In-the-air Internet

How many of us travel by air throughout the year, turning off our cell phones and laptops for take-off only to be “dinged” to death when we land with text messages or e-mails that were sent to us while we were flying? I don’t know about you guys, but that drives me nuts.

I’ve learned to use my time in the air to relax – not by choice. However, if you stop and think about it, it’s one of the few moments of downtime you get. JetBlue Airways has began offering e-mail and instant messaging. Some time next year other Airlines will begin to offer high-speed services such as Web surfing. There are pro’s and con’s to this new offering in the air: Many people need to rest during their flights to be ready for meetings the next morning or just simply need to relax to prepare for their to-do’s once they land.

Jon Carson, chief executive with online fundraising company cMarket Inc., said that between kids, meetings and electronic interruptions on the ground, “I get some of my best work done on the plane.”

Many travelers said catching up with e-mail in the air frees time at their destination – at the hotel or back home with family.

Regardless of how I feel about it, it’s here and it’s happening. It’s still my choice whether to take advantage of it or not.