Avoid This Mistake While Flying: It Could Get Your Plane Diverted
Holidaymakers should avoid making this mistake on their next flight or risk being on the wrong end of a plane diversion. The dangerous error was made on 14 separate flights in 2023 alone, and in 2018 passengers watched on as a smoking phone had to be put out.
The Risk of Dropping Your Phone on a Plane
Smartphone Risks on Planes
According to flight experts, this is because inside most smartphones there’s a lithium battery, which when damaged can explode into a ball of flames. Because of this, plane staff are now asking passengers – if they drop their phone between their seats – to ask the flight attendants to retrieve it instead of fishing around for it themselves.
Reclined Seat Dangers
The problem happens when a seat on a plane is reclined, as it can crush a dropped phone and cause enough damage to overheat and explode it. The danger was seen in real time when a Qantas flight between Melbourne and Los Angeles saw plane staff have to put out a fire mid-air when a passenger’s phone started smoking.
Safety Measures and Protocols
Because of the risk passengers are instructed to flag a phone drop with plane staff when it happens and avoid trying to claim the mobile back yourself. If the phone is unrecoverable by staff on the plane, they can contact the destination airport where a grounded member of staff will be “dispatched to meet the plane and use tools”.
Airline Policies and Precautions
On top of the fire risk, a Delta Airlines representative also mentioned that they would “rather” get the phone for the passenger and avoid them from “potentially” jamming their fingers. Between March 3, 2006, and February 15, 2024, there have been 68 verified incidents where smartphones became abnormally hot, started smoking, or caught fire.
In-Flight Tips for Passengers
Expert Advice and Recommendations
Regular country hoppers often post their best tricks and hacks online to help people make the most of their next adventure – and hacks can be a godsend for less experienced holidaymakers. This frequent flyer revealed his hack for getting a better seat on a plane, but hopeful travelers should also be aware that it comes with a slight catch. Always remember, safety first when flying!