We need to abolish Wi-Fi on airplanes
Summary
A stranger on the subway argues that Wi-Fi on airplanes has "ruined everything that we know and love" since its 2008 debut. Kareem initially dismisses the take, but the rider makes a compelling case: flights used to be the only time you weren't tethered to the world, a miracle of flight free from Deborah's emails. He points to watching Dr. Zhivago and Lawrence of Arabia back-to-back on a tiny screen as proof that the in-flight experience can slap without internet access. The passenger, who reveals he's a filmmaker, insists people aren't responsible adults who can resist the Wi-Fi temptation. Kareem tries to compromise with one hour of connectivity mid-flight, but his conversation partner refuses. No deal. They're pushing the full abolition agenda.
Full Transcript
So, what's your take? We need to abolish Wi-Fi on airplanes. 100% disagree, bro. I knew you were going to say that. I knew you were going to say that. Of course. I'm a normal person with a same mind. I know. I'm about to liberate you.
Liberate away. In 2008, you know what happened?
What? Go Wi-Fi hit airlines. I like that. It intruded on the miracle of flight. You know what else happened? Well, that recession has anything that's the decline of all of this.
You think the recession is linked to the Wi-Fi on the planes? Wi-Fi on planes has ruined everything that we know and love. I once saw denim thieves on an airplane and it was as if I was looking at God herself. It was the most enjoyable experience. Everything is better in the air. So now I got to respond to Deborah's email when I don't give a about what she's saying.
Okay. So now I'm not done, Kareem.
Okay. Listen, good for you to go from like New York to Paris. It is the only six hours that you are not tethered to the world.
So, you're a fan of raw dogging flights? No, I'm saying enjoy whatever Delta provides me.
I think I can get behind this. Yeah. I took a flight the other day and I had an option to watch a film.
Yeah. You know what I chose?
Yeah. Dr. Javagago. Crazy. Amazing. Listen. And then, guess what I followed up with?
How'd you follow it up? Lawrence of Arabia. There you go. Back to back. Six hours on a tiny screen and it slapped the way David Lean intended them to. He killed it. Listen, one of the great joys of my life will be when I'm on an airplane and I see my movie.
Oh, so you don't mind though? You don't mind if people watch your movie on the plane? Whatever you're losing as far as scale and scope, euphoric experience, and you know that.
Wow. Okay. I'm in support of the take. I've changed my mind. But I'd like to meet you halfway.
Okay. Where the Wi-Fi is available for one hour in the middle of the flight.
No deal. We're pushing this agenda. We're going hard. That Karine, I would like the options.
No, you don't want the options. People are responsible adults. They know what to do. People are not responsible adults. That's the worst take on the history of the show.