Unhappy customers over no inflight power or WiFi
Jan 21, 2020, 10:34 am
#46
Join Date: Aug 2002
Location: YYZ/MGA
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Posts: 7,607
They have. My laptop runs for 6-9 hours. Just avoid some of the power sucking options when configuring the PC you purchase like, FHD instead of UHD screens effectively doubles your battery time, SSD instead of hard drive, and choosing a 52WHr battery over 45WHr (Dell sells/sold the same XPS13 laptop in Home and Business with one of the few differences being the Business config is 52WHr and Home is 45WHr).
SSD is what some type of voodoo technology?
This just all sounds made up by the same people who predicted we'd have flying cars like the Jetsons by now.
Several people seem to have, and many seem to think it's some existential crisis to sit and read for a few hours.
Or provide for themselves with clearly available technology that will outlast a trip of mild duration. I fly a lot and have not used airline IF"E" (since it is usually rotten, out of date and boring and at times, edited for shape and content), by simply bringing such entertainment with me, and a supply of stored electrons that won't be exhausted. Integrated into a device or external as a supplement. (Tip: Bring a Caterpillar 8D 12V battery - a handy 12V, 250,000 (!!!) mAh and only 130 pounds.)
I will say I discovered a couple UK comedies on CX years ago, a whole series of Peep Show and the Inbetweeners. Not much that good now, unfortunately.
For working in Y for those piteous souls flying in Y, there are lenticular screens that limit or omit the ability to see from the sides on an LCD, the latter also apparently some new invention since my portable has a yellow screen CRT of almost 6" in size.
Last edited by JY1024; Feb 4, 2020 at 10:49 pm Reason: merged consecutive posts
Jan 21, 2020, 10:49 am
#47
Join Date: Feb 2003
Location: Washington, DC
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Jan 21, 2020, 11:00 am
#48
Join Date: Apr 2016
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That's why I said "particularly in Y". Also, something doesn't have to be top secret to be confidential.
It goes further, even. If I have customer info on my screen, someone seeing it could be considered a privacy violation, for which there are laws against these days. Making my company liable. Not a risk I'd be willing to take.
It's not so much about whether what you're working on is confidential. It's about not knowing who's around you.
So, because you have a job where you're expected to respond quickly, it's OK to have that expectation when you're flying? That's nuts. What kind of company expects that while flying?
WiFi is a relatively new thing on planes. Not all have it and it may not work. The expectation should be that you're not available when flying. You shouldn't have to notify colleagues if your flight doesn't have WiFi.
It's one thing to be expected to work on a flight, it's quite another to be expected to be online.
It goes further, even. If I have customer info on my screen, someone seeing it could be considered a privacy violation, for which there are laws against these days. Making my company liable. Not a risk I'd be willing to take.
It's not so much about whether what you're working on is confidential. It's about not knowing who's around you.
Well...it is possible. Signed, someone who works in Y all the time. And as a sentient, reasonably-competent adult, I use my discretion about what goes up on my laptop that a neighbor could see.
This thread is cracking me up. Sure, if you're retired, or have a job where you can not be connected for five hours, this works well for you. I'd much prefer to be reading a novel for DCA-PHX than working—and I don't need book recs; I'm an avid reader, and my before-bed novel pile is starting to totter.
But I can't—not because I'm "too important" but because I have a job that expects me to produce work product. And respond to questions or crises as they come up, not five hours later. It's not the 80's, 90's, 00's or even early 10's—and pretending it's a different decade would not endear me to others who depend on my work.
Moreover, I most certainly cannot be offline for five hours as a surprise. If I'm forced to book a flight without wifi, I'll warn colleagues that I'll be out of pocket, and either plan on not working or download what I need to work offline. If the airline knew that the advertised wifi was broken, though, and didn't warn me before the flight, I would be Not Happy.
This thread is cracking me up. Sure, if you're retired, or have a job where you can not be connected for five hours, this works well for you. I'd much prefer to be reading a novel for DCA-PHX than working—and I don't need book recs; I'm an avid reader, and my before-bed novel pile is starting to totter.
But I can't—not because I'm "too important" but because I have a job that expects me to produce work product. And respond to questions or crises as they come up, not five hours later. It's not the 80's, 90's, 00's or even early 10's—and pretending it's a different decade would not endear me to others who depend on my work.
Moreover, I most certainly cannot be offline for five hours as a surprise. If I'm forced to book a flight without wifi, I'll warn colleagues that I'll be out of pocket, and either plan on not working or download what I need to work offline. If the airline knew that the advertised wifi was broken, though, and didn't warn me before the flight, I would be Not Happy.
WiFi is a relatively new thing on planes. Not all have it and it may not work. The expectation should be that you're not available when flying. You shouldn't have to notify colleagues if your flight doesn't have WiFi.
It's one thing to be expected to work on a flight, it's quite another to be expected to be online.
Jan 21, 2020, 11:16 am
#49
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Well...it is possible. Signed, someone who works in Y all the time. And as a sentient, reasonably-competent adult, I use my discretion about what goes up on my laptop that a neighbor could see.
This thread is cracking me up. Sure, if you're retired, or have a job where you can not be connected for five hours, this works well for you. I'd much prefer to be reading a novel for DCA-PHX than working—and I don't need book recs; I'm an avid reader, and my before-bed novel pile is starting to totter.
But I can't—not because I'm "too important" but because I have a job that expects me to produce work product. And respond to questions or crises as they come up, not five hours later. It's not the 80's, 90's, 00's or even early 10's—and pretending it's a different decade would not endear me to others who depend on my work.
Moreover, I most certainly cannot be offline for five hours as a surprise. If I'm forced to book a flight without wifi, I'll warn colleagues that I'll be out of pocket, and either plan on not working or download what I need to work offline. If the airline knew that the advertised wifi was broken, though, and didn't warn me before the flight, I would be Not Happy.
This thread is cracking me up. Sure, if you're retired, or have a job where you can not be connected for five hours, this works well for you. I'd much prefer to be reading a novel for DCA-PHX than working—and I don't need book recs; I'm an avid reader, and my before-bed novel pile is starting to totter.
But I can't—not because I'm "too important" but because I have a job that expects me to produce work product. And respond to questions or crises as they come up, not five hours later. It's not the 80's, 90's, 00's or even early 10's—and pretending it's a different decade would not endear me to others who depend on my work.
Moreover, I most certainly cannot be offline for five hours as a surprise. If I'm forced to book a flight without wifi, I'll warn colleagues that I'll be out of pocket, and either plan on not working or download what I need to work offline. If the airline knew that the advertised wifi was broken, though, and didn't warn me before the flight, I would be Not Happy.
The days of just reading a book on a plane and pretending you can disconnect are gone (unless you’re retired or just not working)....sorry! Even if you fly Spirit, they’re adding WiFi so there’s no excuse anymore.
Jan 21, 2020, 11:26 am
#50
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
I never work in Y. The flimsy tray tables are not designed to hold a beverage and snack let alone a laptop. And my employer doesn't want us working on a plane. You're on a plane, you're unreachable. Too many consultants allow clients to think they are reachable 100% of the time. Train your clients properly, I do. They will accept it.
On occasion the wifi will be out of commission and/or have malfunctioning outlets and that a/c isn't going to be taken out of service. AA is installing outlets on all mainline a/c other than the 763 (which in Y have the old cigarette lighter style). Those a/c will be just about gone at the end of this year. The LUS 757 are being retrofitted with wifi but no outlets. There's what like 9 of these. The bottom line plan ahead and have an alternative plan. With the Max debacle AA is limited on the number of a/c it can take out of service to install power ports.
On occasion the wifi will be out of commission and/or have malfunctioning outlets and that a/c isn't going to be taken out of service. AA is installing outlets on all mainline a/c other than the 763 (which in Y have the old cigarette lighter style). Those a/c will be just about gone at the end of this year. The LUS 757 are being retrofitted with wifi but no outlets. There's what like 9 of these. The bottom line plan ahead and have an alternative plan. With the Max debacle AA is limited on the number of a/c it can take out of service to install power ports.
Jan 21, 2020, 11:39 am
#51
Join Date: Dec 2019
Posts: 452
That's why I said "particularly in Y". Also, something doesn't have to be top secret to be confidential.
It goes further, even. If I have customer info on my screen, someone seeing it could be considered a privacy violation, for which there are laws against these days. Making my company liable. Not a risk I'd be willing to take.
It's not so much about whether what you're working on is confidential. It's about not knowing who's around you.
So, because you have a job where you're expected to respond quickly, it's OK to have that expectation when you're flying? That's nuts. What kind of company expects that while flying?
WiFi is a relatively new thing on planes. Not all have it and it may not work. The expectation should be that you're not available when flying. You shouldn't have to notify colleagues if your flight doesn't have WiFi.
It's one thing to be expected to work on a flight, it's quite another to be expected to be online.
It goes further, even. If I have customer info on my screen, someone seeing it could be considered a privacy violation, for which there are laws against these days. Making my company liable. Not a risk I'd be willing to take.
It's not so much about whether what you're working on is confidential. It's about not knowing who's around you.
So, because you have a job where you're expected to respond quickly, it's OK to have that expectation when you're flying? That's nuts. What kind of company expects that while flying?
WiFi is a relatively new thing on planes. Not all have it and it may not work. The expectation should be that you're not available when flying. You shouldn't have to notify colleagues if your flight doesn't have WiFi.
It's one thing to be expected to work on a flight, it's quite another to be expected to be online.
Jan 21, 2020, 11:55 am
#52
Join Date: May 2004
Location: DFW-In Plano & CDG-In the 11th
Programs: DL Diamond, AA revenue negative, Bonvoy Titanium +, Avis likes me
Posts: 3,209
Well...it is possible. Signed, someone who works in Y all the time. And as a sentient, reasonably-competent adult, I use my discretion about what goes up on my laptop that a neighbor could see.
This thread is cracking me up. Sure, if you're retired, or have a job where you can not be connected for five hours, this works well for you. I'd much prefer to be reading a novel for DCA-PHX than working—and I don't need book recs; I'm an avid reader, and my before-bed novel pile is starting to totter.
But I can't—not because I'm "too important" but because I have a job that expects me to produce work product. And respond to questions or crises as they come up, not five hours later. It's not the 80's, 90's, 00's or even early 10's—and pretending it's a different decade would not endear me to others who depend on my work.
Moreover, I most certainly cannot be offline for five hours as a surprise. If I'm forced to book a flight without wifi, I'll warn colleagues that I'll be out of pocket, and either plan on not working or download what I need to work offline. If the airline knew that the advertised wifi was broken, though, and didn't warn me before the flight, I would be Not Happy.
This thread is cracking me up. Sure, if you're retired, or have a job where you can not be connected for five hours, this works well for you. I'd much prefer to be reading a novel for DCA-PHX than working—and I don't need book recs; I'm an avid reader, and my before-bed novel pile is starting to totter.
But I can't—not because I'm "too important" but because I have a job that expects me to produce work product. And respond to questions or crises as they come up, not five hours later. It's not the 80's, 90's, 00's or even early 10's—and pretending it's a different decade would not endear me to others who depend on my work.
Moreover, I most certainly cannot be offline for five hours as a surprise. If I'm forced to book a flight without wifi, I'll warn colleagues that I'll be out of pocket, and either plan on not working or download what I need to work offline. If the airline knew that the advertised wifi was broken, though, and didn't warn me before the flight, I would be Not Happy.
In the 80s and 90s, I also had to produce "work product". Not billable hours, just results. I had a Skypager (Ultimate HIGH TECH at the time) for emergencies, and upon landing check in with this new thing, "voicemail", on my AT&T calling card. It was a mad dash off the plane to the phone booths. Then I dealt with issues. Everything could wait until I landed.
On the plane, uninterupted, I reviewed/approved expense reports, do employee reviews, do MY expense reports, review business plans, work on my business plan , work on presentation for next city, ...
Fast forward to the 2010's-I reviewed/approved expense reports, do employee reviews, do MY expense reports, review business plans, work on my business plan , work on presentation for next city, ...
YMMV
Last edited by Dallas49er; Jan 21, 2020 at 12:12 pm
Jan 21, 2020, 12:28 pm
#53
Join Date: Dec 2018
Location: Somewhere between BHX and HUY
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Posts: 1,671
If you believe that you are required to be online and reachable 24/7 (and you're not a neuro-surgeon).
If you believe that your productivity is enhanced by working as many hours as possible from the most awkward of places such as airplanes.
If you liked the post above stressing the absolute necessity in the modern world to be 120% reactive.
Then you are working inefficiently and your company does not have sound processes in place.
You should probably also take a deep breath.
If you believe that your productivity is enhanced by working as many hours as possible from the most awkward of places such as airplanes.
If you liked the post above stressing the absolute necessity in the modern world to be 120% reactive.
Then you are working inefficiently and your company does not have sound processes in place.
You should probably also take a deep breath.
Jan 21, 2020, 12:50 pm
#54
Join Date: Sep 2012
Location: Sun Prairie, WI
Programs: AA Executive Platinum, HH Diamond, National Executive
Posts: 1,786
So, because you have a job where you're expected to respond quickly, it's OK to have that expectation when you're flying? That's nuts. What kind of company expects that while flying?
WiFi is a relatively new thing on planes. Not all have it and it may not work. The expectation should be that you're not available when flying. You shouldn't have to notify colleagues if your flight doesn't have WiFi.
It's one thing to be expected to work on a flight, it's quite another to be expected to be online.
Now to those who can't connect for IFE or charge a phone I don't have much sympathy. In this day and age it's simple to carry a portable charger, bring a book, or download something on a laptop or wifi. But if you are expecting wifi and it's not there and the goal was to be able to do some work I can understand people being upset.
Jan 21, 2020, 12:57 pm
#55
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Jul 2001
Location: Phoenix, AZ
Programs: HH Gold, AA Gold
Posts: 10,457
On DCA-PHX and they just announced no WiFi or outlets on the LUS plane. Several people who didn’t know this ahead of time went crazy saying they have no movies or music or enough battery and the flight attendant was left saying “sorry, these old planes.”
Part of me thinks they should have prepared better but it is crazy how old this jet is.
the fact that there’s no empty seats makes clear why they haven’t spent the money - there’s no other option on this route
Part of me thinks they should have prepared better but it is crazy how old this jet is.
the fact that there’s no empty seats makes clear why they haven’t spent the money - there’s no other option on this route
Jan 21, 2020, 1:02 pm
#56
Join Date: Aug 2000
Location: Seattle, WA
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Jan 21, 2020, 1:19 pm
#57
Join Date: Aug 2010
Location: LAX
Programs: AA Lifetime Gold but PlatPro thanks to LPs
Posts: 4,438
Jan 21, 2020, 1:20 pm
#58
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Join Date: Sep 2006
Programs: AAdvantage PP
Posts: 13,913
First and foremost I post my travel dates and times on my Outlook. That way a client doesn't expect an immediate response if I say I won't be able to answer emails until after ..... I've never had a client complain. I'm expected to work up to boarding time (which I often do from the AC) and until I land. Sometimes getting away from "it" for a few hours is very helpful.
I travel about 60% personal, 40% work. And traveling for personal is far less stressful although last Friday I worked in the AC before flying to LA for the weekend. Seems as though my biggest gripe when traveling personally are hotel shuttles.
I travel about 60% personal, 40% work. And traveling for personal is far less stressful although last Friday I worked in the AC before flying to LA for the weekend. Seems as though my biggest gripe when traveling personally are hotel shuttles.
Jan 21, 2020, 2:26 pm
#59
Administrator
Join Date: Sep 2015
Location: Los Angeles
Programs: Internet Brands
Posts: 3,866
I never use plane WiFi, but I do make sure to always download some podcasts and/or movies before my flight.
Jan 21, 2020, 2:46 pm
#60
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Join Date: Apr 2001
Location: NYC
Posts: 27,222
If you believe that you are required to be online and reachable 24/7 (and you're not a neuro-surgeon).
If you believe that your productivity is enhanced by working as many hours as possible from the most awkward of places such as airplanes.
If you liked the post above stressing the absolute necessity in the modern world to be 120% reactive.
Then you are working inefficiently and your company does not have sound processes in place.
You should probably also take a deep breath.
If you believe that your productivity is enhanced by working as many hours as possible from the most awkward of places such as airplanes.
If you liked the post above stressing the absolute necessity in the modern world to be 120% reactive.
Then you are working inefficiently and your company does not have sound processes in place.
You should probably also take a deep breath.
But seriously, how patronizing.