GPS units and the airlines

landtank · 03-01-07, 01:43 PM

I have a trip to Minnesota next week and was thinking I would take my Garmin C330 with me instead of the usual stack of Mapquest pages.

Any body have any problems with carrying it on the plane or should it be checked with my baggage?

I just don't want to get there and find out it will get confiscated.

OZCAL · 03-01-07, 01:48 PM

I have carried mine on QANTAS as recently as September. A long time ago I pulled out a police scanner midflight and was almost immediately asked to take the batteries out. GPS unit, a handheld Garmin eTrex, only worked if I held it in a window that could catch a few satellites. Man that little hiker guy walked fast though!

Short answer, better check with TSA and the airline.

Sno bored · 03-01-07, 02:00 PM

Just tell them it's a cellphone, or rasberry

Trunk Monkey · 03-01-07, 02:15 PM

Yes, you can take it. And you can use it in flight, it doesn't transmit anything, just receives.

Bob_Garrett · 03-01-07, 02:24 PM

I travel on a regular basis and carry my Magellan Roadmate in my laptop bag and have never had any problem.

TCH2FLY · 03-01-07, 03:22 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by FZJFillmore

Yes, you can take it. And you can use it in flight, it doesn't transmit anything, just receives.

Yes but not completely accurate. GPS devices fall under the Federal Air Regulations governing Portable Electronic Devices, also known as PEDS. They fall under a category of electronic devices known as "non-intentional transmitters." Although their function is to receive and not to transmit, they do emit some radiation as do all electronic devices. The FAA makes no distinction between these "non-intentional transmitters" and intentional transmitters such as cellphones and two-way radios with regard to the regulation restricting the use of PEDS during takeoff and landing.

Individual airlines have the authority to permit the use of GPS devices when not in the takeoff or landing phase, however, and while some airlines do permit their use, others do not. Best advise is to check with your airline.

cruiserdan · 03-01-07, 03:29 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Sno bored

Just tell them it's a cellphone, or rasberry

That's a great idea....

Lie to them so they will detain and question you for hours like the guy who cracks a bomb joke.....

scottm · 03-01-07, 05:24 PM

I wouldn't use it other than at cruise. I've seen some scary stuff you never would've expected. And not just my flying.

landtank · 03-01-07, 07:13 PM

just to be clear, I'm just asking about transporting it to Minnesota so I can use it while driving around there. I never thought about turning it on in flight.

I'll have to call the airlines, I just thought there would be a universal mandate on it.

LoveTractor · 03-01-07, 08:02 PM

IIRC, travelers cannot take GPS devices as carry-on after 9/11. The FAA/TSA don't want to make it easy for terrorists to know their location if they should take control of the plane.

Again, I'm pretty sure I heard that, but get more info. I'd ask TSA before attempting it.
You might end up being detained and getting a cavity search.<shiver>

NEVERMIND: apparently you can take a GPS as carry on, but you can't use it.
http://www.aa.com/aa/i18nForward.do?...lse#electronic
"....Devices That Cannot Be Used on Board

* Radios - AM, FM, VHF, battery or cord operated TV sets, TV cameras

* Electronic games or toys with remote control, except those installed on the aircraft

* Cordless computer mouse

* Portable Global Positioning System (G.P.S.)....."

Trunk Monkey · 03-01-07, 08:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TCH2FLY

Individual airlines have the authority to permit the use of GPS devices when not in the takeoff or landing phase,

Correct, I left out the when you can use it. I hoped that when they say shut off ALL electronic devices, he'd be smart enough to figure out it's an electronic device. Unless his GPS is a paper map and a rock tied to a string.

Vitesse_6 · 03-01-07, 09:33 PM

Not to say it cant be done, But I used mine on a flight from Orlando in '05 and was asked what it was by the flight attendant, Told her she said ok and went about her business.
It was kinda cool, ~30K feet and ~400MPH, I was looking at the rout last week on the laptop.
But it would be good to ask first.

lc69hunter · 03-02-07, 05:21 AM

I fly commercial 10-12 times a year, and use mine on a regular basis. America West (US Air) doesn't let you use it during takeoff and approach though.

DoctorJay · 03-02-07, 07:01 AM

You can carry it on. There is no rule against this. I've got a Lowrance AirMap 500, which I use flying small planes. I also use it as a ground GPS when I travel, and carry it on the plane every time. Most airlines have rules against use in flight, but that's up to the individual airline, I think.

Even if it's not an airline rule, it's important to remember that it IS a federal law to follow all flight attendant instructions.

Could one of you commercial pilots comment on FAR 121 and handheld GPS? Is it prohibited to use one if it's not required for flight operations?