Electronic Devices, No Escape

When the FAA announced they would allow the use of most electronic devices throughout flights, I cringed. Based on what I personally witness or see on the news (ex. people talking loudly on phones while using disgusting language, freaks taking photos or video of unsuspecting strangers, texting in the middle of an in-person conversation), I was not thrilled at the prospect of being at 30,000 feet and in close proximity of such behavior.

I have been taking flights since I was a child. I try to savor every second of the glorious views from my window seat. To see Earth from such a vantage point is a treat that I hope I am fortunate enough to experience many times over before I reach my expiration date.

Part of the experience of flight, before electronic devices, was almost church-like because, for the most part, people would talk to one another in soft tones or people would quietly read. The only infrequent distractions were the occasional adorable baby crying or the drunken adult making outrageous demands because he or she did not get a bag of peanuts.

I had to fly to Maryland and Ohio last weekend. The weather was perfect and I had window seats on all flights. All of my in-flight activities were in my purse: knitting, a novel writing journal and a good book. I was looking forward to the trip and the peaceful solitude.

While boarding the first flight, I was shocked at how quickly the environment turned sour. I had not even reached my seat when I had to listen to a man behind me shout, cuss and gossip on his mobile phone to some unfortunate sole about everyone he worked with. He dressed like a professional business man yet he sounded like a paranoid idiot when he spoke into his mobile phone. Fortunately the man did not sit anywhere near me and I was able to enjoy the rest of the flight.

I hope people, like the man I encountered on my last flight, will loosen his or her dependency on electronic devices long enough to enjoy special moments in life before it is too late. We are only here once (possibly), and life is flying by faster than any plane I have ever been on.