Travel Technology - If handheld GPS isn't allowed, what about smartphone GPS that works in airplane mode?

I'm a little confused about the rules for using GPS on a flight.

Handheld GPS units are not allowed to be operated.... but what
about smartphones that do not disable GPS reception even when
airplane mode is turned on?(wifi/cellular/data all off, but GPS
continues to work)

I'm a little confused about the rules for using GPS on a flight.

Handheld GPS units are not allowed to be operated.... but what
about smartphones that do not disable GPS reception even when
airplane mode is turned on?(wifi/cellular/data all off, but GPS
continues to work)

I had used my Garmin Rino 530HCx in flight in full view of the FA without any issue.

Make sure your smart phone has real GPS reception from the satellites. Many give a GPS like feature using triangulation of cell towers on the ground.

I'm a little confused about the rules for using GPS on a flight.

The "rules" vary by country of registration, type of operation and operator policies.

This thread appears to be a better fit for our Travel Technology forum and I'll move it there. Ocn Vw 1K, Moderator, TravelBuzz.

Totally depends on the airline, etc, as some do allow GPS.

If they don't allow GPS, I doubt they have an exclusion for phone GPS units.

A list (couple years old, so verify before arguing with a FA because you read it on the itnernet) of who approves it and who doesn't

http://www.gpsinformation.net/airgps/airgps.htm

A ten-year old reference to United's allowing GPS; may or may not have any relevance anymore:

In the future, you might politely ask the FA to check with the captain. It might help to know that the reference is on page 8.100.7 of the FOM

You'll be fine, I've never once been asked to turn one off.

Many airlines write in their in-flight magazine that GPS are allowed in cruise. I just flew on LH and both my phone (Motorola Photon) and car (Garmin) didn't pick up a signal despite sitting at the windows

I used to travel with a Holux gum stick version which I would velcro to the window (cabled). It would grab and hold 6-9 satelites even with just a one side view of the sky.

But rarely do I see enough satelites inside the plane - it is - except the 787 - after all a metal tube. I just tried it with my Android phone and saw no sats.

Oh I have one of those Holux thingies. Can Android phones read a GPS like that?

Oh I have one of those Holux thingies. Can Android phones read a GPS like that?


I haven't tried it, but there is an app in the Play store, Bluetooth GPS but of course, bluetooth is a no-no

I've used my handheld GPS inflight but never thought about using my phone's. I figured it would need at least some sort of internet access to download the actual map of where I am.

I've gotten my phone to lock satellites, but it is a very long process and it basically has to be glued to the window to get decent enough reception. Just setting it down on the tray table 4" from the window would drop the signal. If you can get a lock and hold it just right it will work. Then there is the issue of loading maps which are done on the fly with most apps.

Cell phones tend to rely on the cellular network to get a rough position, then can zero in based on satellites. Without a cell network, it takes forever for them to get a lock.