Last week I ventured out on my first work trip of the year, where I had the honor of attending the inaugural ASTA Globes in Chicago.
I didn’t check what type of plane I’d be flying on out of Atlanta, which ended up being a big mistake.
Delta’s 717-200 aircrafts are in the process of getting updated and not all of them have screens on the seatback, nor a free WiFi option onboard. So, when I sat down and realized all of this, I went through more emotions than necessary for such a silly thing.
Because I didn’t check which type of aircraft I wasn’t prepared with any movies or shows downloaded on my phone. Watching a show or a movie is my favorite way to pass the time while flying high in the skies in that tiny cramped in space.
The back of Delta plane seat with no screen (Photo Credit: Eric Bowman)
I tried to sleep but it wasn’t working. I walked around the aircraft and noticed the majority of the plane passengers buried on their phones, tablets and laptops. I counted four books and two magazine readers.
I sat back in my seat and let my mind wander into all sorts of thoughts as music blasted into my headphones. I eventually rounded out to realize that I am one of the many travelers that are way too reliant on screens.
Could I even change? Would I want to change?
The airplane isn’t the only place when traveling where you see people heads down, locked into their screens. It’s everywhere, and I am guilty of being this person. I know many of my travel industry peers are right there with me. Sometimes it’s a necessity on staying connected and working, and other times it’s a comfort thing.
The first planes to have seatback entertainment options began in 1988 with Northwest Airlines. People managed just fine without the screens for decades, just as they did without them for using maps to navigate their travels around the world.
And here I was sitting on a plane annoyed at my lack of entertainment options. I felt so ridiculous. I made a personal goal to not be so dependent on a screen during my travels, but also to be better prepared because watching a show or a movie on a plane brings me joy.
There’s nothing wrong with keeping a travel habit that brings you joy, but I think it’s important we all remember to practice moderation with our screens.
How often do you use your screens when traveling? Let me know your thoughts and follow me on social media: @EricBowman_
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