A viral TikTok hack shows passengers how to see their exact location on a flight without leaving airplane mode. The trick uses Google Maps and a window seat to reveal which countries are being passed over.
Uploaded by TikTok user Liam Mackessy, the clip has gained over 270,800 views in a few days. In the video, Liam explains that travellers can open Google Maps on their phone while in flight mode, and the blue location dot will appear on the screen.
He says: "So a lot of people don't know that you can do this on a plane, but if you ever are impatient and want to know where you are while on a plane you can check your location on your phone while on a plane, even in airplane mode."
How the hack works
Liam stresses that the trick only works if you are sitting next to a window. After opening Google Maps, users may need to press the location button at the bottom of the screen if the blue dot does not appear automatically.
He adds: "Then it is as simple as zooming out and you can see exactly where you are. You can also see the direction that you are travelling in."
The hack is especially useful on planes that do not have a map on the seat-back screen, or for those who are impatient to know when they will land.
Reactions and extra tips
The video has received over 14,700 likes and hundreds of comments. One viewer wrote: "How does that work?! Without signal - madness." Another said: "Whhhaaatttt?! Trying this next time! I always want to know what I’m seeing below."
A third user shared a tip: "I do this with the 'find my' feature on iPhone, make sure to look at the map beforehand so the map will load." Another added: "This is my favourite thing to do mid flight! I look like a lunatic shoving my phone up against the window though."
