.png)
Travel expert Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy recently made a TikTok video in which he dissects the pros and cons of introducing 5G on flights
For many European passengers, air travel offers a welcome break from fielding emails and phone calls – but that's about to change.
Currently, you can't make phone calls on a flight and the use of the internet is limited to accessing airline Wi-Fi, but the EU has decreed that airlines will be allowed to provide the latest 5G technology on their planes. This means that you will be able to use your phone on a plane as you would at home, with switching on flight mode no longer a requirement.
The EU isn't alone in this - airlines in the U.S started introducing 5G onto planes earlier this summer.
Weighing in on the subject, travel expert Nicky Kelvin from The Points Guy recently made a TikTok video in which he dissects the pros and cons of introducing 5G on flights.
In it, he quotes a recent YouGov poll that quizzed passengers on whether they thought flights would be better or worse if they were allowed to make and receive phone calls - nine per cent said better, 57 per cent said worse, while 17 per cent said ‘about the same’. Scroll down for the pros and cons of 5G at 38,000ft, as broken down by Nicky...
The introduction of 5G allows passengers to fully use their phones - from making phone calls to streaming and texting - in the skies
YES – WE SHOULD HAVE 5G ON PLANES
Nicky said that one of the benefits of having 5G on planes is that ‘travellers are able to stay more connected’.
He explains that this means everything ‘from speaking to family members in the sky to Googling odd topics that pop into their minds’.
Another advantage to having 5G is that ‘you don’t have to worry about dodgy Wi-Fi connections’, Nicky reveals.
He says: ‘5G is much clearer, and you don’t have the risk of losing connection mid-flight.’
One advantage to having 5G access is that ‘you don’t have to worry about dodgy Wi-Fi connections’, Nicky reveals
Thirdly, Nicky points out that access to 5G might make you less aware of how long the flight is. He says: ‘It’s the age-old saying, but time really does fly when you’re having fun. Using your phone can be a great distraction for long flights (especially if you have kids).’
NO – WE SHOULDN’T HAVE 5G ON PLANES
There’s one overriding drawback to 5G, according to Nicky. He says: ‘The main issue – even though with today’s technology the chance is low, there could be some safety issues in the 5G interfering with flight systems and communications.’
This is overall ‘not something you want to play around with’, he says.
This isn’t the only con, however. Nicky notes that ‘noise’ could be a major issue, explaining: ‘Not all users are respectful as others, and loud notifications or travellers using loudspeaker can be a huge pet peeve.’
Another issue could be ‘bad behaviour’, he adds, saying: ‘Hopefully you won’t have to worry about it, but people might get angry when making phone calls in the air, and take their annoyance out on those around them.’
