"Flight mode" phone use banned on Ryanair. Is this a worldwide phenomenon?
On a couple of recent flights with Ryanair I've noticed that they require phones to be turned off during the whole flight even if they are in the "flight mode". Pretty annoying that you can not use your phone as an MP3 player, a gaming device or ebook reader when on the plane.
I'm not sure if this is a specific Ryanair rule or a global trend?
Best Answer
It's certainly not a policy or trend that would affect most companies. On some airlines (at least Finnair, if my memory serves) the pre-flight security info now specifically mentions flight mode, and instructs you to activate it at that point, i.e. before (turning the thing off for) takeoff.
In the last year I've flown with ~9 different carriers, 3 of which low-cost, and only on one of them (not sure but probably Ryanair) they said something like "keep your phone switched off even if it has flight mode". (Well, I pretended I didn't hear or understand that part and had no problems enjoying my music later on.)
Pictures about ""Flight mode" phone use banned on Ryanair. Is this a worldwide phenomenon?"
Why do airlines want your phone off?
We're asked to turn our devices off or to flight mode because of electromagnetic interference from phones, tablets, e-readers, electronic headsets, and more. 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.Has a phone interfered with a plane?
As mentioned above, the FAA allows the in-flight use of wireless devices but only after the airline has determined that the device will not interfere with aircraft communication or navigation.Why you can't use phones on aircraft
More answers regarding "Flight mode" phone use banned on Ryanair. Is this a worldwide phenomenon?
Answer 2
I don't think this is going to be the case for all airlines. Air NZ recently announced people would be able to make calls from their cellphones while in flight... that won't be cheap!
http://www.stuff.co.nz/travel/3741430/Air-NZs-new-planes-allow-mobile-phones
Sources: Stack Exchange - This article follows the attribution requirements of Stack Exchange and is licensed under CC BY-SA 3.0.
Images: Castorly Stock, Castorly Stock, Castorly Stock, Castorly Stock