Nooooo ...
“Sorry boss, my plane’s about to take off, I’ll have to get to that email once I land tomorrow.”
It was once the sacred excuse for disconnecting from our hyperconnected world; switching off our phones, blissfully ignoring our emails, texts and phone calls, and taking in the sights around us without distractions. Because, after all, we were forced to.
Well, at least for a few hours, until the wheels touched down on the tarmac and reality slammed back into us at full speed.
But no, that’s all been changing lately as more airlines work to keep us connected in the sky by offering Wi-Fi services. And yesterday came the news that made many Australians cheer, but at the same time it made others groan: Free Wi-Fi for all!
Qantas announced it will begin a trial of a free Wi-Fi network on its domestic flights offering download speeds of between 12 mbps and 25 mbps, claiming it will be fast enough to stream movies, live sports and television shows.
It was a move applauded by many, a sign that Qantas is getting with the times and listening to what passengers want. And sure, it will be great for those on a deadline who believe they can use the time in the skies productively. Or want to access their own entertainment options.
But do you all realise what this means? Do you really want this?
These four buzz words sum up my feelings, striking fear into my heart: “Never log off again”.
Yep, now nowhere is safe.
Get ready for more of this.
Instead of it being a blessing in disguise, could this move be a curse in disguise?
Being on-board a plane used to be the one time and place where our emails didn’t rule our lives, persistently gnawing away at our free time and leaving us feeling like we’ve been chewed and spat out, often frazzled because the messages just never stop. Trying to control them is simply a mission impossible.
Why can’t we just sit back, relax and enjoy the existing in-flight entertainment options? You know, maybe chat to the person next to us? Look out the window? Catch up on some sleep?
Besides, who really wants to live a life where they’re “connected” 24/7?
And even if you’re all for it, do you really expect a super-fast connection speed, for free, while we’re flying at around 30,000 feet? Or will we all end up frustrated if it doesn’t meet our high expectations and we can’t connect when we thought we could?
What if more people bring their laptops on board, taking up more space in overhead lockers or at their seats? And have you ever come across someone who enthusiastically smashes away at the keyboard like they’re about to break it? Or forgoes earphones and blasts the sounds from their chosen movie for all to hear?
Well enjoy them being squished up right next to you for the next 14 hours.
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