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Burgers On A Plane: Why Wi-Fi Matters?

3 Comments on Burgers On A Plane: Why Wi-Fi Matters?

A burger. A plane. A VIP seat. A fascinating documentary journalist with an out-of-date phone. Wi-Fi.

This is this week’s top passenger experience story. Because I said so.

Because people will pay for Wi-Fi. Just Because.

OK, so yesterday was surreal and Brexit happened.

But the night before the day that was, I was tickled pink by a story I didn’t get around to sharing, due to the fate of the western world and all of that malarkey.

Today, I’m making up for that with this brilliant illustration that Wi-Fi not only makes flying better for people on a plane but also can make the world better for people on the ground. And for unusual stuffed toys.

Random Feathers

David Farrier is an investigative journalist/film maker from New Zealand who has an established record for tracking down the random and finding a juicy story.

He is responsible for a new film about the bizarre world of tickle-video bullying. Yes. You read that right. No. It’s not a joke. Tickle-video bullying happens, and Farrier exposed its dark side to the world.

But on his way to the premiere of his film, the sight of fellow passenger above with Burger on the side–protected from turbulence by the wise donning of a seatbelt–tickled Farrier’s funny bone enough for him to pull out his wallet and pay for a Wi-Fi connection.

Burger’s Flying Adventure.

Some Friendships are Meant to Last

Sometimes Serendipity Happens

And State-of-The-Art Technology Matters

I Know What You’re Thinking

Could Burger Flyer have been a clever publicity stunt to promote an obscure investigative film which has performed rather well with critics on its own merit?

In today’s odd world, anything is possible. I’ve reached out to Farrier and to Burger’s travel buddy to learn more, and I’ll be sure to update you when I find out.

But that’s not really the point, for aviation.

Life at 30,000 Feet

WECANHAZWIFI

The point is that today’s travellers want to be able to do in the air what they do on the ground. They want the same continuity of communication, the same ease of interaction, be it for business or pleasure.

In fact, if Burger Flyer is a publicity stunt, it proves just how useful onboard Wi-Fi can be for the enterprising traveller.

If passengers are willing to pay to connect, just to give the internet a giggle–possibly to start a meme or to promote a film about a problem you didn’t know you had to worry about yesterday–then it’s a wonderful world we live in that they can do so.

Does Wi-Fi matter? You decide.

Now Get Back to Your Regularly Scheduled Whatever

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Marisa Garcia

After working for sixteen years in aviation, specializing in aircraft interiors design and aviation safety equipment, and getting hands-on with aircraft cabins in hangars around the world, Marisa Garcia turned her expertise into industry insight. She has been reporting on aviation matters since 2014. Every day, she's putting words to work.

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3 Comments

  1. I want to know if on a full flight, Burger gets shoved into overhead storage like some stuffed toy with no feelings:)
    Isn’t privacy tricky when all wifi it seems, leads to social media? What recourse would the guy snoring like pigs at a tea party have if he awoke to find himself trending on Twitter? Or the one who hilariously misses their mouth and ends up with a lap full of noodles? On long haul flights at least, we settle in more like we’re relaxing on a sofa watching tv, than sitting for 16 hours in a public space. Then again, whiney, demanding, ever-reclining types might feel less anonymous…

    Reply

    1. Toni, this is a very good point and something society will have to grapple with. Frankly, it’s no different from sharing on social media on the ground.

      People need to tweet responsibly and whether they do really depends on their character. In this case, Farrier did say he got previous permission from Burger’s travel pal to take the picture, but as we’ve already seen dozens of times others are less considerate.

      On a full flight, I suspect poor Burger may end up squished between luggage in the overhead bin. Possibly tucked under a seat. He just got lucky on this flight. 😉

      Thanks for stopping by! 🙂

      Reply

  2. […] landscape and Spain is having its own elections, but I promised I’d get to the bottom of Burger and I […]

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