Originally Posted by
Oben d'Imishte
Hi! I may be a newbie here but I'd been flying like a qtr of a century and been praying and fasting for longer than that. (Yep, I'm a Muslim.)
Thanks to computers, mobile phones, wi-fi, 3G, internet, etc. it has become easier to plan and observe worshipping while travelling.
I too think that technology has been a great help in allowing those who wish to pray the ability to do so. Much of the time though, I rely on local time at the exact point the aircraft is located (use IFE and sometimes a GPS device) and I make a best guess as to the direction of the Qibla.
Generally, I will pray in my seat and turn slightly towards the direction of the Qibla, if possible (in an F-suite or a C-suite, for example). I don't like offering a traditional (standing up) prayer in an aircraft unless I am in an area where I know I will not disturb anyone, and where my concentration will not be disturbed. I find that most doorway areas do not meet this criteria. There used to be an excellent spot at row 9 of the old UA 777 J cabins, where if one had the two window seats to oneself, there was no problem performing salat standing up.
Oh, and welcome to FLyertalk Oben