Mobile phones on planes

[ThePlatypusPosse]

Just been reading an article regarding the emergency descent on a flight from Ibiza. Airline rules still state no mobile phones don't they? Emergency masks have dropped from the cabin roof.

So, why oh why, are people using their mobile phones to text relatives?

Surely everyone now knows, that whilst rare, mobile phones can cause sparks. Do regardless of all the supposed implications for interference between communication systems (which some people don't agree with).

I honestly think these people should be fined / banned from flying. It really does make me wonder if they ignore the flight rules the rest of the time and it scares me shitless to fly.

You can use phones on some planes now.

Can you link to the article please?

In flights safe mode or as normal phones? Never been on a plane where you can use a mobile phone not in flight safe mode (sorry if I've got this wrong and things have changed recently). Curious to know which airlines allow this...

www.lep.co.uk/news/offbeat/watch-mother-films-terrifying-scene-inside-plane-as-it-dropped-towards-the-sea-1-8662477

I've flown recently with Etihad, long haul.
The only time you aren't allowed to use your mobile is during take off and landing. Any other time is fine.
They also have "wi-fly" on Etihad where you can get wifi inflight. There are no restrictions (other than take off and landing as mentioned) on use of your phone, laptop, wifi etc. and yes I did text with mine.

Such drama from the media. This aircraft had a pressure problem and safely descended to the altitude where you don't need cabin pressure.

Mobile phones are often used on planes now, in fact lots of airlines offer wifi

mobile phones are no less likely to cause sparks in flight safe mode than if someones texting with them.

I only use mine in flight mode, but honestly I think if there was the slightest shred of danger they wouldn't allow them on flights.

That's so cool. I was totally unaware these rules had changed.

Although, is it not annoying having people yabbering on phones throughout the flight?

Is this the Jet2 flight? A guy who thought he was about to die sent a text to his wife. I don't really see much scope for critisising him tbh. People react in different ways and he obviously turned flight mode off to send a text.

Mmm if I thought I was about to die I would probably break the rules and text my dp. However that being said I think most planes your okay to use now and some even have wifi etc you can connect to which you need to take your phone out of airplane mode for.

I don't think it is the if issue you think it is

No one on any flights I've been on (11 with Etihad in the last 6 months) have actually called anyone in fairness. Just wifi and texting. Can imagine it'd be annoying though... but we do tend to deal with it on trains etc so I'm sure we'd cope.
It's definitely not a safety risk though.

Cocklodger They have done a study on phone reception mid air, unless using wifi it would be difficult to hold a conversation on a plane so can't see that becoming too much of an issue

"People react in different ways and he obviously turned flight mode off to send a text."

Why obviously? It seems that flight mode isn't a requirement now.

Super happy to hear that there's been no actual chat conversations on your flights cocklodger.

I've been on flights where people have used phones (texting etc) on the plane at times when they should have been turned off. One guy was removed from the aircraft - I guess seeing the air crew take it so seriously then has impacted my view on this. It's great to hear it's been relaxed.

In flight safe mode you can take photos or film anyway.

Some airlines are more up to date than others. Some still ask you to turn it off, some flight safe and apparently some you can use it. I dread the time when phones will be ringing all night on planes though...."I'm on the plane" just like the ubiquitous "I'm on the train"...

DH travels for work and is always WhatsApping me while he is flying using the onboard wifi.

Our local Gas station chain now lets us pay for fuel using a app, so actively encourages you to use your phone on the fore court

There is no danger from a phone, the main issue is that pilots have a lot of radio transmissions to listen out for and the interference from a mobile may make them miss something important but some airlines don't see that as a major risk now.

No danger from phones. Most pilots have flown with them on for years.

And recently it's only local caa or similar rules that restrict.