In our increasingly connected world, the opportunity for peaceful solitude is becoming a rare and precious commodity. For many, one of the last bastions of this tranquility is found aboard an aircraft during a long flight. The cabin transforms into a sanctuary—a personal space for introspection, writing, and quiet entertainment, blissfully detached from the incessant demands of daily life.
However, this sanctuary is now under threat in the name of progress. The culprit: in-flight Wi-Fi. The introduction of internet connectivity on planes is slowly eroding the freedom and solitude that flying once offered. It was a time to disconnect, to think, to simply be, and to observe life from a distance, free from the relentless stream of updates on our screens.
The Allure of Solitude at 38,000 Feet
Flying has historically provided a unique opportunity to experience boredom—a state that has become a privilege in our hyper-connected era. Boredom can be a catalyst for discovery, adventure, and genuine human connection, yet nothing disrupts this idle and strangely satisfying state quite like an internet connection.
Once connected, the urge to check emails and follow real-time updates becomes irresistible. This constant connectivity undermines the potential for what computer scientist Cal Newport describes as “deep work.” This concept involves distraction-free focus on cognitively demanding tasks, pushing one’s cognitive capabilities to their limits and creating substantial value.
“The availability of in-flight Wi-Fi is not new. It has been around for a while, but it’s becoming more commonplace.”
The Expanding Reach of In-Flight Connectivity
In-flight Wi-Fi is becoming more ubiquitous, with airlines increasingly adopting advanced technologies to enhance connectivity. A recent Singapore Airlines flight from Singapore to New York utilized an efficient Panasonic Avionics Corporation satellite system to provide Wi-Fi. Meanwhile, Elon Musk’s Starlink, with its network of thousands of small satellites, promises faster and more widespread connectivity. Airlines such as Qatar Airways, United, and Air New Zealand are among those adopting Starlink technology.
Regardless of the technology, a fundamental aspect of human behavior remains: if a connection is available, people will use it. Even if the connection is intermittent, passengers will spend time trying to access it. This creates a new form of on-board distraction, transforming technology from a tool of liberation to an itch that demands scratching.
The Psychological Impact of Constant Connectivity
Author William Davies notes that the addictive quality of smartphones stems from their ability to engage us both physically and mentally. We are drawn to our screens not necessarily for the information they provide, but because they are under our control. This results in fragmented attention, absorbed by trivialities rather than sustained events like watching a movie.
“In practice, our attention isn’t directed to a sustained event (like even a movie), instead, our attention is broken up, fragmented, and absorbed by trivialities.”
Even as I draft this article at 38,000 feet, I find myself fighting the urge to check my phone, feeling the pull of the digital world below. The presence of in-flight Wi-Fi transforms the flight experience from something unique and consequential to something akin to the congested and confused atmosphere of an airport.
A Call for Preserving the Sanctity of Flight
As airlines continue to expand their in-flight Wi-Fi offerings, the question arises: should we preserve the sanctity of flight as a rare opportunity for solitude and deep reflection? While connectivity has its benefits, it is crucial to recognize the value of disconnecting and embracing the freedom that comes with it.
For now, there remains hope, as some airline videos suggest, that there are still areas with poor Wi-Fi coverage. Perhaps this will allow passengers to experience the joy of solitude, at least until technology inevitably catches up.
As we move forward, it is essential to consider the implications of constant connectivity and to cherish the moments of peace and introspection that flying can still offer.
