Following your flight on a map
 

For when an airline doesn't offer a map of the route as in-flight entertainment, is it possible to download maps to a phone to use to follow progress and identify towns etc when in flight mode? I can download Ordnance Survey but that is of little use flying abroad!

There are plenty of apps - free and paid - that allow you to use offline maps. I typically use Maps.me when I'm abroad (remember to download the map areas you need before you leave home).

The tricky part is whether your phone's GPS will work on board. Ideally you need a window seat, and there are suggestions that you shouldn't fly on a 787 with its smart windows.

787 definitely doesn't allow an iPad's GPS to work but my easyJet trip tomorrow should allow me to follow the route on Skydemon all the way. Also a fan of Maps.me.

My "Copilot" GPS I use in the car gets a bit out of sorts when up in the air and traveling at 450 kts as it tries desperately to follow roads.

The general problem may be with initialising the GPS position.

If you can do this on the ground, and maintain connection, that should work. Trying at 450 knots may cause the app to think it’s malfunctioning, and never lock on.

Good luck.

thanks, I've downloaded maps.me

My biggest problem with Maps.me is that it often show lots of detail (and a lot of airfields and farm strips) but not the names of biggish towns. maybe there is a setting I've missed.

I used to use Maps.Me but switched to Windy Maps as they have more detail. Again easy to download.

What I do is download my route on Google maps for offline use. You have to do it in chunks. Then when you are flying as long as you have a window seat your gps on your phone will still work and you can follow the entire route.

Unless I've missed something, windy.com doesn't show GPS location.

I really did need to hold my phone against the window for it to work. Thanks for the help.

Do most airlines now allow you to have your device in non flight mode?

Location still works in flight mode.

Ahhhh, I didn't realise that, I assumed it stopped all external communication. I guess position is receiving only.