A last little message, a call, a little vocal to say that we will soon take off. After all, plane mode is really used for something? Some passengers forget or completely refuse to activate it, but this instruction is not so harmless and not to respect it can have direct consequences on flight conditions, especially for pilots, explains the American magazine Wired.
In 2017, a survey by Allianz Travel Insurance with 1,500 American travelers revealed that 40% of them sometimes recognize the plane mode. Almost 14% even admitted having made calls or sent SMS in full flight. If this is your case, we do not judge you, but we still advise you to read this article if you do not want to be responsible for the crash for your long-haul.
Without plane mode, phones emit waves. You probably do not notice it from your seat, but the pilots, they hear them very well since they cause an incessant buzz in their helmet. You can imagine: the more active devices on the plane, the more the sound nuisance increases.
The problem arises mainly in the United States, where the frequencies of 5G interfere with those of the radio altimeter, an essential tool for measuring altitude, especially in takeoff and landing. In the European Union, networks work differently, which allows certain companies to authorize the use of 5G in full flight.
Comfort for all
Failure to comply with crew instructions is considered a federal offense in the United States. In theory, this can lead to a fine or exclusion from theft, but generally this ends with a passive-aggressive recall of the air hostess. The latter will remind you of the rule before checking that your belt is well in order.
Keeping your phone active is also risking emptying your battery faster, connecting to an unsecured network or exceed your mobile plan by flying over other countries. Airplane mode therefore allows you to protect your tranquility, in addition to saving your pilot’s ears.
Even if this will not trigger a air disaster, refusing to activate the plane mode amounts to unnecessarily complicating the work of those who ensure your safety. A minimal effort within everyone’s reach.
