Tuesday, 02 Jun 2026

Hollywood actor blasts airplane mode as 'nonsense' in hilarious podcast flight rant

Actor Paul Rudd sparked an airline etiquette debate after calling airplane mode "nonsense" during his appearance on Jake Shane's "Therapuss" podcast.


Hollywood actor blasts airplane mode as 'nonsense' in hilarious podcast flight rant

Rudd made the comments during an appearance on the May 28 episode of Jake Shane's podcast, "Therapuss."

"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."

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

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?

"I think it's all right," Rudd said.

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.

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

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

The couple received a complimentary hotel suite, scored tickets to see the band Boston and won thousands of dollars playing video poker.

"It kept getting better and better and better," Rudd said.

The actor's latest film, "Power Ballad," premiered in theaters May 29.

Fox News Digital reached out to Rudd's representatives for further comment.

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