A pilot may not use his or her phone for non-flight related tasks during takeoff, landing, or while flying under 10,000. Upon reaching cruising altitude the pilot is free to use their phone at their own discretion. This is, however, the FAA policy so for commercial pilots it may vary company to company.

Modern aviation regulations allow pilots to have their phones, but their use is strictly governed by safety protocols. Most commercial airlines now use tablets (like iPads) as "Electronic Flight Bags" (EFBs) to replace heavy paper manuals and charts, so the presence of personal devices is common in the cockpit. However, FAA and international rules generally prohibit the use of personal cell phones for non-essential purposes—such as social media, texting, or personal calls—during "critical phases of flight" (below 10,000 feet, including takeoff and landing), known as the Sterile Cockpit Rule. While at cruise altitude, pilots may use devices for flight-related tasks or permitted personal use, provided it does not distract from their primary duties. Most aircraft are now "PED-tolerant," meaning their systems are shielded against interference from phone signals, but pilots are still required to follow their specific airline’s "Standard Operating Procedures" to ensure safety remains the top priority.