Turning off GPS on a flight?
Inspired by a question if it is allowed to use a Kindle during a flight, I'm wondering if it is okay to use a GPS watch like this.
I use this for practice purpose, but it is also my normal watch. I don't see any special setting to turn of the GPS, so do I have to leave the watch at home? Or do I have to remove the battery?
The same problem with my digital camera which has a built in GPS receiver to geotag a picture. Is it a problem if this GPS receiver is working during a flight?
Best Answer
It's pretty ridiculous that I've seen airlines ask for these to be turned off at times. By definition, GPS is receive-only - it sends out NOTHING, so really the watch part of your watch probably emits more EM (note to science geeks, I can't back that statement up with fact).
Anyway, they certainly won't ask you to turn off your watch, or remove the battery. If you were sitting there with a big GPS unit holding it up to the window I'd be surprised if it didn't get a comment or request to switch it off, but the watch is fine.
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Can you turn GPS on on a plane?
Yes, but the signal can be a bit weak. It's best to hold it to the window to get a lock. Depending on the GPS device, some are able to "hold onto the lock" even if they are not facing the window, so you only need to have it by the window for the initial lock. You may or may not be allowed to have it in the GPS.Does airplane mode Turn off location with Wi-Fi?
Airplane mode disables the cellular radio so you can't send or receive voice calls or text messages over cellular. Airplane mode also turns off Wi-Fi. and GPS.How to Turn Off Annoying Notification Display | Microsoft Flight Simulator 2020
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Answer 2
I have used my GPS receiver frequently on flights (also to/within the US) and the only problem I had was getting it to acquire the satellites :)
Some airlines explicitly allow them, e.g. Continental/United list them in the onboard magazine as allowed.
That said, I do switch it off during takeoff and landing.
Answer 3
There's a geek answer to this, and a practical answer to this.
The geek answer is that there are all sorts of electronics that can have no conceivable effect upon a plane in flight.
The practical answer is that even if you're completely certain that your gizmo can't affect a plane, it's going to be up to the cabin crew to decide whether you are breaking airline regulations. This can cause an effect ranging from being politely asked to turn off the device... to your plane diverting in mid-air so you can be removed from the plane in handcuffs.
So my recommendation for flights in the US: follow the instructions you're given. One flight I was on said, "If your device has an off switch, turn it off." In this case, your watch would be fine. Most flights said, "Turn off your GPS." In this case, I would take out the battery.
It doesn't have to make sense. The better question is, "What are the consequences for disobeying the instruction?" Don't rely on the common sense or tech savvy (or lack thereof) of the cabin crew who are legally empowered (in the US) to make any decision they like if they think it affects the safety of the plane.
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Images: Gustavo Fring, Miguel Á. Padriñán, Pixabay, Pixabay