Why are airplane passengers asked to put their phones in airplane mode? Per the FAA website's Safety Information page, “The FCC and FAA ban cell phones for airborne use because its signals could interfere with critical aircraft instruments. Devices must be used in airplane mode or with the cellular connection disabled.

Contrary to popular belief, a single phone won't cause a plane to crash, but Airplane Mode is required to prevent interference with the aircraft's sensitive electronic systems and the cellular network on the ground. When a phone is at high altitude and moving at 500 mph, it tries to connect to multiple cell towers simultaneously, creating a "pinging" frenzy that can overwhelm the ground network. For the pilots, the radio emissions from hundreds of active devices can cause "audible thumping" or static in their headsets, similar to the sound a speaker makes when a phone is about to ring nearby. This can distract them during critical phases like landing or takeoff when they need to hear clear instructions from Air Traffic Control. In 2026, while many planes are equipped with onboard 5G or satellite Wi-Fi that is safe to use, the "no cellular data" rule remains a safety buffer. It ensures that the aircraft's navigation and communication equipment remain completely shielded from the "noise" of personal electronic devices.