuts and an up to $100 Resy credit annually, there’s no reason that foodies shouldn’t add the Amex Gold to their wallet. These benefits alone are worth more than $400, which offsets the $325 annual fee on the Amex Gold card. Enrollment is required for select benefits. (Partner offer)Pros
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- 3 points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with the airline or with amextravel.com
- Packed with credits foodies will enjoy
- Solid welcome bonus
Cons
- Not as useful for those living outside the U.S.
- Some may have trouble using Uber and other dining credits
- You may be eligible for as high as 100,000 Membership Rewards® Points after you spend $6,000 in eligible purchases on your new Card in your first 6 months of Card Membership. Welcome offers vary and you may not be eligible for an offer. Apply to know if you’re approved and find out your exact welcome offer amount – all with no credit score impact. If you’re approved and choose to accept the Card, your score may be impacted.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on purchases at restaurants worldwide, on up to $50,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 4X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent at US supermarkets, on up to $25,000 in purchases per calendar year, then 1X points for the rest of the year.
- Earn 3X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on flights booked directly with airlines or on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 2X Membership Rewards® points per dollar spent on prepaid hotels and other eligible purchases booked on AmexTravel.com.
- Earn 1X Membership Rewards® point per dollar spent on all other eligible purchases.
- $120 Uber Cash on Gold: Add your Gold Card to your Uber account and get $10 in Uber Cash each month to use on orders and rides in the U.S. when you select an American Express Card for your transaction. That’s up to $120 Uber Cash annually. Plus, after using your Uber Cash, use your Card to earn 4X Membership Rewards® points for Uber Eats purchases made with restaurants or U.S. supermarkets. Point caps and terms apply.
- $84 Dunkin' Credit: With the $84 Dunkin' Credit, you can earn up to $7 in monthly statement credits after you enroll and pay with the American Express® Gold Card at U.S. Dunkin' locations. Enrollment is required to receive this benefit.
- $100 Resy Credit: Get up to $100 in statement credits each calendar year after you pay with the American Express® Gold Card to dine at U.S. Resy restaurants or make other eligible Resy purchases. That's up to $50 in statement credits semi-annually. Enrollment required.
- $120 Dining Credit: Satisfy your cravings, sweet or savory, with the $120 Dining Credit. Earn up to $10 in statement credits monthly when you pay with the American Express® Gold Card at Grubhub, The Cheesecake Factory, Goldbelly, Wine.com, and Five Guys. Enrollment required.
- Explore over 1,000 upscale hotels worldwide with The Hotel Collection and receive a $100 credit towards eligible charges* with every booking of two nights or more through AmexTravel.com. *Eligible charges vary by property.
- No Foreign Transaction Fees.
- Annual Fee is $325.
- Terms Apply.