Travel · IN60SECONDS

Why do you have to use airplane mode on a plane?

Two reasons: protecting cell networks on the ground and making sure phones can’t interfere with a plane’s systems. The U.S. still bans in-flight cellular use; Europe allows onboard 5G.

Quick Answer

Airplane mode is largely about the cell network on the ground, though aircraft safety rules play a part too. Cell towers are built to hand a phone from one tower to the next at ground level; a phone moving hundreds of miles an hour, miles up, can reach many towers at once. That’s why the Federal Communications Commission banned airborne cellphone use in 1991. The FAA, which oversees aircraft safety, reviewed the question in 2013 and let airlines allow devices from gate to gate, as long as phones are in airplane mode with cellular service off. The FCC considered lifting its ban, then dropped the idea in 2020 after strong opposition, including from pilots and flight attendants. In the European Union, airlines have been able to offer 5G through onboard equipment since 2023, so on equipped flights phones can connect normally. On most flights you can still use Wi-Fi and Bluetooth if the airline allows it.

By the Numbers

1991Year the FCC banned airborne cellphone use

2013Year the FAA allowed devices in airplane mode from gate to gate

2020Year the FCC dropped its plan to allow in-flight cellular service

2023Year EU airlines could start offering onboard 5G

Key Facts

Main reasons: Protecting ground cell networks, and making sure devices can’t interfere with the plane
The U.S. rule: The FCC has banned airborne cellphone use since 1991
Since 2013: The FAA lets passengers use devices gate to gate in airplane mode
In Europe: Airlines may offer onboard 5G, so phones can stay connected

United States vs. European Union

	United States	European Union
Cellular use in flight	Not allowed (FCC rule)	Allowed where the airline has onboard 5G equipment
Airplane mode for phones	Required	Not needed on equipped flights
Wi-Fi and Bluetooth	Usually fine if the airline allows it	Usually fine if the airline allows it

Rules vary by airline and aircraft. Follow the crew’s instructions.

A phone in the sky confuses the network

Cell networks are designed for phones on the ground that move from tower to tower. From the air, a phone can see many towers at once and keep searching for signal, which ground networks weren’t built to handle. Protecting those networks is the reason behind the FCC’s ban.

What about the plane itself?

When the FAA reviewed the question in 2013, it found that most airliners can tolerate radio signals from passengers’ devices and let airlines allow them in airplane mode for the whole flight. In rare low-visibility landings, about 1% of flights, some landing systems haven’t been proven device-tolerant, so crews may still ask passengers to switch devices off.

Why the U.S. hasn’t changed

In 2013 the FCC proposed allowing in-flight cellular service through onboard equipment. It closed the proposal in 2020, citing a lack of agreement and strong opposition, including from pilots and flight attendants who raised safety and security concerns.

Myth vs. Fact

MythA phone left on could crash the plane.

FactThe FAA found most airliners can tolerate signals from passengers’ devices. The U.S. ban mainly protects cell networks on the ground.

MythAirplane mode switches everything off.

FactIt turns off the cellular radio. You can usually turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on if the airline allows it.

The Bottom Line

Airplane mode largely protects cell networks on the ground. Most airliners tolerate phone signals, but crews may still ask for devices off in rare low-visibility landings. In the U.S. it’s still the rule, while some flights in Europe now let phones connect normally.