A commercial pilot has taken to TikTok to clear up a common misconception about one of flying’s most overlooked safety rules: switching your phone to airplane mode.
In a video posted by TikTok user @PerchPoint, the pilot issued a “friendly PSA” to explain why this seemingly minor step is not a “conspiracy theory” — but an important precaution that supports flight safety.
“Putting your phone on airplane mode won’t stop the plane from flying,” he began, “but it does help prevent annoying interference in the cockpit.”
The pilot clarified that a plane won’t fall out of the sky just because a few passengers forget to flip the switch. However, he explained that if several devices attempt to connect to cell towers during the flight — especially when receiving calls or messages — the resulting radio waves can interfere with the headsets worn by pilots.
“I once heard this loud buzzing in my headset — like a mosquito or wasp flying around my ear — while trying to land the plane,” he said. “It made it hard to hear critical instructions from air traffic control.”
Though it may sound harmless, such interference can be distracting — especially during high-focus moments like take-off or landing, when communication is most crucial. Pilots often operate with limited visibility and rely heavily on clear audio transmissions from the ground.
Travel and Leisure notes that most aviation accidents occur during these critical phases of flight, making uninterrupted communication vital to ensure safety.
So while not flipping on airplane mode won’t cause a crash, it can create avoidable disturbances for the crew — and could potentially impact the flow of communication in the cockpit.
In short: airplane mode isn’t just a suggestion. It’s a simple act of courtesy that helps everyone on board, including the people flying the plane, stay focused and safe.