Paul Rudd calls airplane mode 'nonsense,' sparks airline etiquette debate

NEWYou can now listen to Fox News articles!

Actor Paul Rudd sparked a lighthearted debate about airline etiquette after calling airplane mode “nonsense” during a recent podcast appearance.

Rudd made the comments during an appearance on the May 28 episode of Jake Shane’s podcast, “Therapuss.”

During a conversation about common airline rules, Rudd questioned several instructions passengers are routinely given before takeoff and landing, including putting tray tables away, returning seats to the upright position and switching phones to airplane mode.

STANDING UP RIGHT AFTER PLANE LANDS FUELS VIRAL DEBATE ABOUT AIR TRAVEL ETIQUETTE

“I think all of that is nonsense,” Rudd said.

When Shane specifically asked about airplane mode, Rudd doubled down.

“I know it’s nonsense,” he said.

Shane replied, “I only put it on airplane mode because it’s not going to work either way, so I might as well save the battery.”

‘GET OFF THE PLANE,’ DELTA PASSENGERS CHANT AT FLYER WHO REFUSES TO HANG UP PHONE

Rudd acknowledged that reasoning, but suggested he believes the rule stems from concerns about radio frequencies interfering with the plane’s communications systems.

Rudd may have questioned the rule — but the Federal Aviation Administration is very clear. It requires passengers to place devices in airplane mode or disable cellular connections while flying.

Paul Rudd standing at the Hokum New York premiere at Regal Union Square

Aviation experts say the setting helps prevent cellular signals from interfering with cockpit communications and pilots’ headsets, as Fox News Digital previously reported.

The conversation also touched on another long-running travel debate: Should passengers stand up as soon as the plane lands?

AIRPORT LOUNGE CHAOS GOES VIRAL AS KIDS RUN WILD AND PASSENGERS DITCH BASIC ETIQUETTE

Shane admitted he is among the passengers who get out of their seats once a flight arrives — a habit Rudd defended.

“I think it’s all right,” Rudd said.

Passengers standing in a crowded airplane aisle storing carry-on bags in overhead compartments

Fox News Digital previously reported that the behavior has divided travelers, with some people citing leg cramps and tight connections, while others view it as impatient or inconsiderate toward others.

“For safety reasons, it’s best to remain seated unless there is room to comfortably move about,” Diane Gottsman, a national etiquette expert based in Texas, told Fox News Digital.

“Moving into the aisle and trying to push is a definite etiquette faux pas,” she added.

CLICK HERE FOR MORE LIFESTYLE STORIES

Beyond the discussion about airline etiquette, Rudd also shared one of his favorite memories with wife Julie Yaeger during the podcast.

The actor recalled a spontaneous trip to Atlantic City while Yaeger was pregnant, which unexpectedly turned into what he described as a perfect night.