Comment by harry8

The authorities can't admit they lied. Admit there was never any evidence that phones could interfere with anything on a plane other than the well being those around you. They can't admit they banned mobile phone usage but not skyphones because of special interest pressure.

They can't do this because it would destroy their credibility with the ignorant as much as it has with the informed, that would get a critical mass. So yeah we have "flight mode" and every single flight someone breaks it. It isn't remotely enforceable so it is just as well that connecting to cellular is harmless. (Planes also have expensive wifi instead of expensive skyphones now, so the financial incentive remains.)

Airplane mode was a figleaf to counter "your phone must be switched off" which was the old-school airplane mode enforcement.

Undermining security for little bits of money for special interest. The naked corruption of purpose could make you angry if you let it.