Written by Muneeb Rana · Last updated 26 October 2026
Quick answer: An airplane speed app uses your phone's GPS to show ground speed: how fast you move over the earth. That differs from airspeed, which pilots use, because winds aloft add or subtract. Airliners often show 400–600 mph ground speed at cruise. Follow crew instructions on devices; GPS works in airplane mode on many phones.
TL;DR
- GPS shows ground speed, not airspeed.
- Tailwinds raise ground speed.
- Window seat improves reception.
- Airplane mode usually keeps GPS on.
- Always follow crew instructions.
Ground speed vs airspeed
Airspeed is speed through the air; ground speed adds wind. A strong jet-stream tailwind can push ground speed far above typical cruise airspeed. Wikipedia's articles explain both.
Airplane speed app steps
Enable airplane mode as instructed; GPS often remains available. Sit by a window, open the app and wait; a fix can take minutes without assistance data.
Typical values
| Phase | Typical ground speed |
|---|---|
| Taxi | < 30 mph |
| Take-off | ~150–180 mph |
| Cruise | ~400–600 mph |
| Approach | ~150 mph |
Illustrative only; varies by aircraft and wind.
Why it may not work
Fuselages block signals; some phones restrict GPS in airplane mode; high speeds can exceed app display ranges.
Altitude
GPS also estimates altitude, though Speedometer PRO focuses on speed.
Airplane mode and GPS
GPS receivers listen; they don't transmit. On many phones, turning on airplane mode does not switch off GPS reception, so a speedometer app can still work if location services stay enabled. Follow crew instructions and airline rules about device use at all times.
Ground speed vs airspeed
A phone measures ground speed: how fast you move over the earth. The pilots' airspeed is speed relative to the air. With a strong tailwind, ground speed can be far higher than airspeed, which is why flights sometimes arrive early.
Getting a fix at altitude
A window seat helps, as does keeping the phone against the glass. The fix can take a few minutes after airplane mode is enabled because assisted GPS data from the network isn't available.
Ground speed, not airspeed
A phone in a cabin measures ground speed: how fast you move over the earth's surface. Pilots fly by airspeed, the speed relative to the surrounding air. The two differ by the wind. With a strong tailwind, such as the jet stream on an eastbound transatlantic flight, ground speed can be well above 600 mph while airspeed is lower; with a headwind it's the reverse. That's why your app might show a surprisingly high or low number compared with the speed the crew announce. Remember airline rules about airplane mode and follow crew instructions; GPS reception through cabin windows is often weak anyway.
Rules
FAA and airline rules govern portable electronic devices; always follow crew instructions.
Related: Speedometer use cases · How fast is my train? · Speedometer offline: does it need data? · What is a knot in speed? · Knots to MPH converter · Online speedometer: your speed in the browser · Average walking speed · Average running speed
Get Speedometer PRO on Google Play · Download on the App Store · Set it up before you move; never handle your phone while driving.
Sources
- Ground speed (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Airspeed (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Federal Aviation Administration: faa.gov (accessed 26 October 2026)
- Assisted GNSS (Wikipedia): en.wikipedia.org (accessed 26 October 2026)
FAQ
Can I use GPS on a plane?
Often yes in airplane mode, as GPS only receives signals. Follow crew instructions.
Why is my plane's GPS speed so high?
GPS shows ground speed, which includes tailwinds.
Is ground speed the same as airspeed?
No. Ground speed is relative to the earth; airspeed is relative to the surrounding air.
Why can't my phone get a fix on a plane?
The metal fuselage blocks signals, and without network assistance a fix can take a long time.
Does Speedometer PRO work in flight?
It may, near a window.