Actor Paul Rudd called airplane mode “nonsense” during a recent podcast appearance, sparking a light-hearted discussion about airline etiquette.
Rudd made the comments during an appearance on the May 28 episode of Jake Shane’s podcast, “Therapuss.”
In a conversation about general airline rules, Rudd questioned some of the instructions passengers are routinely given before takeoff and landing, such as clearing tray tables, returning seats to an upright position, and switching cell phones to airplane mode.
“I think it’s all nonsense,” Rudd said.
When Shane asked specifically about airplane mode, Ladd doubled down.
“I know that’s nonsense,” he said.
Shane replied, “I’m just putting it on airplane mode. It’s not going to work anyway, so you better save your battery.”
Rudd acknowledged that reasoning, but suggested the rule stemmed from concerns that radio frequencies would interfere with aircraft communications systems.
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Rudd may have questioned this rule, but the Federal Aviation Administration is very clear. This requires passengers to put their devices in airplane mode or disable their mobile phone connection during the flight.
As Fox News Digital previously reported, aviation experts say this setting helps prevent cell signals from interfering with cockpit communications and pilots’ headsets.
The conversation also touched on another long-standing debate: travel. The question is whether passengers should stand up as soon as the plane lands.
Shane admitted that he was one of the passengers who left his seat when the plane arrived, but Rudd defended the practice.
“I think it’s OK,” Rudd said.
Fox News Digital previously reported that this behavior has divided opinion among travelers, with some citing leg cramps and the feeling of close contact, while others see the behavior as impatient and inconsiderate.
“For safety reasons, it’s best to remain seated unless you have space to move around comfortably,” Texas-based national etiquette expert Diane Gottesman told FOX News Digital.
“It’s a clear breach of etiquette to move into the aisle and try to push someone out,” she added.
Besides discussing airline etiquette, Rudd shared one of his favorite memories with his wife, Julie Yeager, on the podcast.
The actor recalled a spontaneous trip to Atlantic City while Yeager was pregnant that unexpectedly turned into what he says was the perfect night.
The couple got free hotel suites, tickets to the band Boston and won thousands of dollars playing video poker.
“It just kept getting better and better,” Ladd said.
Rudd and Yeager have been married since 2003 and have two children, Jack and Darby.
The actor’s latest movie “Power Ballad” was released in theaters on May 29th.
Fox News Digital has reached out to Rudd’s representatives for further comment.
