The Web and Air Travel

For a long time, calling someone from a plane was something out of science fiction. But as that rapidly became possible, the next possibility emerged – full internet access. Now it’s here, we thought it’d be interesting to discuss the potential of the web – not just for those travelling, but for the staff on board the plane itself. For commuters using air travel, having the internet is invaluable. Not only does this mean you are able to do anything from check your email to play party poker while in mid-air, thousands of feet above the ground, but it also means that your potential downtime is no longer a problem. This has its upsides and downsides, however, as although it means you’re likely to be less bored if you’ve forgotten a book or a magazine, it also means that if you’re on a business flight, you’ll find yourself working rather than catching forty winks or reading a novel if your job is web-focused.

For those on the plane as both stewards and pilots, the internet could be invaluable for helping them in their day-to-day jobs. Airline stewards could communicate with the airport and have purchased duty-free items waiting for the passenger when they arrive, or could communicate with those on the ground to solve any problems or even receive updates on potential delays or stopover issues. Pilots could also access a wide range of meteorological data, which is invaluable when it comes to avoiding bad weather and turbulence.

The only issue that remains is how to charge for usage, although that may be reflected in ticket prices. Clearly, it would be easier to offer a cable solution rather than Wi-Fi, but over time things may change. People certainly won’t be streaming HD YouTube videos for now, but given the recent leaps forward in on-board communication with the world below, it won’t be too long. Whether you’re a pilot, a steward, a bored teenager or a lawyer requiring a crucial file on the office server, any development in this area is likely going to come as good news.