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.
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."
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."
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.
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Kassia Byrnes is the Native Content Editor for Australian Traveller and International Traveller. She's come a long way since writing in her diary about family trips to Grandma's. After graduating a BA of Communication from University of Technology Sydney, she has been writing about her travels (and more) professionally for over 10 years for titles like AWOL, News.com.au, Pedestrian.TV, Body + Soul and Punkee. She's addicted to travel but has a terrible sense of direction, so you can usually find her getting lost somewhere new around the world. Luckily, she loves to explore and have new adventures – whether that’s exploring the backstreets, bungee jumping off a bridge or hiking for days. You can follow her adventures on Instagram @probably_kassia.
We round up the luxe, the lovely and the latest places to stay in regional Victoria.
1. Hotel Ernest, Bendigo
The elegantly styled Hotel Ernest oozes heritage charm.
Settle into this artful lodging in the city centre for a boutique stay with heritage roots dating back to 1864. Each of the 10 suites in this former bank is elegantly styled and furnished with covetable works by Australian artists. Ernest is also home to the much-lauded Euro-style Restaurant Terrae, so be sure to book into the two-level diner during your visit.
2. Norsu Cabin, Macedon
Settle into this Scandi-inspired abode. (Image: Nick Skinner)
Country cabin dreams come to life under the sweet timber A-frame of Norsu. Sleeping eight guests, this Scandi-inspired abode is so meticulously styled it’s received knowing nods from The Design Files and is everything a modern log cabin should be, including cosy fireplace, fire pit, modern appliances and French linens. Perfect for logging out of daily life for a moment.
3. Islay House, Woodend
Bed down at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House. (Image: Tiffany Warner)
Lean all the way into a country luxe state-of-mind with a stay at the gorgeously restored heritage Islay House. This bed and breakfast sleeps up to nine guests and is just a short walk from town, but you’ll want to spend most of your time curled up fireside in the elegantly styled rooms as you admire the collection of antiques.
4. Nerissa Rye, Mornington Peninsula
Indulge in barefoot luxe at Nerissa Rye. (Image: Eve Wilson)
This Rye beach pad is just a 10-minute walk from 16th Beach, and while a morning walk is lovely, returning to the barefoot luxe vibes of this four-bedroom escape is just as enlivening. Bright, open and welcoming, this is the place to settle in for endless cups of tea and a good book between beach jaunts.
5. Hotel Vera, Ballarat
Modern meets bygone elegance.
This Ballarat beauty set in a 1900s mansion is all bygone elegance edged with modern style. Just seven boutique suites, each with its own distinct personality, makes it a singularly luxe stay. Sister to Bendigo’s Hotel Ernest, Vera is similarly bequeathed with a stand-out fine diner, Babae, which plates up the best of the region’s produce.
6. Hotel Sorrento, Port Philip Bay
The Amalfi-style beachside Hotel Sorrento at Port Philip Bay.
The historic and iconic clifftop Hotel Sorrento at Port Philip Bay is mid-refurb and will reopen 1 December 2025, just in time for Amalfi-style beachside stays.
7. The Idle Lake House, Lakes Entrance
Soak up lakeside serenity. (Image: Kate Enno Photography)
Enjoy a ripple of serenity when you step aboard this water-top abode on the Gippsland Lakes. Once a Chinese restaurant, this spacious and stylish two-bedroom stay offers unbroken gazing of the shimmering surface in a beautifully private bay. Lounge on the deck and enjoy the onboard bathhouse; come evening, sit by the sleek suspended fireplace.
8. The Monty, Anglesea
Bed down at the vintage motel, The Monty.
Palm Springs makes an entrance on the Great Ocean Road with the opening of The Monty in October 2025. Its vintage motel meets modern muse at this playful boutique stay complete with pool and a vibrant Mexican cantina. You’re just a stroll from the beach here, which tells us it’s ripe for summer vacays this season.
9. Trentham Waters Resort, Mildura
The bright and retro-style bedroom at Trentham Waters Resort.
Another new property lands in regional Victoria in time for an endless summer with Trentham Waters Resort expected to open by February 2026. Breezy, subtly retro and brightened by the big Mallee sky, this river’s-edge escape is perfect for settling in for a spell with one-, two- and three-bedroom villas. There’s a lagoon-style pool, riverside hot tubs and onsite dining for all your relaxation requirements.
10. Crowne Plaza, Geelong
Sink a cold one at the Trattoria Bar.
Geelong is getting its own Crowne Plaza in 2026. Its arrival on the waterfront will make it the city’s largest (and newest) hotel with 200 contemporary rooms and suites, a Skybar, all-day dining, indoor pool and gym, and event spaces. Keep it on your radar.
11. Re’em, Yarra Valley
Sip and soak in tranquillity.
With verdant Yarra Valley views that take in the linear beauty of tended grapevines, the 16 suites and rooms at Re’em are set amid the Helen & Joey Estate and invite sipping and sitting in tranquillity. The onsite restaurant deftly balances Chinese and Australian flavours and if you’re staying over the weekend, be tempted out of your stylish room for yum cha that features delicate handmade dumplings and vineyard vistas.
12. Arapiles Clubhouse and Crash Pad, Grampians
Spend an overnight stay in the Natimuk stone house. (Image: Bianca Jackson)
These 1880-era mountain-adjacent digs have been tenderly restored to provide rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers a chic place to rest. You’ll find four bedrooms in the Natimuk stone house, as well as a heated pool out the back and plenty of luxe embellishments. There’s also a two-person ‘Crash Pad’ in the confines of the Clubhouse with its own separate entrance.
The Crash Pad offers a resting place for rock climbers and Grampians country wanderers. (Image: Bianca Jackson)
This is the reason you really do need to turn on aeroplane mode
