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A pilot has warned passengers that forgetting to turn on airplane mode before takeoff could pose a serious risk. While many travellers ignore the rule or think it's outdated, failing to switch settings can cause problems during the most critical parts of a flight. The risk comes from phones trying to connect to ground networks.

When several devices do it at once, it can interfere with radio signals in the cockpit and cause static in headsets. Captain James Mitchell, a commercial pilot with more than 20 years of experience, said: "It might seem like a minor rule, but it exists for very real reasons. Modern aircraft are robust, but mobile phones that remain connected to ground networks can create bursts of interference, especially during takeoff and landing when communication is most critical."

He explained that one phone on its own may not cause an issue, but several can.

"It's rare for one phone to cause an issue," he said. "But if a dozen passengers forget, or choose, not to turn on airplane mode, it becomes a cumulative risk.

"We rely on clear, uninterrupted communication to ensure safety during key phases of the flight."

According to research by YouGov, shared by tech firm Zextons, one in three Brits believe leaving airplane mode off doesn't matter. Around 20% admitted they've either forgotten or refused to enable it.

Some say they don't think their phones are powerful enough to cause problems, while others believe the rule no longer applies.

The experts at Zextons also shared a quick guide for passengers who are unsure how to enable the setting.

On iPhones, swipe down from the top-right corner (or up from the bottom on older models) and tap the airplane icon.

For Android, swipe down from the top of the screen and tap the same icon. Your phone will disconnect from mobile networks, but you can still turn Wi-Fi back on if needed.

"Even frequent flyers sometimes get confused, especially when switching between phone models or operating systems," a Zextons spokesperson said.

"It only takes a few seconds, and it's one of the easiest ways to play your part in keeping flights safe."

Airplane mode also helps save battery life by stopping your phone from constantly searching for signals.

Captain Mitchell added: "We're not trying to be fussy. It's about reducing avoidable risk. Just like fastening your seatbelt, turning on airplane mode is a basic safety step, and it makes life easier for the crew, too."