Have you ever wondered why it’s recommended that you put your phone on airplane mode when flying? The explanation behind this is as follows:
Because certain modern airplanes were created before the debut of phones and tablets, they cause disruptions with network towers beneath, resulting in noise in general due to the emissions from the device’s radio, which can reach up to 8W; but that’s not all. On a plane, there are more reasons to obey this easy guideline.
It shows courtesy
Switching your phone to “flight mode” expresses your gratitude to those who are responsible for getting you where you need to go.
It’s not allowed in some countries
Phones that aren’t in “flight mode” aren’t allowed on planes in several countries, such as the United States. Because that requirement is in their FAA-approved manuals, and because the FAA signs those manuals, refusing to comply is a violation of the FARs, which is a type of legislation known as “Managerial Law.” Furthermore, failing to follow the guidelines (Admin Law) is a violation of the FARs. Keep this in mind if you ever find yourself in the United States.
Your phone battery will run out easily
Gadgets try to link up with a cell organization. If it can’t, it then increases the transmitter’s power to its maximum setting in an attempt to connect with a cell tower on the ground when it flies above it. Working in such harsh conditions will deplete your battery’s life, even if only for a few hours. If your plane has Wi-Fi and the device Wi-Fi is turned on, it will be subjected to a double shot as two transmitters (phone network and Wi-Fi), and will work hard to connect to both signals at the same time.
What if I forget to turn it off?
Nothing might happen in the end. There is a risk that there will be a temporary obstruction, but the chances are slim, and some planes do allow PDAs in the cabin. They accomplish this by having a nearby cell passageway on the plane with which your device communicates, and then associating that indication with a land-based cell organization. If you’ve ever used in-flight Wi-Fi before, you’ll understand what I’m talking about. However, you may be certain that if you leave your phone/gadget on, the plane will not go haywire and crash.
There is still a way to enjoy the internet with your phone while flying
Wi-fi enabled gadgets that enable you to stream movies and videos at high speeds without interfering with the signals from the aircraft are provided by some airlines, so if you need to use your phone on a plane, look for airlines that provide this service; however, some airlines do not provide this service for free.
Final note
Air mode of transportation isn’t as time consuming as travelling by land and so placing your phone in “flight mode” will only be for a brief time. Be patient enough to turn off ground communications so you can enjoy a smooth journey.