If you’ve ever wondered what happens if you skip putting your phone on airplane mode on a flight, the answer is surprising. Since 1991, the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) has banned cell phone use on planes due to concerns about potential ground network interference, but the evidence was questionable.
In 2006, the Radio Technical Commission for Aeronautics (RTCA) found no proof that cell phones interfered with ground networks. A year later, the FCC decided the regulations should remain in place out of an abundance of caution. However, research has progressed since then to offer more definitive answers.
Is airplane mode actually necessary?
A man uses his cellphone on an airplane
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In 2012, the FAA released a study about foreign aviation organizations allowing passengers to make and receive calls in flight via onboard cell phone stations. The study found zero confirmed reports of disturbances stemming from airplane cell phone usage.
The following year, newly installed FCC chairman Tom Wheeler petitioned Congress to allow the use of cell phones in flight, stating there was no longer a technical reason for the ban. Wheeler felt that the decision should be left to the airlines. Despite this, Congress refused to budge.
What happens if you don’t put your phone in airplane mode?
A woman uses her laptop and cellphone on an airplane.
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Congress was worried about more than interference with ground networks. Oregon representative Greg Walden told the Washington Post, “Allowing cell phones on planes sounds like the premise for a new reality show – Cage Fighting at 30,000 Feet.“ The airlines seemed to concur, asking the FCC to uphold the regulations to prevent conflicts between passengers.
The regulation remained in place. This means that, regardless of the reasons for the ban, there are potential consequences for passengers who fail to put their phones on airplane mode. In the United States, passengers must obey instructions from the flight crew, including directives to put their phones on airplane mode. Anyone who prevents the flight crew from performing their duties could face potential fines and jail time.
Can airlines tell if your phone is on?
A woman uses her phone on an airplane
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Airlines don’t have access to top-secret technology that can detect if your phone is in airplane mode, but a shrewd flight attendant may be able to figure it out. Just ask actor Alec Baldwin, who was famously kicked off an American Airlines flight for refusing to switch his phone to airplane mode because he was playing “Words with Friends”.
Is it illegal not to turn on airplane mode?
Although it is not technically illegal not to switch your phone to airplane mode, it is against FAA regulations. As previously mentioned, there are consequences for breaking these regulations, at least in the U.S. Meanwhile, European flights have allowed data usage and phone calls via 5G technology since 2023.
Will the United States follow suit and allow cell phone usage on planes in the future? That remains to be seen.