An American Airlines pilot has shed light on why passengers are sometimes asked to switch off their mobile phones entirely rather than simply enabling Airplane Mode. Captain Steve, known on TikTok as @CaptainSteeeve, addressed the query in a video, explaining that the request is tied to safety during challenging weather conditions.
According to the pilot, when an aircraft is descending through bad weather to minimum visibility, some airlines require a public address announcement asking passengers to turn off all electronic devices. This measure aims to eliminate any potential interference with the plane's navigation equipment, which is critical during low-visibility approaches.
Captain Steve noted that the Airplane Mode instruction dates back to the 1990s, when mobile phones were becoming common. Tests at the time suggested that multiple devices inside the aircraft's metal fuselage could cause navigation interference. While he stated that above 10,000 feet the risk is minimal, at lower altitudes—especially during landing—precise alignment with the runway is paramount.
He emphasised that in poor weather, when pilots rely on auto-land systems, any interference could be problematic. “If you hear that on the PA from the captain, absolutely go and turn everything off. It's very important that you do that,” he said.
Social media reactions were mixed. One user expressed concern about relying on passengers to comply, while another questioned why a modern aircraft's systems could be affected by consumer devices. A third commenter argued that only older analogue phones caused issues, not modern digital smartphones.
