Why you’re really asked to turn your devices off during a flight

We’ve all seen those people. You know the ones. While everyone else is quickly turning off and tucking away their smart phones, tablets and laptops, they’re still texting and tapping away as if they haven’t heard the announcement to turn off and store their items. 

There’s always at least one person who attempts to hide their device out of view just so they can continue to use it during takeoff and landing. 

For the surrounding passengers, the worry and frustration build ups as they wonder if the waves transmitted by the device can have a serious impact on the flight and even cause some danger. 

Well, two pilots have revealed why passengers are really asked to turn off devices during a flight and it might come as quite a surprise. 

Read more: Why you should always order the least popular meal on a flight

Patrick Smith who is a pilot and author said the reason we’re politely asked to put our electronic devices away comes down to safety. 

“We don’t make you stow your laptop because we’re worried about electronic interference,” Smith told Reader’s Digest.

“It’s about having a projectile on your lap. I don’t know about you, but I don’t want to get hit in the head by a MacBook going 200 miles per hour.”

Who would? 

But there are some technological concerns as well, as retired American Airlines pilot, Jim Tilmon, explains. 

“People don’t understand why they can’t use their cell phones. Well, what can happen is 12 people will decide to call someone just before landing, and I can get a false reading on my instruments saying that we are higher than we really are,” 

So, there are two very good reasons to listen the flight attendants the next time they come through the cabin and ask you to put your items away for take off and landing. 

What do you think? Will this encourage you to store your devices away? Let us know in the comments section below.