...it's a bird, it's a plane, and your phone in the off position
I love a good cause (I suppose the URL should have tipped you off) but then again who doesn’t enjoy standing up for what’s right? Holding those in authority accountable for that which they dole out is one of the founding principles of our country and the modern era. The trick is knowing when it’s worth it.
So how do you know when you’re being oppressed? Let’s assess the situation with a few simple questions:
Are you being disenfranchised, enslaved, or taxed for your tea at an obscenely greater rate than your fellow countrymen across the pond?
If you answered yes to any of these, you may be the object of oppression…and a small tea addiction.
Next question:
Are you being asked to turn off your electronic devices during takeoff and landing on an airplane which is headed to a destination of your choosing?
Get over it.
You rebels without a power off button on your iPhone (or at least not one you’re willing to use)–It’s not worth it.
Kindle users I’m talking to you too. Just another reason to stick with traditionally bound books.
I understand. You feel manipulated, lied to, one might say, unnecessarily grounded. I get it. For years you honestly believed that your iPod could single-handedly bring down your flight to [still a destination of your choice].
Sometimes the truth hurts. Yes, they simply want your undivided attention and are willing to lie to you (and in some cases charge for your luggage) to get it. I can see why sneaking a few clandestine texts or rounds of Words With Friends in might seem harmless.
This is not the answer. You are dealing with a slippery slope and at the bottom of that slope is loud conversations about personal issues that will leave you praying you get seated next to the teething infant and her chatty mother.
Not to mention that while you may be enlightened enough to confidently wield your airplane mode phone mid-flight, that doesn’t mean the couple across the aisle won’t ask for you to be removed from the plane for endangering the lives of all those on board. Panic is bad, especially at 30,000 feet.
And please, don’t give me the “I’m bored” excuse. That is what Sudoku, crossword puzzles, and several pages dedicated to teaching you how to make an elephant out of a dollar bill are there for.
Now. Please put your tray and seat in the upright and locked position and have a nice flight.
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“Disruptions: Norelco on Takeoff? Fine. Kindle? No.”: New York Times
“Why I Won’t Turn Off My Gadgets on Planes”: TIME
…bi-daily smile…