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If you’ve been on an airplane lately, you may have noticed two types of people. There’s the person who immediately switches their phone into airplane mode and there’s the person who seemingly ignores the guidelines. But secretly, using your phone is actually safe. 

Is it safe to use your phone on an airplane? 

Yes, it is safe to use your phone on an airplane. However, flight attendants constantly remind passengers to place their devices in airplane mode without explaining why. 

It wasn’t that long ago when you were told to turn your cell phone off while flying. You may recall turning your old Blackberry or flip phone off before taking off. 

But in 2013, the Federal Aviation Administration determined that passengers can keep their devices on during flights as long as they’re switched to airplane mode. 

The practice is rooted in best safety practices as mobile device usage is linked to system malfunctions. Phone signals may interfere with aircraft navigation and landing guidance systems. However, the systems have continuously improved. 

Interference is now very rare, but it may still occur due to different types of phones and the combination of multiple phones being used at once. 

A man using his phone during a flight
Man using his phone on an airplane | iStock

Basically, talking on your phone can be heard on pilot headsets and the in-flight deck system during communications. Pilots don’t want extra noise but according to CNTraveler, there is no effect on the aircraft. 

The UK and EU have allowed airlines in its member countries to provide passengers with 5G network in the air, meaning our mates across the pond don’t have to use airplane mode anymore. 

They don’t have to pay $10 for spotty, weak plane wifi anymore to text or stream music. They’re even allowed to make phone calls. 

But airplanes in America need to update their radio altimeters to address potential interference with 5G C-bands before we get the green light. Only 80% of planes have been updated. 

Also, don’t expect to be able to make phone calls anytime soon. America doesn’t allow passengers to make calls because it could disrupt the comfort and peace of other passengers. But hopefully, you’ll be able to use your phone without airplane mode soon.

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Allison Barfield

Allison Barfield joined MotorBiscuit in 2020 and covers all things trucks, SUVs, and Jeeps. Having grown up on a farm in Rock Hill, South Carolina, she’s no stranger to the “Best in Class” truck and SUV debates; people in her hometown were always gathering to help work on vehicles together, and deliberation would naturally arise.

Allison graduated from the University of South Carolina with a degree in Media Arts. She has helped bring awareness to issues Women In Trucking face and has promoted Truckers Against Trafficking, an anti-trafficking NGO.

A fan of creatively dark literature, Allison appreciates the works of Shirley Jackson and Emily Dickenson. She lives in a mountainous area of the country and enjoys off-roading and camping. Her dog, Bruce, often joins her in testing trucks and SUVs for our site.