Airplane Mode Optional?

To begin, let me be clear, I was born and raised as one of those dreaded rule followers. Sometimes it even bothers me, but it’s who I am when I’m in public and around places that have rules. Do I ever break them? Well, I’m not a perfect rule-follower, and usually I feel the dread of breaking a rule if I end up doing it.

The rule I’m addressing in this article is the airplane mode FAA policy once the forward door is closed on a flight. I may not follow that to the length that the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) suggests. I’m usually traveling for work so perhaps I may take a bit longer to respond to an email, complete a text message or complete a Google search once that door is closed. I’m always in airplane mode by the time we are hitting the runway though!

Due to the nature of being a rule follower, I struggle with being annoyed by those who continue phone calls on a plane no matter when they happen. I do understand the need for businesspeople to be on calls when boarding, finding their seat, even seated as we await take-off but usually the conversations are not quiet ones. Often, I see flight attendants (not all certainly) even allow the conversations to take place even after the announcement has been made for phones to be placed in airplane mode or even as we approach take-off. In rare circumstances I’ll hear a phone ring even while in the air and end up shaking my head.

Well, can you imagine a flight full of phone calls? According to this article, Europe will soon allow phone calls on flights. Will the U.S. be next? it’s getting closer to becoming a reality and I cannot even imagine how disruptive and unsettling it might become. Apparently, Europe uses different frequencies for 5G and the European Commission has ruled to allow 5G connectivity and the E.U. member states have until June 2023 to set aside the frequency bands for planes.

I, for one, am not a fan of this move. The need for full sound cancelling headphones will be crucial for me. I’m really curious what everyone else out there thinks. Please share your thoughts, and insights and maybe I can accept it more gracefully.