A new study by a major on-line travel agency concludes that corporate travelers really don't want their cell phones or access to Wi-Fi while in the air. The survey found that, when asked if they would take less convenient or more costly flights in order to have on-board Wi-Fi service, 56 percent of business travelers said, "nope." Another 36 percent said they would try to get a flight with Wi-Fi, but wouldn't get their dander up if they couldn't book it.
Jane says, come on. Yes, no one enjoys the Chatty Charlie seatmate who gabs on his cell until the moment of departure, and then has to attach phone to ear immediately upon landing. And who doesn't cringe at the thought of having Chatty Charlie on the horn non-stop during a long flight? Still, who amongst us wouldn't want the opportunity to place a spontaneous phone call while flying over the Atlantic Ocean or Kansas? Wouldn't it be nice if planes had a cell phone lounge, where people could conduct their personal or professional business while not impinging on the peace and quiet of fellow passengers? (Amtrak, by the way, does offer a quiet car on many of its Northeast routes. Jane highly recommends it. On a recent ride between DC and NYC, Jane happily found herself sitting in a business class car for the price of a coach class ticket, merely because said car had been designated the one and only quiet car. Considering one merely had to step into another car to make a call, Jane considered this quite a deal).
But Jane digresses from the survey results. More surprising to Jane is the reaction to Wi-Fi among survey respondents. Being able to use the Internet while traveling doesn't have any impact on thy neighbor, and can make one far more productive....or more skilled at one's favorite on-line game. So how could the majority of those surveyed say no go to Wi-Fi? Are the travelers surveyed aching for an excuse for some time off from their electronic toys? Surely, Wi-Fi withdrawal is voluntary. But maybe not. Jane foresees the not-so-distant day when compulsive electronics users (including those known as "crackberries") will be the next target of the 12 Step Program enterprise.
At any rate, there is little doubt that, in the not-too-distant future, all airplanes will be equipped for wireless communication. Whether that results in travelers who are increasingly wired, well, stay tuned.
