Flight Attendant Shares Why Your Phone Needs To Be On Flight Mode On A Plane

A flight attendant with almost a decade of experience flying as a cabin staff has revealed the very reason why you must put your phone on airplane mode while taking off. Whether you're a seasoned traveller or taking to the skies for the first time, scores of people will reach into their pockets and turn their phones to airoplane mode when the in-flight cabin staff instructs you to do so over the aircraft speaker system.

Who shared the interesting fact about having your phone on airplane mode during takeoff?

Mandy Smith has been a cabin crew member for almost 12 years | Image: LADBible

There is a very crucial reason why we are not allowed to use our phones while flying. Mandy Smith, a cabin crew member for almost 12 years, told LADbible why we can't use our phones to call anyone or access the internet via mobile network (4G/5G) while 30,000 feet up.

"Is airplane mode necessary? Right."

Why do passengers need to have their phone on airplane mode?

Mady lists the reason in an interview with LADBible | Image: LADBible

Mandy answers, "I am thinking you are referring to your iPads, computers, and mobile phones? If you're aware that the airplane mode needs to be on, please do so, because this is to prevent us losing the signal from a beacon."

(Also read: Flight Crew Love Story: Pilot Pops The Question To Flight Attendant Mid-Air, Internet Buzzes)

Mandy also adds: "So, radio beacons. Assume a radio beacon is there, and you are approaching or departing, and it indicates where the ground is and its elevation. The airplane is following that beacon and will come in. So, any other radio signals, such as mobile phones are not allowed, because they could interfere with that signal."

How can passengers use phones while flying then?

However, a verdict by the European Union (EU) may cause things to change shortly. The EU determined in 2022 that travellers would soon be free to fully use mobile phones while flying.

The European Commission has concluded that airlines can now provide 5G onboard flights | Image: REUTERS

(Also read: Flight Attendant Reveals Why She Refuses To Drink Tea Or Coffee On The Plane)

The European Commission has concluded that airlines can now provide 5G onboard flights. To prevent interference with radio towers and traffic management, 'pico-cells' will be installed, which will keep communications systems between a plane and the ground on a distinct list.

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