It was probably inevitable, but the internet is reaching new heights--literally. Soon you will be able to surf from 30,000 feet through a number of services that will start popping up on American Airlines, Virgin America, JetBlue, Alaska Airlines and a number of international carriers. For selfish reasons, I am interested in this development because it will raise a whole new set of web-based social dynamics and, of course, another chapter in the ever-evolving Book of Netiquette.
From the AP via the Denver Post:
"Technology providers and airlines are already making decisions. Some will block services like Internet phone calls altogether while others will set limits and install filters on content. And traffic-management tools that are frowned upon on terra firma could become commonplace in the air."
I'm trying to imagine what air travel would be like if everyone around me were chatting away on Skype while surfing their favorite websites and sending off emails to their friends back home. Would this really make a long flight more bearable? And what of censorship? We've heard the stories of Southwest Airlines asking people to de-plane for dressing too provocatively. So is it proper netiquette to tattle on your neighbor for streaming porn? Only time will tell.
One thing is for certain: I will be investing in a pair of noise canceling headphones (and keeping my eyes on my own screen).
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1 comment:
It *could* make a plane ride more enjoyable though. It might be annoying as hell to eavesdrop on someone else's convo/surfing - but it would be fun to talk and surf yourself! And, occasionally, a good eavesdrop can be wildly entertaining...
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