When a passenger boardes an airplane, upon departure, they are prompted to put their electronic devices in airplane mode (also called offline profile), an option that is easily enabled from the settings menu. Is this warning certain and what will happen if someone leaves it.

And although the myth is prevalent that if activated it can burn an inner plate of the device, the main reason that led to the development of this slogan is based on the idea that telephone emissions may cause interference.

When this alternative is activated – both on cell phones, notebooks, tablets and portable consoles – they are disconnected from the mobile network and cannot receive, messages, calls or connect on the web. This is almost as if the device is turned off.

And while you can access the apps installed, you won’t be able to use any features that require an Internet connection. Only downloaded data such as photos, videos, or offline music or movies can be used.

The name of this mode comes from the restrictions that existed in recent years that prevented the use of the device during flights, which led manufacturers to design this alternative.

However, at present it is also used for other purposes such as simplicity wants to disconnect everyone without stopping using certain mobile functions.

When from the cabin is asked to put the device in airplane mode, it seeks to limit any potential communication difficulties with the control tower, or another device in the cabin. In other words, not following this slogan can affect these aspects.

Although vital flight systems are better protected against electromagnetic radiation emitted by mobile phones, communications between the aircraft and the air traffic controller continue to use traditional radio, which is very sensitive to any external noise. interference. And there the offline profile is particularly relevant.

If this happens in any situation during major stages of air travel -such as landing or take-off- may endanger the entire aircraft including passengers and crew, because this is the moment at which the landing coordinates are given.

What about Wi-Fi

Unlike GSM networks, the signal of Wi-Fi networks is weaker at its maximum strength (100 mW) and is never recorded as causing any interference. For this reason, there are many airlines around the world They provide Wi-Fi connection on their planes. The only restriction is that this service cannot be used during takeoff, landing, or when the aircraft is flying below ten thousand feet.

For this reason, the European Aviation Safety Agency (EASA) enabled at the end of 2014 the use of mobile phones without limitation at all stages of flight. Although to allow that, companies need to adhere to a verification that guarantees that the signals will not cause interference.

But despite the rules and changes that have taken place in recent times, various regulatory agencies agree that ultimately the need to require the use of airplane mode on mobile devices remains in the hands of airlines.