Why turn off electronics on airplane

Now almost all devices have an airplane mode instead; but what is airplane mode and what happens if you forget to turn it on? Since some planes were built before these became a thing, it took a while for the industry to make sure it was entirely safe to use them.

Read more: How to get the most out of your devices while travelling. In fact, back in , some parts within specific models of flight deck screen on certain Boeing aircraft proved to be susceptible to interference.

Part of the safety spiel on every flight includes asking passengers to stow their large electronic devices. Plus, he notes, they can hinder an evacuation if they end up on the floor.

Not only can a horizontal tray table cause real injury if your body slams into it during an emergency or sudden shift, but both the table and seat can also impede that second evacuation. The same goes for reclined seats that minimize the amount of space people have to move through each row.

Some airlines ask exit row passengers to stow all belongings in the overhead bin, something Bunn says is likely due to the risk of those belongings not staying put in the event of a crash. However, having learnt how difficult it is to prove definitively that planes are safe from interference, I'll be making sure my phone is properly switched off in future.

After all, when I'm en route to my holiday in the sun, I don't want my handset to be responsible for tricking the pilot into landing in some rainy old place.

Or for something even worse. If you would like to comment on this story or anything else you have seen on Future, head over to our Facebook page or message us on Twitter. Technology Gadget. Why we have to turn electronic devices off on planes.

Share using Email. By Katia Moskvitch 5th June Mobile phones and other gadgets could interfere with sensitive electronic systems, some theories suggest. So why is it still so difficult to prove the truth behind the claims? System malfunction But while definite proof may be lacking, there is plenty of anecdotal evidence that the risks should be taken seriously.

Around the BBC. Once it has reached 10, feet, passengers are free to turn on and use these devices. The general belief is that radio-transmitting devices like smartphones may interfere with the communications and navigation systems of an airplane. The BBC reports , however, that there are no reported cases of an electronic device interference causing an airplane to crash.

For decades, the FAA has prohibited passengers from making or receiving calls when flying — even when the airplane is about 10, feet. And considering that most airlines prohibit the use of electronic devices during takeoff and landing, failure to comply could leave passengers facing stiff fines or other penalties.