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Airplane mode still required during flights despite evolving technology

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Airplane mode still required during flights despite evolving technology
Research
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Mimi Wright Social media manager | The Points Guy

By now, most air travelers are familiar with the routine announcement after boarding: "Please turn off your phone or put it on airplane mode." The question remains whether this is necessary.

The answer is yes, according to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). FAA regulations require passengers to switch their phones to airplane mode while flying. As stated on the FAA website, "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."

Airlines continue to make this announcement due to concerns that cell signals might interfere with navigation and communication systems. However, evidence supporting this interference is limited. An FAA study from 2012 found almost no instances of cellphone usage disrupting an aircraft.

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Since then, technology has advanced significantly, entering the 5G era. In 2022, Europe approved using cellphones on planes through 5G connectivity for calls and data usage. This decision contrasts sharply with U.S. authorities' stance, who were concerned about potential interference from 5G antennas leading to flight disruptions.

Despite technological advancements minimizing risks of interference, some remain cautious about cellphone signals affecting modern aircraft systems. A pilot recently gained attention on TikTok by urging passengers to use airplane mode as a legitimate safety measure.

Wi-Fi signals offered on planes are considered less risky than cellphone signals because they operate at lower strength and different frequencies.

For now, using airplane mode remains likely due to concerns over adding stress during air travel. Henry Harteveldt from Atmosphere Research Group explained that voice and video call bans would likely persist since airplanes are crowded environments where tensions can arise easily.

Harteveldt noted that airlines prefer maintaining current rules so they can attribute complaints to the FAA rather than themselves: "The airlines want the FAA to leave this in place because that way when passengers complain they can point the finger at the FAA."

In conclusion, while there may be little evidence of actual risk from cellphone use during flights, regulatory mandates keep policies unchanged for peacekeeping purposes within confined spaces like airplanes.

Organizations Included in this History
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