Retrieve Nav- Verizon Wireless Customers

[CraginS]

I haven't tried this, yet, but it ought to work pretty well.
If you have a Verizon WIreless cell phone of relatively recent vintage, it should be able to run VZ Navigator. This is a pretty impressive cell-based GPS system. I've used VZ Nav a number of times. It got my daughter to the emergency room (appendectomy the next morning) her 2nd day in upstate NY last year. The on-screen maps are good, the voice directions are clear, and it even does a good job of correction when you fail to take a turn it recommends. One aspect I really like - the maps and references are all on a central server, sent to the phone as needed. This means the database is always latest up to date, unlike personal GPS units that need a new CD or DVD purchase each year or two.

Here is the idea: with VZNav you can send your position to anyone else also running the program. Thus, (assuming both on Verizon) you can message your position after landing to your retrieve driver, and their VZNav will guide them right to you, maps, turns, and voice instructions as they drive. No need to translate Lat/Long coordinates, or pull out supplemental maps.

The really cool part - the program is not tied to your service plan. For always-on, it is $10 per month. However, you can activate it for any 24 hour period for $2.99. Depending on flying schedules and plans, either option may make sense. That $2.99 is less than the beer you will have after flying!

As I said, while I have used the program, I have not tested this feature. It ought to work pretty well - unless VZW cell coverage is crappy.
Love to hear from anyone who does this.

[deveil]

read a piece in - i think it was 'car and driver', or was it 'esquire' ? whatever. he stated that although he ran across a lot of 'stuff' in his job of reviewing cars, gizmos and stuff - he liked this technology such that he immediately put his own 'nickel' down and right away signed up ffor the service. liked it for all the reasons you stated.