Why are we directed to turn off mobile phones while on a flight; and do you comp

1. 75

   MarieLBposted 7 years ago

   Why are we directed to turn off mobile phones while on a flight; and do you comply?
   
   Unless you are dedicated to hug the earth, you will have experienced the PA order to 'switch mobile phones off or reset them to Fly Mode'.  At times this is inconvenient.  Why do they do it, and how do you feel about it?

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2. 60

   Link10103posted 7 years ago

   I don't really care, seeing as how its only during takeoff and landing.
   
   My life isn't going to end during the 5 minutes i cant use my phone during either of those times.

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      MarieLBposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Such a refreshing answer Link10103.  You are so right too.  Thank you.

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3. 93

   lisavollrathposted 7 years ago

   I do comply, even if I'm in the middle of something. I also turn off my phone when I'm in the doctor's office, because they have a sign that requests I shut it down before entering the exam area. And I don't use my phone in the post office, because they have a sign asking that we not use them when we're at the counter.
   
   I run my phone. It doesn't run me. Turning it off, or putting it away for a few minutes isn't the end of the world, and I think not doing so when asked is sort of disrespectful.

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      MarieLBposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      You are obviously in control, and that is what we all aim to be, no doubt.  Some of us [including yours truly] are sometimes taken in, believing we cannot do without this or that gadget.  Thanks for reminding us Lisa Vollrath.

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4. 71

   Aime Fposted 7 years ago

   Yes, and they tell you why (potential for interfering signals).
   
   It's not really inconvenient.  I don't need to do anything on my phone out of airplane mode for the time I'm on the flight.  If you've flown before you know it's going to happen so you can plan ahead of time the things you can do with limited phone use.

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      MarieLBposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      Aime, you too seem so confident and in control.  I cannot but admire your elegant response.  None of this rebellious sulking like some do.  Thank you for sharing.

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   Electro-Denizenposted 7 years ago

   They're thinking of scrapping this, as there is no interference. If they were that worried, they'd also have to stop the cellphone masts transmitting nearby (and at airports, there are masts obviously, being a nexus point for phone users). In fact, some countries are relaxing the regulations.
   
   More info here: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mobile_phones_on_aircraft
   
   To be honest, solar flares are the biggest worry, in all probability.

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      MarieLBposted 7 years agoin reply to this

      You may well be right Electro-Denizen, but just imagine what would happen if we created an emergency at 35,000 feet!!  If and when they tell us we do not need to turn our phones off, it would make life simpler for all of us, Thanks for the new info.

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6. 75

   MarieLBposted 7 years ago

   Interesting responses, as always. 
   We learned something new from Electro-Denizen.  That is something to look forward to.
   But I loved the way Lisa Vollrath (lisavollrath) says: I run my phone. It doesn't run me.

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