The Airplane mode-function on our phones is very handy if we don't want to be disturbed, or are trying to save our battery.
It shuts of all signals and basically prevents your phone from all wireless transmission functions like cellular service, wi-fi, bluetooth and GPS signal.
But when you're actually on a plane, you're told to shut off your phone completely during takeoff and landing.
But what happens if you wouldn't do that? What's the real reason that we have to turn or phones off or put them in airplane mode once we're on a flight ?!

The reason you've probably heard about is that phones interfere with the electromagnetic signals and electronic equipment of the plane, and could disrupt them during takeoff and landing.

But that's only partly true.
There's no scientific evidence that a signal from a passenger's cellphone could actually cause a malfunction, and no plane has ever crashed for that reason.
This is just a mere safety precaution.
Some planes offer wi-fi which is available at all times during the flight, and the crew uses iPads with flight and weather information which they don't turn off either!

So what's the real reason then?

There's no official statement about this, but the real reason is probably because your phone would try to connect to multiple cell towers at the ground.

The signal would bounce off of them, and send out a stronger signal, which could lead to a crowded or disrupted network of service on the ground.
Also, constantly searching for new cell towers would drain your phone's battery, and the large distance from it wouldn't allow a reliable signal anyway.

Another reason would simply be that the passengers are more quiet and attentive if they're not using their phones.

This way, passengers are more likely to actually listen to the safety regulations, and not disturb people or crew around them by talking on the phone.

Some new airlines even offer a receiver called Picocell, which acts as a miniature cell tower and allows the passengers to have signal, make calls and texts during the flight.
This way, the phones would connect to this signal rather than any from the ground, making it a safe experience for everyone.

And what if you still didn't switch to airplane mode?

Okay so if you leave your phone on regularly while on a flight, your battery could get drained - but is there anything worse that could happen?
Probably not.
Some pilots argue that cellphones can create an unpleasant sound, which is not crucial for safety, but could annoy air traffic controllers and pilots. This sound is created due to its radio emissions, and you've probably heard this "dit-dit-dit" sound before if you'e ever placed a phone close to a speaker.
But this only happens rarely, not with every phone.

So in conclusion, switching your phone to airplane mode during a flight does make sense - but if you don't, there are probably no dangerous consequences and it will most likely not lead to a plane crash.

Images: 1, 2, 3, 4, Sources: 1, 2, 3, 4

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Sirwinchester