After the recent Ibom Air incident with passenger Comfort Emmanson, the question has popped up again: why do airlines insist we put our phones away just when we want to record videos or send quick messages?
If you have ever flown, you know the drill: you’re in your seat, seat belt fastened, bag neatly under the seat, music playlist ready, maybe trying to send that quick ‘I’m boarding, talk later’ text… then the announcement comes — ‘Please switch off your phones’.
You can almost hear the quiet sigh from passengers.
Here are five reasons why you should switch off your phone:
To avoid any possible interference
An aircraft is like a flying control centre. The pilots are in constant communication with air traffic control, monitoring navigation systems, and getting weather updates. Mobile signals can sometimes interfere with these systems. It is rare, but why risk your notification sound coming through at the wrong time?
Takeoff and landing are critical moments
These two parts of the flight are the most sensitive. If anything unexpected happens, you need to be alert and ready to respond, not distracted by your phone camera or messages. Safety comes first.
So you can hear important announcements
Cabin crew often give safety instructions during takeoff and landing. If your earphones are in and you are lost in music or a podcast, you might miss information that could be important, like where the nearest emergency exit is.
Sometimes it is about cooperation, not just safety
The Comfort Emmanson situation showed how quickly a small disagreement on board can become public drama. The crew’s job is to make sure everyone follows the rules. One person refusing can slow down or affect the experience of everyone else.
Airplane mode is a good option
Airlines are not against phones, they just want them in a safe setting. Airplane mode still allows you to enjoy music, read e-books, or watch videos you have downloaded.
Bottom line is that turning off your phone during takeoff and landing is not about control, it is about focus, safety, and making sure everyone is on the same page. And maybe, just maybe, it is also the perfect time to look out the window and enjoy the view.
Development Diaries wishes you safe travels if you embark on a trip this weekend.
Photo source: Ibom Air
