Does your phone actually interfere with planes?

In the U.S., Federal Communications Commission (FCC) regulations prohibit the use of mobile phones aboard aircraft in flight. Contrary to popular misconception, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) does not actually prohibit the use of personal electronic devices (including cell phones) on aircraft.

Can you use your phone during takeoff?

Yes, It Still Has to Be In Airplane Mode While you can play mobile games on your smartphone during takeoff, you can’t send text messages, or have a phone conversation. The US FCC is considering allowing cellular connectivity above 10,000 feet in the future, but no changes have yet been made.

Why do I have to turn off my phone on a plane?

It is important to turn off electric devices when traveling on a plane to eliminate radio waves that pose a risk to avionics technology on planes. Studies suggest that electronic devices emit radio waves that can interfere with avionics. • Radio waves from electronic devices may interrupt vital components of airplanes.

Why can’t you use your phone on takeoff?

When you make or receive a call, your phone looks for the closest cell tower to connect to. That means your calls may interfere with cell towers on the ground and could even interfere with a plane’s systems.

Why do you have to turn off your phone during takeoff?

It is important to turn off electric devices when traveling on a plane to eliminate radio waves that pose a risk to avionics technology on planes. Studies suggest that electronic devices emit radio waves that can interfere with avionics.

Do you really need to put your phone in airplane mode?

For now, switching to airplane mode is a federal requirement on U.S. domestic flights. You must disable wireless transmission functions such as cellular voice and data. But why? Here’s the answer: Cell phones are designed to send out signals strong enough to reach great distances.