What Really Happens if You Don’t Switch Your Phone to “Airplane Mode” In-Flight

What Really Happens if You Don’t Switch Your Phone to “Airplane Mode” In-Flight

Air travelers in the United States are still required to switch their phones to airplane mode during flights. The rule remains in place even as other countries and airlines adopt newer technologies that allow passengers to stay connected in the air.

The article was originally published in 2023 and was most recently updated on August 28, 2026, with current information.

What Does Airplane Mode Do?

Airplane mode disables the wireless and cellular signals coming from a phone. On many devices, however, passengers can manually turn Wi-Fi and Bluetooth back on while keeping cellular service disabled.

Does Airplane Mode Save Battery?

Yes. A phone uses less power when it is in airplane mode, which can extend battery life and slightly speed up charging.

Why Do Passengers Have to Use Airplane Mode?

In the United States, the requirement is related to safety and possible interference. The FCC prohibits cellular telephone operation while an aircraft is airborne, while FAA guidance requires passengers to follow applicable electronic-device restrictions.

One concern has involved radio altimeters, which measure an aircraft's distance from the ground. There have been concerns that 5G signals could interfere with radio-altimeter readings.

In July 2026, the FAA issued a final rule requiring all aircraft radio altimeters operating in U.S. airspace to be upgraded so they can tolerate interference from 5G network signals.

Can Phones Get Cellular Service During a Flight?

Technically, phones may sometimes connect to cellular networks at lower altitudes, generally below 10,000 feet. However, the connection may be unreliable because the phone can move between different ground-based cell towers.

Above that altitude, cellular calls are unlikely unless the aircraft has its own mobile service.

Even when a phone can technically connect, cellular calls remain prohibited on airborne aircraft under U.S. FCC regulations.

Are the Rules Different in Other Countries?

Yes. The rules and available technology vary by country.

The European Union mandated that 5G technology be available on planes in 2023, allowing passengers on equipped aircraft to use mobile data during flights without necessarily switching to airplane mode.

British Airways announced in March 2026 that voice and video calls would be allowed on Starlink-equipped aircraft.

Several U.S. airlines, including United, Hawaiian, and WestJet, have Starlink capabilities but prohibit voice calls. Southwest and American are in the process of adopting Starlink.

What Happens if You Do Not Comply?

FCC and FAA regulations require passengers to follow applicable flight safety rules. U.S. regulations state that cellular telephone use while an aircraft is airborne is prohibited and that violations could result in suspension of service and/or a fine.

The article notes that flight attendants may not always be able to tell whether a passenger has activated airplane mode, but the requirement remains in place.

The Current Rules

For passengers flying in U.S. airspace, cellular service should remain disabled while the aircraft is airborne unless the aircraft has technical provisions and the applicable rules permit otherwise. Wi-Fi and Bluetooth can generally be enabled manually while the phone remains in airplane mode.