Phone Calls Allowed On Flights In The EU

Say goodbye to “aeroplane mode" and hello to in-flight phone calls.

Turning our phones to “aeroplane mode" when we get ready to take off is second nature for most travellers. But this could soon be a thing of the past thanks to a recent ruling by the European Commission.

The ruling will allow airlines to provide the latest 5G technology on their planes, alongside previous mobile technology, so passengers aboard flights in the European Union (EU) will be able to use their mobile phones to the maximum capacity and features, just like with a ground-based 5G mobile network.

Young woman using mobile phone while traveling by airplane at sunset — 5G will be made available to airlines by 30 June 2023.

Sounds great, doesn’t it? Well, maybe not.

Sure, the convenience of not losing touch with the world when flying sounds appealing, but think about it.

Although most passengers try and follow plane etiquette, like not reclining their seats during meal times or on short-haul flights, there are always a few who really push the boundaries and make the whole flight a chore.

Can you imagine giving these people access to phone calls?

I’m cringing at the thought of trying to sleep or watch a movie and all I can hear is the person in the seat next to me catching up with all their friends and family, or worse yet, taking work calls.

Not to mention the airline staff. It would be incredibly hard for them to do their jobs with 100 people all taking calls simultaneously.

“I said WOULD YOU LIKE THE VEGETARIAN OR MEAT?" is screamed every second row.

Flight attendant serving meal in an airplane — Meal times would be harder for airline staff with passengers taking calls.

For me, I quite enjoy being forced to put my phone away on planes. These days most of us are within arms reach of our phones 99 per cent of the time, so when it turns into a useless, disconnected device I relish it.

Being uncontactable is part of the experience and allows me to unwind and get into holiday mode or prepare myself to come home to routine.

Young woman sitting with phone on the aircraft seat near the window during the flight in the airplane — Taking some time away from your phone is good for you.

Our tips for flying with phones

1. Wear headphones

This goes for taking phone calls, but also if your neighbour is taking phone calls. For the latter, noise-cancelling headphones will save your life and make the flight at least 10 times more manageable than going in raw.

2. Keep the phone calls to a minimum

Just because you can make calls, doesn’t mean you have to. Try to keep the calls for only important stuff and save the catch-up chat for later.

3. Send a text

5G also means you can send in-flight texts, so to keep everyone on the plane happy, have a text convo instead. I, for one, don’t love phone calls at the best of times, so if it can be a text or email, do that.

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4. Have your phone on silent

Oh boy, there’s not much that is more annoying than the constant ringing or text sound coming from a phone on full volume. Maybe after the safety demonstrations, the airline staff can ask passengers to put their phones on silent mode like they do at the cinema.

5. Be respectful

Whether you choose to make calls or not, just be respectful and mindful of your surroundings. If people are sleeping, maybe that’s a sign to put your phone away and watch a movie instead.

Young modern woman sitting in a private jet, listening to music through the headphones and looking through the window — Using noise-cancelling headphones will help reduce the sound of phone chatter.

5G will be available for airlines to use by 30 June 2023. Let us know your thoughts on this new ruling.

Temperatures are soaring this summer, breaking records across Europe and the UK.

Euro summer is a feeling like no other. But when a heatwave hits? The dream trip quickly turns into a sweaty mess. Extreme heat is sweeping Europe and the UK this week, with record-high temperatures impacting travel plans across the continent.

And while Australian summers are typically hotter in absolute temperature, many European cities aren’t equipped for high temperatures, resulting in unbearable weather.

Why is it so hot in Europe?

Signs of a hot summer loomed in May, when the mercury hit unprecedented spring highs. Now, extreme high temperature warning alerts have been issued in countries such as Spain, Italy, France, England, the Netherlands and Germany.

France saw its hottest day on record on Wednesday, with an average temperature of 30°C across the day and night. This surpasses the average temperature for June, which is 15°C to 25°C. Dozens of people have died, including 40 from drowning.

In Spain, 212 deaths have been linked to the heatwave.

The UK recorded its hottest June day ever on Wednesday with temperatures soaring to 36.1°C. In an article published by the Met Office – the UK’s national meteorological service – Professor Stephen Belcher CBE, Met Office Chief Scientist, shared his concerns about June’s heat. “To see temperatures like this in the UK in June is sobering. Events like this bring home the implications of climate change, with very high temperatures and humidity bringing significant health implications from heat stress, as well as impacts to a range of sectors such as transport, energy and water supply,” he said.

Heatwaves are becoming increasingly common in Europe and the UK, neither of which is prepared for such extremes. The World Meteorological Organization reported that in 2025, at least 95% of Europe experienced above-average annual temperatures and that the continent was heating up twice as fast as the global average.

How travel is impacted

A pharmacy sign displaying 40 degrees Celcius — A pharmacy broadcasting local weather data. (Credit: Getty/Dragoncello)

During a heatwave, power grids, water systems and transport networks can be affected, resulting in disrupted itineraries for travellers. In France, power outages have left thousands without electricity and early closures have been implemented for two of Paris’s biggest attractions, the Eiffel Tower (early afternoon rather than late at night) and the Louvre (two hours early). Eurostar cancelled its London to Paris and Paris to London services from the 22nd to the 25th, and major UK rail companies have been advising travellers to avoid using trains where possible, or to travel during early hours.

If a heatwave is predicted, being flexible with your itinerary and having fully refundable/changeable tickets is key, as extreme heat can force the cancellation of outdoor activities, impact rail and flight services and change the opening hours of sites and eateries.

Why does summer in Europe often feel hotter than summer in Australia?

people swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris — People swimming in the Canal Saint-Martin in Paris to cool off. (Credit: Rachael Thompson)

With some of the highest UV levels in the world, Australians are no strangers to the heat, adapting well to intense weather. But our infrastructure is largely equipped to withstand soaring temperatures with climate-responsive passive design, refrigerated air conditioning or evaporative coolers, as well as swimming spots aplenty.

Buildings in Northern and Western Europe and the UK, however, are constructed to retain heat and handle frosty winters. The lack of universal air conditioning means it generally feels hotter even though the temperature on your app might not look it. During a heatwave, it can feel like you’re in a sauna as cities act like heat traps.

How to stay cool and prepare for another heatwave

Relief is expected across Europe and the UK later this week, but more heatwaves are still possible in the coming months. Summer heat typically peaks in July and August.

Public transport often doesn’t have air conditioning, and buses in particular can be swelteringly hot. If you’re heading outside or your accommodation has no air conditioning, it’s worth buying a spray bottle and a handheld fan from a pharmacy or tourist stand. Check ahead of time if restaurants and cafes have air conditioning and make a booking in advance. The highest temperatures typically hit between 3pm and 6pm, so aim to head outdoors outside of these hours.

Rising temperatures invite travellers to enter a more intentional era of seeing the world. Now more than ever is the time to embrace lower-impact “coolcations” and off-season getaways.

Phone calls will soon be allowed on European flights