Here's the real reason to turn on airplane mode when you fly

It's that moment. We all dread as we board *** flight and prepare for takeoff, putting your phone in airplane mode. Well, at least in the European Union, that may be no more and you might soon be able to have phone service in flight BBC news reports. The European Commission recently made *** ruling allowing five G and other broadband mobile data frequencies aboard flights. Now EU member states have until the end of June to decide whether or not they want to opt in to the allowance. So might this pose *** danger causing interference for flight systems while in transit? It's unlikely according to chief executive of the UK Flight Safety Committee, Di Whittington who explains what has been found with experience is the risk of interference is very small. We have *** different set of frequencies for five G and there are lower power settings than those that have been allowed in the US. In fact, since 2008 aircrafts in the EU and UK have been operating on particular frequency bands for that exact reason. And that's why internet on flights has become more common. However, that has been relatively slow compared to five G which is why *** move for faster speeds while in transit is desirable for anyone who travels. Now, only one question remains, will the US follow suit?

We all know the routine by heart: "Please ensure your seats are in the upright position, tray tables stowed, window shades are up, laptops are stored in the overhead bins and electronic devices are set to flight mode."Related video above: Airplane mode could soon become a thing of the pastNow, the first four are reasonable, right? Window shades need to be up so we can see if there's an emergency, such as a fire. Tray tables need to be stowed and seats upright so we can get out of the row quickly. Laptops can become projectiles in an emergency, as the seat back pockets are not strong enough to contain them.And mobile phones need to be set to flight mode so they can't cause an emergency for the airplane, right? Well, it depends on whom you ask.Technology has advanced a great dealAviation navigation and communication relies on radio services, which has been coordinated to minimize interference since the 1920s.The digital technology currently in use is much more advanced than some of the older analog technologies we used even 60 years ago. Research has shown personal electronic devices can emit a signal within the same frequency band as the aircraft's communications and navigation systems, creating what is known as electromagnetic interference.But in 1992, the U.S. Federal Aviation Authority and Boeing, in an independent study, investigated the use of electronic devices on aircraft interference and found no issues with computers or other personal electronic devices during non-critical phases of flight. (Takeoffs and landings are considered the critical phases.)The U.S. Federal Communications Commission also began to create reserved frequency bandwidths for different uses – such as mobile phones and aircraft navigation and communications -- so they do not interfere with one another. Governments around the globe developed the same strategies and policies to prevent interference problems with aviation. In the EU, electronic devices have been allowed to stay on since 2014.2.2 billion passengersWhy then, with these global standards in place, has the aviation industry continued to ban the use of mobile phones? One of the problems lies with something you may not expect – ground interference.Wireless networks are connected by a series of towers; the networks could become overloaded if passengers flying over these ground networks are all using their phones. The number of passengers that flew in 2021 was over 2.2 billion, and that's half of what the 2019 passenger numbers were. The wireless companies might have a point here.Of course, when it comes to mobile networks, the biggest change in recent years is the move to a new standard. Current 5G wireless networks – desirable for their higher speed data transfer – have caused concern for many within the aviation industry.Video above: Google’s price guarantee might refund you if your airfare gets cheaperRadiofrequency bandwidth is limited, yet we are still trying to add more new devices to it. The aviation industry points out that the 5G wireless network bandwidth spectrum is remarkably close to the reserved aviation bandwidth spectrum, which may cause interference with navigation systems near airports that assist with landing the aircraft.Airport operators in Australia and the U.S. have voiced aviation safety concerns linked to 5G rollout, however, it appears to have rolled out without such problems in the European Union. Either way, it is prudent to limit mobile phone use on planes while issues around 5G are sorted out.Ultimately, we can't forget air rageMost airlines now provide customers with Wi-Fi services that are either pay-as-you-go or free. With new Wi-Fi technologies, passengers could theoretically use their mobile phones to make video calls with friends or clients in flight.On a recent flight, I spoke with a cabin attendant and asked her opinion on phone use during flights. It would be an inconvenience for the cabin crew to wait for passengers to finish their call to ask them if they would like any drinks or something to eat, she stated. On an airliner with 200+ passengers, in-flight service would take longer to complete if everyone was making phone calls.For me, the problem with in-flight use of phones is more about the social experience of having 200+ people on a plane and all potentially talking at once. In a time when disruptive passenger behavior, including "air rage," is increasingly frequent, phone use in flight might be another trigger that changes the whole flight experience.Disruptive behaviors take on various forms, from noncompliance to safety requirements such as not wearing seat belts, verbal altercations with fellow passengers and cabin crew, to physical altercations with passengers and cabin crews – typically identified as air rage.In conclusion – in-flight use of phones does not currently impair the aircraft's ability to operate. But cabin crews may prefer not to be delayed in providing in-flight service to all of the passengers – it's a lot of people to serve.However, 5G technology is encroaching on the radio bandwidth of aircraft navigation systems; we'll need more research to answer the 5G question regarding interference with aircraft navigation during landings. Remember that when we are discussing the two most critical phases of flight, takeoffs are optional -- but landings are mandatory.

Related video above: Airplane mode could soon become a thing of the past

Now, the first four are reasonable, right? Window shades need to be up so we can see if there's an emergency, such as a fire. Tray tables need to be stowed and seats upright so we can get out of the row quickly. Laptops can become projectiles in an emergency, as the seat back pockets are not strong enough to contain them.

And mobile phones need to be set to flight mode so they can't cause an emergency for the airplane, right? Well, it depends on whom you ask.

Technology has advanced a great deal

Aviation navigation and communication relies on radio services, which has been coordinated to minimize interference .

The digital technology currently in use is much more advanced than some of the older analog technologies we used even 60 years ago. Research has shown personal electronic devices can emit a signal within the same frequency band as the aircraft's communications and navigation systems, creating what is known as electromagnetic interference.

But in 1992, the and Boeing, in an , investigated the use of electronic devices on aircraft interference and found no issues with computers or other personal electronic devices during non-critical phases of flight. (Takeoffs and landings are considered the critical phases.)

The U.S. Federal Communications Commission also began to create reserved frequency bandwidths for different uses – such as mobile phones and aircraft navigation and communications -- so they do not interfere with one another. Governments around the globe developed the same strategies and policies to prevent interference problems with aviation. In the EU, electronic devices have been allowed to stay on since 2014.

2.2 billion passengers

Why then, with these global standards in place, has the aviation industry continued to ban the use of mobile phones? One of the problems lies with something you may not expect – ground interference.

Wireless networks are connected by a series of towers; the networks could become overloaded if passengers flying over these ground networks are all using their phones. The number of passengers that flew in 2021 was over 2.2 billion, and that's half of what the 2019 passenger numbers were. The wireless companies might have a point here.

Of course, when it comes to mobile networks, the biggest change in recent years is the move to a new standard. Current 5G wireless networks – desirable for their higher speed data transfer – have caused concern for many within the aviation industry.

Video above: Google’s price guarantee might refund you if your airfare gets cheaper

Radiofrequency bandwidth is limited, yet we are still trying to add more new devices to it. The aviation industry points out that the 5G wireless network bandwidth spectrum is remarkably close to the reserved aviation bandwidth spectrum, which may cause interference with navigation systems near airports that assist with landing the aircraft.

Airport operators in Australia and the U.S. have voiced aviation safety concerns linked to 5G rollout, however, it appears to have rolled out without such problems in the European Union. Either way, it is prudent to limit mobile phone use on planes while issues around 5G are sorted out.

Ultimately, we can't forget air rage

Most airlines now provide customers with Wi-Fi services that are either pay-as-you-go or free. With new Wi-Fi technologies, passengers could theoretically use their mobile phones to make video calls with friends or clients in flight.

On a recent flight, I spoke with a cabin attendant and asked her opinion on phone use during flights. It would be an inconvenience for the cabin crew to wait for passengers to finish their call to ask them if they would like any drinks or something to eat, she stated. On an airliner with 200+ passengers, in-flight service would take longer to complete if everyone was making phone calls.

For me, the problem with in-flight use of phones is more about the social experience of having 200+ people on a plane and all potentially talking at once. In a time when disruptive passenger behavior, including "air rage," is increasingly frequent, phone use in flight might be another trigger that changes the whole flight experience.

Disruptive behaviors take on various forms, from noncompliance to safety requirements such as not wearing seat belts, verbal altercations with fellow passengers and cabin crew, to physical altercations with passengers and cabin crews – typically identified as air rage.

In conclusion – in-flight use of phones does not currently impair the aircraft's ability to operate. But cabin crews may prefer not to be delayed in providing in-flight service to all of the passengers – it's a lot of people to serve.

However, 5G technology is encroaching on the radio bandwidth of aircraft navigation systems; we'll need more research to answer the 5G question regarding interference with aircraft navigation during landings. Remember that when we are discussing the two most critical phases of flight, takeoffs are optional -- but landings are mandatory.

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