Airlines ask passengers to turn off electronic devices during take-off and landing to avoid any electromagnetic interference that could disrupt the aircraft's navigation and communication instruments.
Our electronic devices — phones, tablets, laptops — emit weak electromagnetic waves. Individually, a single smartphone is not worrying. The concern arises when hundreds of devices are turned on at the same time, during takeoff or landing. The accumulation of these signals can cause interference with the airplane's electronic systems. Even minimal, this disruption could affect some sensitive instruments and reduce flight safety. A precautionary measure, therefore, because we always prefer to err on the side of caution when flying ten thousand meters above the ground!
Personal electronic devices, such as mobile phones or tablets, emit electromagnetic waves. These can temporarily disrupt the sensitive instruments of the aircraft that are responsible for accurately measuring altitude, speed, or trajectory. Even though modern airplanes are generally well-protected, some navigation instruments operate with weak and delicate signals that a small interference could slightly distort. During critical phases, namely take-offs and landings, even the slightest error or confusion is riskier: incorrect information, no matter how minor, could complicate a delicate maneuver. Therefore, it is more out of precaution than fear of a systematic accident that airlines prefer to eliminate any doubt during these key moments.
When your phone or tablet is turned on, it emits electromagnetic waves. These waves can cause annoying interference in pilots' headsets and disrupt their radio communications with air traffic control. A misunderstood piece of information between the pilot and the controller can quickly become problematic, especially during crucial phases like landing or takeoff. Hence the simple rule of airplane mode or turning off devices to avoid any unintended interference.
When an airline requires you to turn off your smartphone or tablet during takeoff and landing, it's also because it's following specific rules set by authorities like the FAA in the United States or EASA in Europe. These international standards are designed to ensure a common standard of safety across all aircraft, no matter where you travel in the world. Even though the risks of interference are low, airlines prefer to enforce these guidelines strictly to remain compliant with legal requirements. In short, turning off your devices is primarily a matter of strict adherence to international aviation regulations.
By asking passengers to turn off their devices at these specific times, airlines primarily want to prevent passengers from being focused on their screens. In the event of a problem during takeoff or landing, every second counts. Being attentive to the instructions from the cabin crew allows for a quick response if there is a need to evacuate rapidly or adopt a safety position. In an emergency, a passenger engrossed in their tablet or phone is likely to be less alert, with slower reactions. That’s why it’s better to put everything away when the plane is on the ground or at low altitude, in order to be fully mentally available in case things go wrong. The main idea here is to limit distractions to maximize safety chances in the rare cases of a crisis.
Contrary to popular belief, a NASA study in 2003 found that some personal electronic devices do indeed emit signals that could potentially cause slight interference with onboard systems.
Since 2014, the European Union Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) has relaxed the rules regarding the use of electronic devices in-flight, allowing airlines to decide for themselves whether passengers can use them during takeoff or landing.
The requirement to turn off or switch electronic devices to airplane mode also allows passengers to pay greater attention to the safety instructions provided by the crew during the critical phases of the flight.
According to a study conducted by a major airline, about 30% of passengers do not consistently follow the instruction to switch to airplane mode, even though this could theoretically increase—albeit slightly—the risk of electromagnetic interference.
It is necessary for passengers to stow their headphones during critical phases of the flight in order to clearly hear the safety instructions and vital information provided in case of an emergency.
The actual risk of causing a serious interference is low but not zero. These recommendations stem from the precautionary principle to ensure optimal flight safety.
Raising the porthole shutters allows for better visibility outside, facilitating the crew and passengers' observation of abnormal situations outside, thus enhancing flight safety.
Yes, although there are common guidelines set by international organizations like ICAO, each company can adopt more or less strict controls according to its own internal policies.
Yes. The vast majority of airlines allow the use of devices in airplane mode as long as cellular signals and wireless connections are disabled.
0% of respondents passed this quiz completely!
Question 1/5
