Paul Rudd isn't a big fan of airplane mode.
On the May 27 episode of the "Therapuss with Jake Shane" podcast, the "Ant-Man" actor admitted that he thinks requiring passengers to put their mobile devices in airplane mode is "nonsense.".
«"When they tell you to lift the seat and tray, put the computer away and turn on airplane mode on your phone, I think that's complete nonsense," Rudd said.
«"...But I think there's something that can be done about it... it can [interfere] with the frequency if too many people aren't in airplane mode, for the pilot who's communicating with the control tower, and sometimes it can be annoying to their headset. I think I read an article about that once," Rudd added.
Paul Rudd attended the Los Angeles premiere of "Anaconda" on December 13, 2025.
According to Federal Aviation Administration regulations, all passengers must turn on airplane mode on their mobile devices during flight because some portable electronic devices may interfere with navigation or communication systems.
What is airplane mode?
From Apple to Windows, Airplane Mode is a setting that allows smartphone users to turn off cellular data and Wi-Fi on their devices while flying.
According to Apple, this setting disables all radios except Bluetooth. Enabling Airplane Mode can also help save battery life, reduce roaming charges while traveling, and force a signal refresh.
More news: Is the word "clanker" suitable as a slang term for artificial intelligence? Linguists weigh in.
Why do I need to turn on airplane mode on my phone?
According to aviation experts and the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), it's a safety issue for both you and your fellow passengers.
Sean Pruchnicki, a professor at the Center for Aviation Studies at Ohio State University, previously told USA TODAY that the main concern is potential interference with the plane's navigation systems.
«"This is especially important during landing, especially when performing an instrument landing," he said. "These signals are very, very precise, and the autopilot controlling them is also very, very precise. Any variability is undesirable at this time, especially given the terrain.".
Cruise passengers with HX Expeditions will be able to travel back in time on their next voyage—in a way. The expedition cruise operator is celebrating its 130th anniversary with the launch of the 1896 Cabin, a special stateroom aboard its ship, the MS Fridtjof Nansen. (Photo courtesy of HX Expeditions) HX says the cabin evokes the atmosphere of 19th-century seafaring while incorporating «subtle modern amenities.» Designed by AROS Marine, it features handcrafted wood accents; a single bed and bunk beds; and a scent inspired by seasoned wood and sea air. (Photo courtesy of HX Expeditions) The cabin accommodates up to three guests per booking, with a maximum of one night per guest per cruise. (Photo courtesy of HX Expeditions) Guests will also find a workspace. The nautical decor was sourced from European markets and vintage fairs. (Courtesy of HX Expeditions) The cabin even features a wooden toilet seat in the bathroom. (Courtesy of HX Expeditions) Passengers can relax with a drink from the bar hidden in a barrel. (Photo courtesy of HX Expeditions) On select 2026 cruises, the cabin can be booked for an additional €100 per night per guest (about $116). Half of all profits will go to the HX Foundation to support the company's "£130,000 anniversary fundraising goal for conservation, science, and heritage initiatives." (Courtesy of HX Expeditions) Travelers can book the cabin as an add-on to their booking before departure or during the cruise. The cabin will also be available for tours during expeditions. (Courtesy of HX Expeditions)
Have you ever wondered what a cabin on a 19th-century cruise ship looked like? You can book one.
1 of 8. On their next cruise with HX Expeditions, guests will be able to travel back in time—sort of. The expedition cruise operator is celebrating its 130th anniversary with the launch of the "1896 Cabin," a special stateroom aboard its ship, the MS Fridtjof Nansen. (Photo courtesy of HX Expeditions)
To allow passengers to use mobile phones on board, operators will have to prove that these devices will not interfere with the aircraft's communication or navigation systems.
«"There's no extensive testing of all the different types of aircraft combined with all the different types of cell phones," Prukhnitsky said. "There's a huge number of different combinations.".
He also said that at cruising altitude, most phones aren't powerful enough to connect to ground-based cell towers, but they still drain their battery trying to establish a connection.
While there is no evidence that cell phones have ever been involved in plane crashes, aviation experts previously told USA TODAY that it's better to be safe than sorry.
Contributing: Zach Wichter, USA TODAY
This article originally appeared on USA TODAY: Paul Rudd calls airplane mode 'nonsense' and explains why.