A flight attendant has disclosed a concerning reason why you should avoid retrieving your phone if it slips between the airplane seats.
Dropping your phone accidentally during a flight is a common occurrence, whether due to adjusting your position, visiting the restroom, or reaching for items in your bag stored under the front seat. Despite the instinct to grab it immediately, experts caution that doing so could pose a risk.
When a smartphone falls between the seats on a plane, it may become stuck in the seat’s mechanical parts, as highlighted by the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA). If the seat moves or reclines with the device wedged, there is a possibility of it being crushed or damaged.
Besides the inconvenience of potential phone damage, there is a danger of lithium batteries overheating. This could lead to a rapid increase in battery temperature, the release of flammable gases, and a heightened fire risk.
Therefore, if your phone slips between airplane seats, it is advisable to inform a flight attendant promptly. They are familiar with the seating configuration and can retrieve the phone safely before it escalates into a safety hazard.
According to an American Airlines representative, flight attendants are trained to understand the operational details of each seat, enabling them to assist passengers in retrieving items like phones that have fallen between seats.
John Cox, CEO of Safety Operating Systems and a former pilot, emphasized that damaged electronics are more prone to thermal events, making a dropped iPhone or Android more susceptible to such occurrences.
Notifying cabin crew about a dropped phone is crucial as they can take appropriate onboard fire safety measures if the device starts overheating or emitting smoke. Although it might seem feasible to recover the phone independently, the associated risks for oneself and fellow passengers are not worth it.
Seeking assistance from a flight attendant for a dropped phone also minimizes the risk of passengers injuring themselves, such as by trapping a finger.
The potential danger of an overheated smartphone is the same reason why items like power banks and e-cigarettes are prohibited in checked baggage. By carrying them in hand luggage, these devices can be monitored for safety during the flight.
Incidents of devices catching fire during flights have been reported, underscoring the importance of safety measures. Airlines like Vietnam Airlines, Vietjet Air, Emirates, and Cathay Pacific have enforced bans on power banks due to fire safety concerns.
Now, some airlines are extending restrictions to include Bluetooth earbuds like Apple AirPods in checked baggage, citing similar fire safety worries. Taiwanese carriers EVA Air, UNI Air, and Tigerair are among those prohibiting these devices in checked luggage.
American Airlines was contacted for further comments.
