An Idea for Airlines: The Social Flight
#1
FlyerTalk Evangelist
Original Poster
Join Date: Dec 2003
Posts: 13,145
An Idea for Airlines: The Social Flight
What if a plane flight were networked and became a social experience with its own economy?
Source: http://seekingalpha.com/article/5849...t?source=yahoo
Source: http://seekingalpha.com/article/5849...t?source=yahoo
#2
Join Date: Nov 2003
Location: YVR
Programs: Aeroplan ,Starwood,Priority Club,Amex Platinum,Airmiles,CIBC Gold
Posts: 619
I think the ship has already sunk on this idea. The author should have been around 25 -30 years ago when flying WAS a social experience and people met future business associates, wives, husbands etc. on flights, or at least talked to each other and maybe exchanged a few business cards. There was room to move around in the cabins, even in y class, but not anymore
Unfortunately, today the average flyer just wants to cocoon with their ipod or dvd player or laptop, and if anyone starts a conversation, they are considered a nuisance, at the least.
Look at the way the new J class is set up with sleeper pods that don't allow any conversation between fellow passengers. And in Y class, you can barely move, so moving around the cabin is almost impossible.
Flying has become very boring, but it seems that is what the passengers want and the days of having a party or socializing on an airplane are long gone.
Unfortunately, today the average flyer just wants to cocoon with their ipod or dvd player or laptop, and if anyone starts a conversation, they are considered a nuisance, at the least.
Look at the way the new J class is set up with sleeper pods that don't allow any conversation between fellow passengers. And in Y class, you can barely move, so moving around the cabin is almost impossible.
Flying has become very boring, but it seems that is what the passengers want and the days of having a party or socializing on an airplane are long gone.
#5
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Join Date: May 1998
Location: Seattle
Programs: Ephesians 4:31-32
Posts: 10,690
Once airplanes passengers are connected with the ground, that enables them to get connected with each other. It would be easy for the airlines or, failing that, the passengers themselves to set up social networks around flights and destinations.
#6
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Join Date: Nov 2004
Location: unreserved car luggage rack
Programs: Indian Railways Wallah Program
Posts: 6,532
No, the ship has sailed. The networked travel format is the cruise line. It's infinitely better suited - more space, time, and weight. If you are going for networked travel why not go on something that can support the primary purpose 100x better?
People who want to interact, mingle, see the sights take boats and trains. People who want to get there take planes.
People who want to interact, mingle, see the sights take boats and trains. People who want to get there take planes.
#7
Join Date: Aug 2007
Programs: AA EXP, HH Gold, SPG Gold, Marriott Gold
Posts: 3,017
It's still odd though, when you think about it. I sit further from friends when I'm visiting than I do to the pax next to me, yet I rarely get involved in conversations aside from the initial commentary re: idiot pax and their oversized luggage or flight attendants older than the AAdvantage program, or something of that nature (thanks to exit row elites next to me).