There is no doubt that cell phones have become an essential part of our lives. But they were never to be used while we were flying. Using your device at cruising altitude can interfere with the plane’s communications systems and even cause your flight to crash. So when you’re sitting on the runway, turn off all your devices before you take off.
Cell Phone law
There are some laws that apply to all airlines. The Airplane phone use law, which is also known as the Cell Phone law, states that no one wearing a seat belt during takeoff or landing shall use a hand-held cellular phone. If an airline finds that you have broken this law, they can fine you up to $27,500 on the spot!
You can also be charged with a federal offense if you knowingly have or use an electronic device on an aircraft in-flight without the permission of the pilot and in violation of FAA regulations. You can also be fined up to $27,500 or face imprisonment for up to three years if convicted.
Cell Phone law
Luckily, not all flight attendants are so strict about this rule. Some flight attendants will turn the wi-fi on so long as you don’t use your phone in any way. Yet they may also not let you use it until the plane has been airborne for a while. However, most of the time, you will not be able to use your wi-fi or have your phone out until after takeoff, as that is when the wi-fi goes on. And that is when most plane crashes occur. So if you have to do something during that time, do it before takeoff.
Reasons for cell phone rule
Airlines have introduced turning phones off during flights because there are numerous reasons why this has become necessary.
You’re risking your personal safety and the safety of everyone on board a plane if you ignore this rule. Cell phones, laptops, and other electronic devices can interfere with the aircraft’s communication system.
Electronic devices, such as cell phones and laptops, can cause interference to a plane’s communications systems. This will interfere with pilots’ ability to communicate with air traffic controllers or other aircraft.
Pilots’ reliance on cockpit instrumentation may be reduced when they have to deal with interference from these gadgets. The risk of collision between planes is also increased when pilots rely more heavily on cockpit instruments instead of exterior visual aids for navigation purposes.
Reasons for cell phone rule
ICAO’s measures
The International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) had outlawed the use of electronic devices by pilots and air traffic controllers in 1983. This helped to improve air safety in general. The ban is still in effect to this day. But it could be tweaked to allow pilots to use electronic devices when flying above 10,000 feet while still regulating their usage.
Airlines that banned the use of electronic devices by plane passengers and crew were following ICAO’s lead. Because the aviation authority wanted a standardized approach on these types of safety measures. Air Canada was one of the first carriers to take an active stance on banning electronic gadgets, particularly cell phones in flight. Other large carriers followed the Canadian airline’s lead in a consistent manner.
Many airlines still put a ban on mobile devices, which ICAO will soon update. The update will allow plane passengers and crew to use mobile devices when flying above 10,000 feet.
Reasons for cell phone rule
radio signal emitting
The revised rule for aircraft flying above 10,000 feet will include all electronic gadgets that emit radio signals (cell phones and laptops). Traveling through air traffic control (ATC) regions where this specific rule applies can pose a great danger and cause unnecessary conflicts. These conflicts can theoretically cause planes to crash into one another if pilots do not follow guidelines appropriately.
The use of electronic devices will still be banned above 9,000 feet. There are still instances where electronic gadgets are banned from being used in other areas of flight. One example is when planes are in the air. Even though the rule does not apply to planes, planes’ radios can interfere with one another. This can be happened by sending or receiving data that may be crucial for communication.
Disobeying this rule can be hazardous to your personal safety and everyone else on board the plane as well. The only way to help alleviate potential conflicts arising from this ban is to adhere to it whenever you’re traveling through ATC regions.
electromagnetic radiation
There are many reasons why devices should be switched off on flights – from worries about electromagnetic radiation to interference with airplane equipment. But whatever their reasoning may be, airlines are always clear that carrying electronic devices is forbidden at higher altitudes.
A recent survey by TUI Group, the UK’s largest tour operator, showed that a staggering 500,000 passengers on one day would use their phone during a flight. That is almost as many as were flying on the same day. The survey also found that over half of passengers did not understand why they should turn off their mobile on the flight. And crucially, more than half said they would take no action if an airline asked them to put their devices away during the flight.
electromagnetic radiation
While airlines are more than happy to rant about the potential for interference with their aircraft electronics and passengers’ health. It is simply unacceptable for travelers to be put at risk unnecessarily.
Flight mode
When in-flight mobile phone usage is prohibited, it is important to have a plan for switching off devices. Put your phone into flight mode first. This uses less battery and will allow you to keep it on for calls, texts, and email over data networks. As the name suggests, flight mode does not allow you to use the phone in any way. Once you have switched off your phone and are ready to board the aircraft, switch it back on again after taking off. You can even set up your phone’s own automatic ‘Flight Mode’ function, which will do that without any action from you at all!
There are also many reasons that your mobile device should be turned off when using data during a plane journey. It is best to save your data usage once you’ve landed from concerns about the efficacy of in-flight wi-fi to issues surrounding battery life.
Flight mode
There are changes to be made with frequent travelers at either end of your journey. Turn off your international roaming before takeoff and turn it on again as soon as you land. Doing so will help save battery life. And if you want to use mobile data, turn it off before landing. And turn back on again once you’ve passed through passport control at your destination.
When taking internal flights, you might not be able to switch off your device during the flight. But if your journey in a car or by train is less than one hour, it is recommended to do so. Or at least leave the handset on ‘Flight Mode’ at all times.
For your own health and safety. And for the benefit of your fellow passengers, ensure that you follow these safety tips.
