This situation is an eye-opener about the limits of technology in use. There is technology available to track planes via GPS, but it's not in widespread use. So, such technology doesn't benefit me as a practical matter.

Can someone here answer these questions: Would a cell phone's GPS chip be operable inside an airplane during flight? Also, would the GPS chip interfere with the airplane's communications? I'm just curious from a technological standpoint.

I'm still in shock trying to figure out what's going on in this case. In some travels, it's probably best not to know too much. Otherwise, I would just stay home as I become more risk-averse.
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If you're reading this, it's too late.