I used to like flying. I used to like the in-flight meals and the in-flight entertainment, neither of which are common today.? But what is common is the use of devices like smartphones and tablets. Is this the new order of things?
According to a research center at DePaul University, the increase of electronic devices used in flight is up 24 percent in the past year.?At various points throughout the U.S., over a third of passengers?were?on their device during flight?so far in 2013, compared to?less than 18 percent in 2010. This can easily conflict the Federal Aviation Administration’s prohibition of these devices during taxi, takeoff and landing. According to the FAA,?disobedience to this rule, and the disturbances?cause by it, has doubled since 2010. You’re not supposed to use them until the plane is over 10,000 feet, and the pilot is supposed to tell you when that happens. But the disregard for this rule is happening so often that the FAA is?addressing?it at a conference in July.
This is the new order of things. But first off, let’s obey the?10,000 ft.?air rule.?It’s there for a reason. I’d rather put off a?phone call for?15 or 20 minutes than to use my phone, cause a disturbance and?be the cause of a disaster. It’s not worth it. Secondly, flying isn’t what it was in the 1980s and ’90s. It is a much more miserable experience?today, thanks to security?checks, crazy fees, crowded flights, lost baggage, and poor customer service. I can see why people are turning to devices to take their minds off this madness.?I think if the?airlines can improve the flight experience (and some are, that’s why I?only fly certain airlines), that would help the solution.?But will this happen anytime in the future? Can you stay off that smartphone for 20 minutes?