I took mine on a Southwest flight to and from Las
Vegas last August. They didn't give me any hassles, but I didn't hang it
out there for everyone to see. It was just buried in my carry-on. On
the plane I pulled it out and just did my thing.
While on the flight I saw in the magazine (not
Skymall, but the other one) that Southwest defined what you can and can't goof
with while on the ground, during take off, and in-flight. For
example, no cell phones except while on the ground. GPS receivers were
listed as being acceptable after takeoff (in-flight). This was nearly a
year after 9/11 so I'd think it would be up-to-date policy.
I hate to say it, but in airports these days there
is alot of racial profiling. If you... <ahem> fit the profile,
I'd think carefully about the GPSr just to save yourself the grief.
However if you're stand-up-for-my-rights-no-matter-what type person, hell... go
for it. I'm with you! ;-)
In any event, depending on the airline (America
West has a strict policy against GPSr's), just pack it in your carry-on like the
rest of your stuff. Don't act suspicious and you won't be placed
under suspicion. See this link...
On the technical side, I had to put it RIGHT
against the window (eTrex Legend). Take it away for a second and you'll
loose signal (if you were lucky enough to get it in the first place). If
you have a unit with a QH antenna you may have better luck. I found that
after about 20 minutes it wasn't so much fun anymore.
-T.
[General Bracket]
----- Original Message -----
Sent: Friday, May 30, 2003 11:15 AM
Subject: [Az-Geocaching] GPS on
Commercial Airliner?
Has anyone had any problems taking a GPS
receiver on a commercial airliner?
I don’t want to put it in my checked baggage, but I don’t want hassles
with security, either.