Portable G.p.s. Question

[spacemyster03]

HAS ANYONE EVER USED A PORTABLE G.P.S. IN A PLANE? AND DOES IT WORK? I THOUGHT IT WOULD BE COOL TO SHOW MY KIDS WHERE WE ARE WHEN WE ARE IN THE AIR . MAYBE IT WILL HELP THEM UNDERSTAND DISTANCES ON A MAP.

THANKS!!


8 MORE DAYS!!

 

[CanadianGuy]

I would think that once the plane has taken off you could try it. But I would doubt that it would work inside the plane without an antenna..

I've moved this thread over to the Transportation forum, hopefully someone can answer!

Knox

 

[My WDW Happy Place]

GPS devices are one of the things mentioned by name as NOT being allowed anytime during a flight.

 

[Jestocost]

GPS devices are one of the things mentioned by name as NOT being allowed anytime during a flight.

Actually, it's entirely dependent on the airline. Some airlines do not allow their use in flight; others specifically do allow their use. This web site has a list of those that do and those that don't.

 

[lilallybean]

We just got back from a trip to Vegas. I used my GPS on the way there and back. It worked as long as I held it up to the window. Helps to have FRESH batteries too. I loved knowing what cities we were flying over. We used American Airlines and they had no problem with us using it once the pilot gave the OK for electronics. Last year I went to Texas and used it on the way home...again there was no problem. I HATE flying and this gave me a great diversion. I had the GPS with me so I could go geocaching on our trips, but it ended up being fun on the plane too. I would just suggest calling the airline and asking if it is OK. Have fun!

 

[Jestocost]

We just got back from a trip to Vegas. I used my GPS on the way there and back. It worked as long as I held it up to the window. Helps to have FRESH batteries too. I loved knowing what cities we were flying over. We used American Airlines and they had no problem with us using it once the pilot gave the OK for electronics. Last year I went to Texas and used it on the way home...again there was no problem. I HATE flying and this gave me a great diversion. I had the GPS with me so I could go geocaching on our trips, but it ended up being fun on the plane too. I would just suggest calling the airline and asking if it is OK. Have fun!

That's interesting, because AA is one of the airlines with a policy explicitly banning the use of GPS systems during flight.

During flight, never use cellphones (to make or receive calls), two-way pagers, radios, TV sets, remote controls (example: DVD, CD, game, or toy remote controls), a cordless computer mouse, commercial TV cameras, or Global Positioning Systems.

AA Electronic Device Policy

Your crew either didn't know that, chose to ignore it or didn't see you, but other AA passengers should be prepared that use of their GPS likely will not be permited during flight.

 

[lilallybean]

I asked one of the stewards about it before we even got on the plane. They had no problem with it. I wasn't sitting there hiding the GPS by any means.

 

[Jestocost]

I asked one of the stewards about it before we even got on the plane. They had no problem with it. I wasn't sitting there hiding the GPS by any means.

You certainly didn't do anything wrong and I don't think that GPS systems actually pose an in-flight hazard. My only point is that despite your experience, passengers travelling on AA may be prevented from using a GPS in flight as it is against their published policies.

 

[Lewisc]

Some of the GPS devices won't work at a speed faster then 100-150 MPH but many, including my Garmin, will work.

Many airlines, including SW, have recently added GPS devices to the list of devices that are prohibited during flight. The airlines don't want to do the testing required to approve the device and some of the newer devices include bluetooth.

 

[ExPirateShopGirl]

When I travel I do bring my GPS to listen to audiobooks, podcats, etc. but leave the positioning function disabled while on aircraft. I have been on flights where certain cabin crew have allowed their use and others where they were not permitted. Always best to check.... and don't argue if they tell you no. Joel Osteen's wife learned this the hard way.