Does anything actually happen if you use your cell phone while you are on board an airplane?

Question

Specifically, is using your cell phone during flight going to cause the plane to crash? Does it s***w up the navigation systems?

Answer 1

Actually, no.

But if the plane is refueling (near the refueling place) and you turned on your cellular phone, the refueling station will explode, as well as the plane.

Answer 2

It's probably OK, and I think that they are considering relaxing the rules to allow it.  I think it was older phones that were more likely to interfere with the plane's navigation, communication, or other systems.  Just like they want to you turn off all electronics--laptops, games, etc.

They may be a bit paranoid with the rules, but until they say it's OK, I think it's better not to take chances.  Enforcement of rules on planes is probably getting tougher, so you might save yourself a lot of trouble.

Besides, at cruising altitude, your phone may have a lot of trouble finding service from a cell tower 5 miles below you.

Answer 3

When ever you see a sign  for a safety issue its for your protectection... OBEY IT

Answer 4

you will get the flight attendants angry at you.  I'm not sure your phone would work in the air anyway!

Answer 5

they tried this on mythbusters.  it didn't do anything to the plane, but your phone wouldn't work once you got  airborne anyway...

Answer 6

Basically, what can happen is your cell phone's transmitter can go through the GPS signal in the front of the airplane.  It really cannot affect the function of the airplane, but can cause the GPS to malfunction.  It cannot cause the airplane to crash, but could definitely cause the plane to get off course.