Does Airplane Mode Actually Matter? Pilots Explain

Most travelers flip the switch without a second thought as the cabin doors close. However, aviation insiders have shed light on what actually happens in the cockpit when someone forgets.

It's a handy little feature when you want to unplug from the rest of the world without switching off your phone entirely. But have you ever wondered why you're always asked to put your phone on airplane mode before the flight takes off?

Back in 2024, a pilot went viral on TikTok after explaining that the request isn't a "conspiracy" but rather a way to ensure pilots can communicate clearly through their headsets.

In the video, the airline pilot broke down why airplane mode matters. He noted that if passengers don't use it, "the plane will not fall out of the sky," and the aircraft's systems won't be affected.

"It does have the potential to mess with the headsets," the pilot explained. "If you have an aircraft with 70, 80, 150 people on board, and even three or four people's phones start to try to make a connection to a radio tower for an incoming phone call, it sends out radio waves."

He went on to say that those radio waves could interfere with the signals from the headsets pilots rely on. He also recalled an incident in San Francisco, when the plane he was flying was preparing for takeoff.

"As soon as I started getting the direction, there was like this really annoying buzz going through the headset and it kind of sounds like there's a mosquito in my ear," he said.

He continued, "Like I said, it's not the end of the world, but it's pretty annoying when you're trying to copy down instructions and it sounds like there's just like a wasp or something flying around you."

Randle Corfman, president of the Minnesota Pilots Association, echoed that sentiment, saying little happens during a flight if a phone isn't in airplane mode.

"There is some interference if the cell phones are closer to the flight deck, but it's minimal, just a small buzzing sound apparently in the headsets of the pilots and the flight crew," Corfman said.

Beyond the buzzing, Corfman said he isn't aware of any evidence showing that cell phone use has ever interfered with an aircraft's navigation systems.

Although he initially downplayed the impact, Corfman acknowledged that pilots would rather avoid any distractions while operating the plane, especially anything that affects their ability to hear. Pilots use headsets to speak with the flight crew, flight attendants, and, most importantly, air traffic control.

When a plane is closer to the ground, such as during takeoff or descent, phones that aren't in airplane mode can connect to cell towers and pick up a signal. If a phone then receives a call or text, it could trigger that irritating noise in the pilot's headset.

"Air traffic control is telling us exactly where we can fly, what altitudes, what air speeds, so it's important that we don't miss any communications," Corfman said. "I want no cell phone usage in the aircraft when I'm doing those critical phases of flight."

According to the Federal Aviation Administration website, "The FCC 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."

However, passengers may still go online "if the plane has an installed WiFi system and the airline allows its use." And before you switch to airplane mode this holiday season, find out when to book your Thanksgiving flights.