Passengers on flights within the European Union (EU) will soon be able to use their phones without turning on airplane mode. The new rules, proposed by the European Commission last year, allow passengers to make phone calls, send text messages and watch videos. But not everyone is happy.

According to a new Kayak study, one in five passengers opposes the change. 21% of UK respondents opposed the regulationwhile 40% welcome it but believe there should be usage limits with “quiet hours” on flights.

“Flights are often seen as downtime. But for some, it’s part of the vacation experience.relax and disconnect from the world, take a nap, or watch a movie on a plane, which could be interrupted by others on 5G,” said Dan, KAYAK UK Country Manager: “Let’s hope people respect those around them to avoid fighting on the ship.”

Why do passengers have to activate airplane mode in flight?

The European Commission has ruled that airlines can offer 5G technology in addition to allowing mobile data. This June 30 is the deadline for Member States to make 5G technology available on aircraft.

This is a big change: EU air passengers are now required to turn off their phones or enable airplane mode for the entire trip.

This is because historically it is not known how mobile data might affect inflight communicationsDai Whittingham, chief executive of the UK Aviation Safety Committee, told the BBC.

“There are concerns that they could interfere with automated flight control systems,” he explained. “What experience has proven is that the risk of interference is very small.”

In the US there is and continues to be concerns about how 5G frequencies could hamper aviation systems and even cause a change in the altitude measurement.

However, this is not a problem for the UK and the EU, said Whittingham. “There is a much smaller chance of interference,” convince experts. “We have different frequencies for 5G, and there are lower power settings than what is allowed in the United States,” he continued.

“A traveling society wants 5G,” Whittingham said. “The regulator will open up that possibility, But there will be steps that will be taken to ensure that whatever they do is safe.”

When can airline passengers make phone calls in the EU?

Approval from the European Commission means so airlines will soon allow passengers to use cell phone data in flight.

This means that in the near future passengers will be able to make phone calls, access apps and stream in-flight music and video.

“5G will offer innovative services to citizens and growth opportunities for European companies,” said Thierry Breton, European Commissioner for Internal Markets.

“The sky is no longer the limit when it comes to the possibilities offered by super-fast, high-capacity connectivity,” said Breton.

Airlines will be able to offer high-speed internet on 5G frequencies, allowing passengers to download movies within minutes.

Do passengers want to use cell phones on the plane?

While the plan has been hailed as a step forward for air travel, not everyone is happy.

“Considering how people behave with their phones on all other public transport, this news is sad”wrote one user on Twitter.

“Yet another reason to hate flying. Imagine being stuck in a chair next to someone who talks on the phone for hours,” said another. “There’s not even a plan like a stationary car!” he complained.

Some travelers also like to take a break from their phones. “I like that on a plane (and I don’t fly very often) there is no contact […] This is a total disconnect,” said one Twitter user.