This is why you absolutely must switch to airplane mode during a flight

© Pexels/Jason Toevs

In the coming days, you may be lucky enough to fly to a dream destination, wherever it may be in the world, to fully enjoy your summer vacation. Whether you embark on a flight of more than ten hours or just a little hour, there are several good reflexes to adopt.

So, putting your smartphone or tablet in airplane mode is now a must before taking a plane. However, this small gesture is still far from becoming a reflex for many travelers. Indeed, nearly 30% of them forget to put their device in airplane mode. However, this omission can have serious consequences. We explain.

For your safety, your battery and your wallet

Once on board, passengers are always reminded to put their smartphone or tablet in airplane mode for safety reasons. Yes, but not only that. Currently, it is possible to enjoy Wi-Fi during your long flight hours. Similarly, Bluetooth can be activated without risk. It is the 4G/5G connection that can pose a problem. Especially during takeoff and landing.

Indeed, your smartphone or tablet are emitters of electromagnetic waves. These can interfere with navigation and communication instruments when they are on the same frequency band, and cause disturbances that can put your safety at risk. Of course, today, wave levels from outdoor electronic devices are better controlled than ever and interference is very limited. But they remain possible despite everything.

© Sten Ritterfeld/Unsplash

While the security risks are low, Airplane mode remains crucial for other aspects. Starting with the battery life of your smartphone. Without Airplane mode, your device will try (desperately) to find a network. And it's your battery that will suffer.

When you're on a relatively short flight, you can also have a (very) bad surprise when you land. If you're not too high in the sky, your smartphone is capable of picking up a mobile network from a country you're flying over. With the “Roaming abroad” option and an unsuitable mobile plan, you can end up with an excessive phone bill. Even without having used your smartphone!

So when flight attendants ask you to put your electronic devices in Airplane mode, it's not without reason. On your next flight, you will not forget to activate this setting, for your safety but not only.

• 30% of passengers forget to put their smartphone in Airplane mode
• This omission can have consequences on your safety but not only
• Forgetting Airplane mode can impact your battery and your wallet

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