This is the reason you really do need to turn on aeroplane mode

Passengers questioning directives to turn phones to aeroplane mode mid-flight are on the rise, but it turns out there really is a very good reason for it.

We all know someone who’s forgotten to put their phone on aeroplane mode while flying, and they proclaim nothing happened. In fact, claims there is no need for aeroplane mode on flights have been on the rise for years.

But now, a slightly fed-up U.S. pilot has taken to social media to explain why switching your phones to aeroplane mode is actually extremely important for the crew flying your plane.

two pilots in a cockpit flying a plane — Pilots really need you to turn on aeroplane mode. (Image: Getty/ Maravic)

“This is just a friendly PSA that the aeroplane mode button on your phone is not a conspiracy," began the pilot, known online as PerchPoint.

“If you have an aircraft with 70, 80, 150 people on board and even three or four people’s phones start to try making a connection to a radio tower or for an incoming phone call, it sends out radio waves," he explained.

“There’s a potential that those radio waves can interfere with the radio waves of the headset that the pilots are using."

person taking a photo out of the plane window while in flight — Take photos, don’t send messages. (Image: Getty/ Hakinmhan)

He then gave a very real example, for anyone who wants to brush off the problem.

“Last night in San Francisco, we had pushed off the gate," he recalled. “We were talking to the rappers, we disconnected from the tug, started the engines and then once we got the plane turned around we started to head towards the taxiways."

“I called up ground to get our clearance as to which direction we had to go. And as soon as we start getting directions, there’s this really annoying buzz going through the headset and it kind of sounds like there’s a mosquito in my ear."

@perchpoint The more ya know, yanno? #fyp #aviation ♬ original sound – PerchPoint

So no, the result won’t necessarily be disastrous. The pilot even said, “The plane won’t fall out of the sky, and it won’t even mess with the systems on board." But how would you like to do your work with a bug in your ear?

“It’s not the end of the world, but it’s definitely pretty annoying when you’re trying to copy down instructions and it sounds like there’s a wasp or something flying around you."

I don’t know about you, but I’d rather the pilot of my next flight be able to concentrate fully on the task at hand. So let’s keep the phones in aeroplane mode.

From natural wonders to historical sites, we’ve rounded up Victoria’s most epic icons that deserve a place on your itinerary.

Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park

From towering mountains to crystal cascades and ancient rock art sites, the Grampians (Gariwerd) National Park is a playground for both outdoor adventurers and nature lovers. Don’t miss the views from the highest peak Mount William or the iconic Pinnacle.

Murray River

A paddle steamer down the Murray in Echuca — The wonders of the Murray are best experienced on board a paddle steamer. (Image: Visit Victoria)

A natural icon of majestic proportions, the Murray River flows for a staggering 2700 kilometres, making it one of the world’s longest navigable rivers. Meandering through Victoria before flowing out to sea at Goolwa in South Australia, the river is home to diverse wildlife, picturesque towns and secluded creeks and beaches.

Twelve Apostles, Port Campbell

the Twelve Apostles, Great Ocean Road — The Twelve Apostles are a star attraction on the Great Ocean Road. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

These limestone sea stacks are arguably Victoria’s most famous icon . After an $8-million upgrade to its lookout, The Blowhole near Loch Ard Gorge/Poombeeyt Kontapool (meaning breath of the whale) has recently reopened. A brand-new Twelve Apostles Visitor Experience Centre, complete with rooftop lookout, will open in 2026.

You Yangs, Geelong

kangaroos in You Yangs — Kangaroos enjoy dusk in the You Yangs. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Rising 300-plus metres from the flat volcanic plains between Melbourne/Naarm and Geelong, the You Yangs are massive granite boulders named for the local Wadawurrung word ‘Youang’, meaning ‘big hills’. Hiking, biking, rock climbing and horse-riding are popular within this regional park.

Redwood Forest, Yarra Valley

Near the town of Warburton, an extraordinary forest of some 1500 Californian Redwoods stands among native orchids, eucalypt trees and rich birdlife. Planted in the 1930s, these 55-metre-plus trees can live for 2000 years and will grow to be some of the world’s tallest.

Wilsons Promontory, Gippsland

the Wilsons Promontory — Wilsons Promontory is home to the incredible Skull Rock formation. (Image: Tourism Australia)

The Prom, as it’s known locally, is the southernmost tip of mainland Australia. This 50,000-hectare reserve comprises granite mountains and forest, fringed by sandy beaches and surrounded by a marine park rich in marine biodiversity. It’s also home to the incredible and imposing Skull Rock formation.

Hanging Rock Reserve, Macedon Ranges

This six-million-year-old volcanic rock  was thrown into the national spotlight thanks to the 1967 novel and consequent 1975 film based on the fictional disappearance of schoolgirls in 1901. Mystery aside, visitors can walk the steep 105-metre summit, fish for trout and go twitching.

Sovereign Hill, Ballarat

exploring Sovereign Hill — Step back in time at Sovereign Hill. (Image: Tourism Australia)

Cry ‘eureka!’ at Sovereign Hill , a living museum to the prosperous Gold Rush era of the 1850s, during which Ballarat produced the most gold in the world. Visitors to this much-loved attraction can walk historic  streets, enter a gold mine and try panning for the good stuff, too.

The Great Stupa, Bendigo

Who’d have thought the largest Buddhist temple in the Western world would be tucked away in Bendigo’s bushland? Welcoming visitors to explore, this sacred Buddhist pagoda is an epicentre for Tibetan culture, architecture, art and interfaith harmony.

Cape Schanck Lighthouse, Mornington Peninsula

the Cape Schanck Lighthouse from above — Heritage-listed Cape Schanck Lighthouse. (Image: Tourism Australia/Two Palms/Harry Pope)

Ensuring the safe passage of ships in the notoriously treacherous Bass Strait since 1859, this heritage-listed lighthouse overlooks dramatic volcanic coast and wild beaches. The surrounding reserve is home to a plethora of wildlife including little penguins, seals and echidnas.

This is the reason you really do need aeroplane mode on while flying