Why mobile phones and electronic devices are put on Airplane mode during flight?

Have you ever wondered why you have to either turn off electronic devices including laptops and mobile phones or turn on airplane mode/flight mode while you travel by air? What happens to the devices when you travel thousands of feet above the surface? We will tell you the reason why you are asked to do so:

When you turn on Airplane mode, it disconnects all the wireless connectivity of the device. The device stops transmitting cellular signals. It also turns off the wi-fi connectivity. Airplane mode disables Bluetooth as well.

On the screen, the signal bars are replaced by the airplane icon. 

Why Airplane mode is important?

It is advised to put mobile phones or electronic devices on Airplane mode because signals from devices can interrupt the plane's communication systems. Every device emits powerful radio waves as well as electromagnetic interference. This may affect the aircraft’s communication system, thus creating difficulties.

According to the Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations, mobile phones are banned in planes to protect against radio interference to cell phone networks on the ground. Meaning at 40,000 feet in the air, active cell phones would be picking up service from multiple cell towers on the ground. This could crowd the networks and disrupt flight signal service.

Flyers can use their devices even after turning on the Airplane mode. However, there would be no connectivity to the cellular network or wi-fi. It means that you cannot receive or make calls, text messages and use internet services. 

Passengers can use the internet on devices during airplane mode only if a wi-fi network is available on the flight. You need to turn on the wi-fi even in airplane mode.

Several airlines provide onboard internet services and passengers can connect their personal devices.