GPS on a plane.......TSA approved ???

[Syndrome]

Hey all,
Getting ready to fly to Orlando in a few days and have a dumb question.
Is it approved to take electronics on board in our carry on baggage? Is it o.k to take on IPODS,cell phones,laptops,cameras,game-boys ? I would like to take my GPS as we are renting a car when we arrive. Is it O.K. to bring a GPS in your carry-on........and is it o.k. to power it up and use it during fight ??? I thought it would be cool to see our "flight progress" and speed while flying.
Dumb question, but I have never seen it asked yet ?!?!?
Thanks........Syndrome

 

[Jestocost]

All of those are OK to bring on the plane, but whether they can be used or not varies. GPS devices cannot be used at any time on the plane. Cell phones must be turned off when the plane leaves the gate and can't be turned on again until landing (although you typically can start using them again as you taxi to the gate). Other electronic devices need to be turned off and stowed during takeoff and landing, but can be used once the flight attendant gives the OK after you are in the air and until they make another announcement; usually about 15 minutes before landing.

 

[bradk]

actually, i don't believe there's any overall ban on GPS receivers. it's generally electronics that transmit that are disallowed. it is some grey area however and airline specific policies will prevail.

many cell phones actually have a flight mode now which means they're fully operational except for the wireless communication. so they can be used during flights, but airline policies may prevail again.

laptops are okay but if they have built-in wifi, it will have to be turned off (most current laptops have a switch of some sort)

the rest are fine and have no limitations that i'm aware of, however as mentioned, there is a brief time at takeoff and landing that electronics are supposed to be turned off.

 

[Jestocost]

actually, i don't believe there's any overall ban on GPS receivers.

Interesting, it does appear to be an airline policy issue.

This list shows that several do actually allow their use--including Delta, Northwest, Jet Blue, United and US Airways--and several bar their use, including American, AirTran, Continental and Southwest. I usually fly American and have heard their announcement, so I assumed it was an FAA rule.

I wouldn't be surprised if an individual flight crew on any airline might not know the actual policy, however, and you are bound to follow their instructions even if you believe they are in the wrong about the policy. Also, the policies appear to change not infrequently.