The Reasons Airlines Advise Against Retrieving Your Phone from Between Seats

In recent years, you may have noticed that flight attendants now advise passengers during pre-takeoff announcements to notify a crew member if their phone falls between the seats. Many travelers might instinctively reach into the tight space to retrieve their device. However, there are several crucial reasons to avoid this and instead inform a flight attendant immediately.

Safety is the top priority on any flight. While losing your phone between the seats may seem like a trivial issue, attempting to retrieve it on your own can create hazards for both you and the aircraft.

The Federal Aviation Administration warns that when smartphones drop between the seats and get stuck in the mechanisms, they can be crushed if the seat is reclined or adjusted. This is concerning because the lithium batteries inside these phones can overheat and potentially explode if damaged. (This is also why you cannot pack computers, e-cigarettes, or similar devices in your checked luggage.)

This exact scenario occurred on a Qantas flight from Melbourne to Los Angeles in 2018. The crew successfully extinguished the fire, allowing the flight to continue without further issues. However, had they not acted swiftly, the aircraft would have required diversion.

FAA statistics indicate that there have been at least 68 verified incidents from March 3, 2006, to February 15, 2024, where lithium batteries in cell phones emitted smoke, ignited, or overheated on airplanes. This number has increased in recent years as smartphone usage rises. Notably, 14 of these incidents occurred in 2023 alone.

An American Airlines representative stated that it’s crucial to inform a crew member because they are knowledgeable about the seats and can retrieve the device before it poses a safety risk.

"Seat designs can differ across aircraft, and during their training, flight attendants learn about the specific operational details of each seat that passengers may not know. They are equipped to assist customers safely if their phone slips between the seats," the American Airlines representative shared with Dinogo.

A Delta representative expressed a similar view, saying, "There are various seat configurations between different cabins and planes, allowing flight attendants to retrieve phones more efficiently." They noted that if the phone is significantly stuck, the flight attendants can contact the destination airport, where staff can be dispatched to meet the plane and use tools if necessary. If the phone overheats, smokes, or ignites, it’s essential for the in-flight team to be informed early to implement fire-safety measures.

The Delta representative also emphasized that notifying a flight attendant reduces the risk of passengers injuring themselves, stating, "Those seats are cramped. We prefer to retrieve your phone rather than risk you hurting your fingers."