The 'selfish and rude' plane act that could become a new flashpoint in air travel
Updated . First published
First, they shared puffs of a vape all the way up to the plane door.
Then, they asked for my sick bags as she was throwing up.
It's fair to say these passengers in front of me on a recent flight were not seasoned travellers (they were far from the worst thing I have seen on a plane though).
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This could be the new flashpoint in air travel. Getty
But the crunch came when we heard not two people chatting away while trying to sleep... but three.
It seemed they have availed themselves of the free WiFi on board and had decided to video call their mates. On loudspeaker. When the plane lights were off so people could get some rest.
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Yes, it's still a novelty to have WiFi on planes.
In fact this was the first time I had ever had access to it, for free, in economy, between the UK and Australia.
Maybe we were overreacting?
We were too scared to say anything to these folk though so just plonked our headphones on (they were so loud we could still hear them, though).
More and more airlines are rolling out free WiFi. Getty
But it did prompt the question.
As it becomes more common for airlines to offer free WiFi access, internet use is becoming a new flashpoint for plane travel.
Just recently, an airline sparked renewed fears among passengers after revealing it would allow fliers to break perhaps that last remaining boundary of air travel.
British Airways happily declared on a video on Facebook "super-fast onboard Wi‑Fi is cleared for take off".
It announced Starlink internet would be available for all on flights.
British Airways happily declared on a video on Facebook "super-fast onboard Wi‑Fi is cleared for takeoff" British Airways
However, it appeared to indicate passengers will be able to use the free WiFi to make voice or video calls.
"Please be considerate. If you're making a call, keep your voice low and use headphones," it said on its website.
That's opposed to other airlines, Air New Zealand for example, which specifically tells passengers they're banned from using it to call people for chats.
"I hope to goodness no one around me is doing a 'FaceTime'" one commenter said.
"I think I must be the only person in the world who looks forward to flying long haul with no interruptions from the outside world?"
A couple on a plane decided to video chat on a plane, but what's the etiquette? Getty Images/iStockphoto
The move was mostly treated with dismay, and as we have said before, we can really commiserate.
Forget seat reclining or who owns the armrest, I think this could spark an almighty row for some people. So what are the rules?
Indeed etiquette expert Julie Lamberg-Burnet, founder of the Sydney School of Protocol says flying is the "last frontier of people disrupting the peaceful enjoyment of others".
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WiFi may just become a new source of frustration for travellers. Getty
Julie tells 9Travel it obviously starts with a "lack of self-awareness and respect for fellow travellers".
She urges fliers to do the right thing when taking advantage of being online in the air, with a clear message.
Don't make calls, or dial up video chats.
It's "selfish and rude," she says.
Sarah was disturbed by people video chatting on a plane. Getty
"While having on-board WiFi available has many positives in keeping in contact with family, friends and for business there are several protocols and etiquette intelligence that requires us to maintain a calm, peaceful, and enjoyable environment for ourselves and those around us," she explains.
"The practice of holding the phone with speaker on during a phone or video conversation is hugely disrupting and clearly those who engage in this habit are completely unaware of the impact or are choosing to be selfish and rude," she adds.
"Passengers onboard an aircraft don't wish to hear either your voice or conversations."
Julie reckons some people may not realise the amount of racket they're making, adding that sound can travel even more in enclosed plane cabins.
So please, unless you REALLY have an urgent reason to make a call or Facetime, wait until you land.
Next time I'm on a plane, I am secretly hoping there's no free WiFi, so I can fly in peace.
