I ran across a pretty good list of which airlines allow GPS use during flight. Also listed are airlines which do not permit GPS use.

Airlines which APPROVE/DISPROVE GPS use in Flight

I have used my netbook with Streets and Trips numerous times. Only once have I been asked to put it away, and that was when I had the receiver stuck to the cabin window. "What's that sticking to MY airplane"?...flight attendant nazi; she gave me the evil eye until I had everything packed away.

I've never been able to get my GPS work in an airplane but then I have never tried from a window seat.

Try getting everything running while still in the terminal. Close the lid on the netbook/laptop, board, and when you're leveled off in flight open it. That's what works for me. Acquiring a satellite lock may be harder than maintaining one. And sit next to a window. I usually run the receiver down a shirtsleeve.

I will admit that I couldn't get a lock before getting on the plane. I tried while the plane was loading but no lock. The device is a UMPC Viliv S5 with GPS built-in so it is not obvious that it is a GPS. Generally, GPS reception is on a par with conventional USB receivers so I do not think that is the problem. Petaluma, your earlier reports inspired me to try this but it is just a matter of idle curiousity - nothing more than that so long as I don't have to drive the plane.

I have used my GPSMap 60CSx attached to my netbook on several different airlines. I have never gotten a fix unless it is right up against the window. I am always very discreet about it and have never been questioned. It's really fun to see exactly where you are, how fast you're going, etc. It makes the time go by!