Is Airplane Mode During Flights Still Necessary?

Asian Woman sitting at window seat in airplane and turn on airplane mode on mobile

Is airplane mode still necessary during flights? For years, airline passengers have heard the familiar instruction to switch their devices to airplane mode. This practice originated out of safety concerns, but technology and regulations are evolving.

Below, we’ll explore what airplane mode actually does, why it has been required on flights, the latest guidance from aviation authorities like the FAA and EASA, whether cellular signals truly threaten aircraft systems, differences in airline policies around the world, best practices for travelers, and how in-flight connectivity (like Wi-Fi and 5G) is shaping the future of airplane mode.

What Does Airplane Mode Do?

Airplane mode is a setting on phones, tablets, and other devices (often indicated by a small airplane icon) that disables all wireless communications – cellular voice and data, SMS texting, Bluetooth, and often Wi-Fi (though Wi-Fi can usually be re-enabled separately). In essence, when you activate airplane mode, your device stops transmitting radio signals. You can still access offline features and, if permitted by the airline, enable the device’s Wi-Fi or Bluetooth for in flight entertainment or internet via the plane’s network.

However, airplane mode ensures your phone will not connect to any mobile cellular network on the ground or in the air. This feature was designed to make it simple for travelers to comply with airline rules: one tap to shut off all transmissions.

Why Has Airplane Mode Been Required on Flights?

For decades, aviation authorities have required passengers to turn off or use airplane mode on portable electronics during flights. The traditional rationale is preventing potential interference with the aircraft’s communication and navigation systems.

Electronic devices can emit signals in frequency bands that might overlap with those used by avionics. In theory, an active cellphone or radio could create electromagnetic interference with critical cockpit equipment.

This concern isn’t merely hypothetical, it has roots in history. In fact, the first bans on in flight electronics date back to the 1960s. The FAA implemented a ban in 1961 on certain radio receivers after finding that strong FM radio transmissions could disrupt aircraft navigation communications.

Early avionics were more susceptible to interference, so regulators adopted a better safe than sorry approach. Since then, passengers have been asked to limit device use, especially during takeoff and landing, and to keep cellular functions off at all times aloft.

Another reason airplane mode (or outright powering down devices) became standard is due to regulatory overlap with communications authorities. The U.S. Federal Communications Commission (FCC) in 1991 prohibited airborne cellphone use, but interestingly this was primarily to protect cellular networks on the ground. A phone at 30,000 feet could connect to multiple cell towers and potentially wreak havoc with terrestrial network operations.

While technology has advanced to mitigate this, the FCC’s ban on in flight voice calls remains in place in the U.S., bolstered by public concerns that in flight calls could lead to noisy, disruptive “air rage” incidents.

In summary, airplane mode has been required out of an abundance of caution, both to avoid any chance of radio interference with flight systems and to adhere to communications regulations.

Historically there was little data on how personal electronic devices might affect aircraft, so the safest policy was to restrict their signals completely.

Do Cellular Signals Really Interfere with Aircraft Systems?

Does leaving your phone’s cellular signal on actually pose a risk to the plane?

Modern research and experience suggest the risk is extremely low. Cellphones operate at frequencies much higher than those used by aircraft radios, reducing the chance of meaningful interference.

The FAA has commissioned studies (in 2006 and 2012) that found no evidence that typical cellphone signals interfere with aircraft systems. Similarly, the consensus of many experts is that in newer aircraft with advanced shielding and digital systems, any electromagnetic interference from passenger devices is minimal to nonexistent.

Pilots and avionics experts generally agree that a handful of phones trying to connect from a pressurized metal tube isn’t going to crash a modern plane. In other words, the theoretical possibility exists, but in practice no serious incident has been attributed to passenger devices operating normally.

That said, there have been occasional anecdotal reports of interference, for example, a pilot hearing a buzzing noise in their headset that they suspected was caused by a phone trying to connect. But such reports are rare, and experts are skeptical about blaming phones in those cases.

There’s far more electromagnetic activity in the cockpit from the plane’s own radar, radios, and electrical systems. A few smartphones in the cabin are simply drowned out by comparison.

The one area of active concern in recent years has been the rollout of new 5G cellular networks and their potential to interfere with aircraft radio altimeters (devices that measure altitude). In the U.S., certain 5G frequencies (in the C-band spectrum) came under scrutiny for being close to the frequencies used by some older radio altimeters, raising alarms that 5G signals from ground towers could affect altimeter readings during landing.

This led to some precautionary measures near airports. However, it’s important to note this is about 5G network towers on the ground not passengers’ phones specifically. In any case, regulators in Europe say their 5G allocations use different frequencies and lower power limits, so they don’t see the same risk.

According to Dai Whittingham, chief of the UK Flight Safety Committee, “the risk of interference is very small” with modern 5G in the EU, given how the systems are set up.

Bottom line: the consensus in 2025 is that cellular signals pose little to no threat to aircraft systems, especially in newer planes. The continued requirement for airplane mode is less about proven dangers and more about regulations, precaution, and a desire to avoid any risk or distraction.

Latest Regulatory Guidance: FAA vs. EASA

Regulators have begun to update their guidance as technology evolves, but not all countries are moving at the same pace. Here’s a look at how the U.S. and Europe differ:

United States (FAA & FCC): In the U.S., both the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) and the FCC continue to enforce rules requiring cellular signals to be turned off during flight. The FAA’s official policy is that devices “must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled” while airborne. U.S. regulations (codified in Title 14 of aeronautics regulations and Title 47 of telecom regulations) effectively ban in flight cellphone use unless an airline proves no interference with its equipment. This means it’s not just airline policy it’s federal law. The FAA allows use of Wi-Fi devices if the airline provides a Wi-Fi system, but your phone’s cellular radio must remain off. The FCC’s ban on making voice calls also still stands. In fact, attempts to lift the FCC’s ban (to allow calls) have met fierce opposition due to concerns over cabin noise and unruly behavior. As of 2025, airplane mode is still mandatory on all U.S. flights from takeoff to landing, and you won’t hear any U.S. airline telling you otherwise.
Europe (EASA & EU): In Europe, regulators have been more progressive in integrating personal device use into flight. The European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) and the European Commission have updated their guidance to reflect the minimal risk. Back in 2014, EASA first allowed European airlines to permit gate to gate use of portable electronics in airplane mode. More recently, the EU has gone a step further. In late 2022, the European Commission ruled that airlines can provide 5G connectivity on board planes, alongside other mobile data services. In other words, the EU is paving the way for passengers to use their phones without enabling airplane mode during flight, by connecting to onboard cellular networks. EU member states had a deadline of June 30, 2023 to make certain 5G frequencies available for in flight use. This doesn’t mean every European flight immediately became a phone friendly free for all, but it means airlines have the regulatory green light to equip planes with technology for safe in flight cellular service. EASA officials have voiced confidence that such usage is safe, noting Europe’s 5G bands and power limits are set to avoid interference issues. As a result, airplane mode may soon become optional on many EU flights, once airlines implement the necessary onboard systems. Some European carriers are already trialing or rolling out services that allow passengers to send texts, make calls, or use mobile data at cruising altitudes via a plane’s built-in network.

It’s worth noting that other regions have their own rules too. In most of the world, the default has been similar to the U.S. (requiring flight mode). But some countries’ airlines have offered limited cellular services for years.

For example, Emirates, Qatar Airways, and certain Asia Pacific and Middle Eastern carriers installed onboard mobile networks (picocells) that allow passengers to make calls or send texts once at cruise altitude.

Emirates was the first to do this back in 2008, outfitting some Airbus A340s with a system to prevent interference while letting passengers connect their own phones. Those calls and texts are routed through the aircraft’s satellite link, and crew can still enforce quiet hours or disable the service as needed. These examples show that, technologically, in flight phone use can be made safe, it’s largely a question of policy and passenger tolerance.

Airline Policies: What Travelers Can Expect

Airline policies today generally follow their national regulations, but there is some variation and evolving practice:

U.S. and Canada: Airlines uniformly require airplane mode on personal devices for the entire flight. You’ll hear announcements to switch off cellular service before departure. In flight Wi-Fi (when offered) can be used, but typically airlines explicitly prohibit VoIP or Wi-Fi calling to maintain a quiet cabin. Don’t expect to see U.S. airlines allowing cell calls or data directly to ground networks any time soon, since it’s against FAA/FCC rules.
Europe: Until recently, European carriers also insisted on flight mode. Now, with EU policy changes, airlines have the option to allow connectivity. In practice, it may vary by airline and aircraft: some flights might already enable 3G/4G/5G connections through an onboard system (often for a fee), while others have yet to implement the new tech. During the transition, you should follow crew instructions, if they still ask for airplane mode, that remains the rule on that flight. As onboard 5G becomes common, you may start hearing announcements that you can connect your phone to the in-flight network after takeoff (likely with guidance on how to do so). European airlines are also likely to maintain some etiquette policies (e.g. designated “quiet hours” or discouraging voice calls) to keep peace in the cabin.
Asia and Middle East: A number of carriers (Emirates, Etihad, Turkish Airlines, etc.) have offered in-flight connectivity for years. If you fly with them, you might have the ability to use your phone to send SMS or even make calls, but only via the airline’s provided network. The cabin crew will instruct you when it’s okay to use those services (usually above 10,000 feet). These airlines generally still ask you to enable airplane mode at takeoff, then connect to their Wi-Fi or cellular hotspot if available. Always pay attention to the specific airline’s briefing.
Rest of the World: Many regions follow the conservative approach: devices in airplane mode unless the airline has explicit permission and equipment to allow connectivity. As international standards catch up, more airlines will likely introduce connectivity on long haul routes.

In short, always listen to the crew’s instructions. Airlines will tell you if and when it’s permitted to turn off airplane mode. Policies can even differ between aircraft types or flights. When in doubt, keep cellular off until you have confirmation it’s allowed.

Best Practices for Travelers

Even as rules change, it’s important for travelers to use their devices responsibly and safely. Here are some best practices:

Enable airplane mode when instructed: As a rule of thumb, switch your phone to airplane mode before your flight leaves the gate. This ensures compliance with regulations and prevents your device from constantly searching for signals as the plane ascends (which also saves battery life).
Use Wi-Fi or airline-provided networks: If your flight offers Wi-Fi, you can turn on Wi-Fi (and Bluetooth if needed) after enabling airplane mode. This way, you can stay connected for internet messaging, email, or streaming without enabling cellular signals. On some flights (especially in Europe now), you might be invited to join an onboard mobile network, follow the airline’s instructions to safely connect.
Wait for the crew’s announcement: Typically, airlines will make an announcement when it’s safe to use approved electronic devices. In the U.S., small devices can be used in airplane mode even during takeoff/landing, but laptops often need to be stowed. Pay attention to announcements about when you may use Wi-Fi or if a cellular network is available. Do not turn off airplane mode until you’re explicitly told it’s permitted.
Be mindful of others: Even if in flight calls or voice chats become technically allowed, remember that courtesy is key. Loud conversations can disturb fellow passengers. Many airlines (and passengers) prefer that phone calls are avoided aloft, to maintain a quiet environment. If you must make a call (say, after landing or if allowed in-flight), speak quietly and keep it brief.
Know the landing protocol: Upon landing and after the aircraft has exited the active runway, airlines will usually announce that it’s okay to turn off airplane mode. It’s wise to wait until the plane is taxiing to a stop or the crew gives the green light. Turning off airplane mode too early (while the plane is still in sensitive phases of flight) could be against the rules. And of course, never argue with crew instructions; safety and regulations always come first.

Future Trends: In-Flight Connectivity and the Fate of Airplane Mode

The future is looking more connected. In-flight connectivity via Wi-Fi has become common on many airlines, and now the advent of onboard 5G networks is poised to take connectivity to the next level.

The European Commission’s recent ruling to allow 5G on planes is a game changer. In the coming years, we can expect many airlines (especially in Europe and Asia) to outfit their aircraft with small cell stations that act like miniature cell towers inside the plane, linked to the ground or satellites.

This will let passengers use their phones as much as they would on the ground, streaming videos, sending WhatsApp messages, even making voice calls all while technically remaining in compliance with aviation safety requirements because the phone is connecting to the aircraft’s controlled system.

For travelers, this means the traditional pre-flight reminder to “please ensure your devices are in airplane mode” may eventually fade away, at least on some flights.

Airplane mode is not likely to disappear overnight, though. In the U.S., regulatory and social hurdles remain. The FAA and FCC would both need to agree to lift the ban, which, as experts note, is “enshrined” in multiple regulations and has strong opposition from those fearing noisy cabins. So U.S. airlines will probably stick with the status quo for a while, perhaps expanding Wi-Fi services but still requiring cellular functions off.

However, elsewhere we’ll see a gradual shift. Airlines will advertise high speed in flight internet and mobile service as a perk. New airplanes are being delivered with the latest communication tech ready to go. There may be standardized “quiet hours” or silent sections on planes to balance connectivity with courtesy, as suggested by early user feedback in Europe.

In-flight entertainment systems might integrate with your phone, or your phone could become the entertainment system via streaming over the plane’s network.

In the long run, as technology continues to improve and regulators become more comfortable, we might reach a point where airplane mode is largely a relic, something you only use if you want to disconnect or save battery, rather than a mandated safety measure.

For now, though, it’s a good idea to keep flipping that switch when you fly, unless you’re told otherwise. It costs nothing to comply, and it ensures you’re following the rules and keeping the skies as safe (and peaceful) as possible.

Call to Action

Have you ever wondered about the need for airplane mode during flights, or had an experience with in-flight connectivity you want to share?

Let us know your thoughts, questions, or travel tips in the comments!

If you found this post helpful, consider subscribing for more practical guides on tech and travel.

Sources

Anthropic’s Claude-Written Blog: Why It Was Shut Down Weeks After Launch

Anthropic’s Claude-written blog was a short-lived experiment in AI-generated content....

Jonathan Aquilina - Eagle Eye T

June 15, 2025