In-flight Internet? Passenger explains why he expects it

A couple of weeks ago, I posted a commentary from a passenger opposed to in-flight internet. That post sparked two fantastic discussions on LinkedIn in the Aviation Marketing & Business Development group and In Flight Entertainment (IFE) group. Today, I’m presenting the other side of the argument. This passenger outlines just why he wants and expects to have in-flight Internet.

Laptop In-flightHaving access to in-flight Internet is important because the Internet provides entertainment, communication options, and the option to work. I travel by airplane frequently and my needs change depending on the nature of my trip, so having access to the Internet during the flight is convenient for me.

In my spare time, I use the Internet for general purposes, usually to waste time while I wait in line at the coffee shop, so it is nice to have that option when I fly. After all, the Internet is just as useful in the air as it is on the ground. When I get bored, I can open my laptop to browse my social networking sites, look for pictures, or watch videos to pass the time.

I subscribe to streaming video rental websites, and on flights with Internet access, I can watch my favorite movie. What better time to catch up on my favorite sources of entertainment than on a flight when I have nothing but time? Having the Internet available also gives me more options to pass the time when I do not want to watch the movie the airlines chose for my flight.

When I travel for business, in-flight Internet is convenient for work. Some businesspeople use flights to relax, but I always seem to have something on my to-do list. When I have work to finish and need access to my email or company website, having Internet access on the flights is very convenient for me. No one pesters me on flights, so this is a great time for me to open my unfinished spreadsheets and put the finishing touches on my slide show.

I do not like to sit in silence during long flights and reading magazines does not entertain me like the Internet does.

This does remind me, though, of a great commentary from Louis CK on an episode of the Conan O’Brien show called Everythings Amazing & Nobodys Happy. Watch it below.


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Looking for even more info? Check out our 2010 Passenger Survey Results.

About Adam Williams

With six years of IFE experience, Adam is currently a freelance writer for several industry publications and marketing consultant for vendors. He can be found online at BrandFailure.com and @SpeakWithAdam.

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