A flight attendant has taken to social media to express her frustration over passengers who break a key rule by answering phone calls while the aircraft is airborne. Yasmeen, a cabin crew member based in Los Angeles, shared a video on TikTok showing a fellow passenger on a recent flight taking a call on loudspeaker, a practice she described as making her 'jump out of her skin'.
Despite being a passenger herself on that occasion, Yasmeen emphasised that her professional experience makes her acutely aware of the risks associated with flouting the rule requiring mobile phones to be switched to aeroplane mode. The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) advises that devices emitting radio waves can potentially interfere with navigation and radar systems, as well as disrupt pilots' headsets.
While the exact impact of mobile phones on aviation technology remains under-researched, pilots have reported hearing background noise and interference from handsets, particularly during landing. This could prove distracting at a critical stage of the flight. Even if the risk of causing a major incident is low, failing to switch to aeroplane mode can also place unnecessary strain on the device itself.
Viewers of Yasmeen's video were divided. Some expressed disbelief that anyone would leave their phone on during a flight, while others claimed to have taken full Zoom calls without issue. One commenter questioned why, with modern technology, phone use is still restricted, while another insisted that making calls in the air is not against the rules.
Despite differing opinions, Yasmeen's warning serves as a reminder that adhering to safety instructions, including putting phones on aeroplane mode, is essential for the safety and comfort of all on board.
