Here’s What Could Go Wrong If You Forget to Switch to Airplane Mode

If you’ve ever boarded a plane, you’ve heard flight attendants kindly remind passengers to switch their devices to airplane mode. But what happens if you accidentally forget? “No, it’s not the end of the world,” explains U.S. airline pilot and Army veteran @PerchPoint, who uses TikTok to demystify flying. “The plane won’t fall out of the sky, and it won’t even mess with the systems on board.” Despite the reassurance, forgetting airplane mode isn’t entirely harmless either. Your phone continuously searches for cellular signals, sending out radio waves. While these signals typically don’t impact critical flight systems, they can cause disruptions to communication devices in the cockpit. As minor as it may seem, this disruption can introduce distractions at crucial moments. So, what exactly are the real-world consequences of skipping airplane mode, and why is this simple switch important? Let’s break it down clearly, backed by real insights from professionals.

Why Airplane Mode Matters

First, why exactly does airplane mode exist? It essentially turns off your phone’s cellular and wireless signals, stopping your device from continuously searching for network connections. When several phones onboard start seeking signals, they collectively emit radio waves. As @PerchPoint explains, “If you have an aircraft with 70, 80, 150 people onboard, and even three or four people’s phones start trying to make a connection, it sends out radio waves.”

These signals, while not dangerous, can create bothersome interference in the cockpit. This manifests as an irritating buzzing in the pilot’s headset, similar to “a mosquito in your ear.” Though it sounds trivial, imagine trying to follow detailed instructions amid constant background noise—it quickly becomes distracting and potentially problematic during crucial flight operations.

How It Affects Pilot Communication

Here’s what that interference actually feels like from the pilot’s perspective. @PerchPoint shared a recent experience: “Last night in San Francisco, we had pushed off the gate, disconnected from the tug, started the engines, and turned toward the taxiways. When I called ground control for clearance directions, an annoying buzz filled my headset.”

While this scenario didn’t lead to disaster, it clearly demonstrates how such interference can complicate critical communication. Pilots often have just seconds to absorb and respond to air traffic control instructions. Any confusion or distraction caused by buzzing sounds can lead to repeated clarifications, delays, or even misunderstandings.

Can This Affect Flight Safety?

Though your phone won’t cause technical failures, distractions introduced by communication interference could indirectly affect flight safety. In high-traffic airports, timely and clear communication between pilots and controllers is essential, especially during busy periods like takeoff, landing, or taxiing. Pilots rely heavily on uninterrupted instructions to navigate safely and efficiently.

As @PerchPoint emphasizes, “It’s not the end of the world, but it’s definitely pretty annoying when you’re trying to copy down instructions.” Even minor distractions can elevate stress levels and workload for pilots, subtly impacting their performance during critical tasks.

Effects Beyond the Cockpit

Apart from cockpit interference, your active cell phone can affect your own battery life and privacy. When your device searches continuously for signals it can’t reliably connect to at cruising altitudes, it rapidly drains your battery. Additionally, cellular networks at high altitudes can struggle to manage connections smoothly, potentially causing erratic phone behavior.

Switching to airplane mode isn’t just about courtesy to the flight crew—it also preserves your device’s battery, keeping it ready for use upon landing. It’s a simple switch that makes your travel experience smoother, more predictable, and safer.

Airline Policies and Regulations

Aviation authorities worldwide require airlines to enforce rules limiting cellular transmissions aboard aircraft. Forgetting airplane mode once probably won’t lead to consequences, but repeated or intentional non-compliance might result in penalties or fines.

While most airlines approach these situations with reminders rather than punishments, persistent disregard could escalate if it becomes frequent or problematic. Complying with these guidelines demonstrates respect for crew procedures and helps maintain smooth operations.

Easy Tips to Remember Airplane Mode

So, how can you consistently remember to switch to airplane mode? Consider making it part of your boarding routine—something you do alongside buckling your seatbelt or settling into your seat. If relying on memory feels unreliable, try using location-based or time-based reminders on your phone to automatically prompt airplane mode activation when it’s time to fly.

Implementing these simple strategies can significantly reduce the likelihood of forgetting this crucial step, ensuring your next flight—and every flight—is smoother and distraction-free.