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Flight attendants to become the porn police
Back in December, when Aaron posted about the etiquette questions raised by In-flight Internet, he wrote the prevailing thought was that "decency, good sense and normal behavior" would prevail.
According to this article at FoxNews.com, just in case decency, good sense and normal behavior go out the window, flight attendants will become the porn police.
I imagine that while the flight attendant is taking your money for your snack and beverage that used to be complimentary, but isn't anymore, he or she can give a peek at your screen to see what you're surfing and shut you down if you forget you're not in the comfort of your own home or tucked back in your office cubicle.
If your neighbor is getting grossed out or upset by your viewing, the flight attendant will appear to put an end to the shenanigans.
Some airlines, the article reports, will put a block on sites which should give the attendants a break so they can do other important tasks like make sure they give back correct change when you purchase water so you won't die of thirst before the flight ends.
Airlines that either do or will filter sites when Internet is made available: JetBlue Airways, Continental and Qantas.
Airlines that will or already do let you surf without a filter, and hope that you use common sense when you do so: Northwest, American, Delta, Alaskan Airlines and Virgin.
Here are concerns being raised: What is pornography or not appropriate content and under what circumstances? Different people have different lenses with which they view what is appropriate. Here are two examples given:
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A child sitting next to a person watching an R-rated movie that is either sexually explicit or violent
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A person surfing a Victoria Secret lingerie catalog could be disconcerting as well.
As the article also points out, the reason why these issues are felt so strongly when people fly is that they are confined and can not escape from what is distasteful. You can't move seats and you can't get off.
Although flight attendants are trained to deal with conflict, as you may have noticed if you read Gadling comments whenever a flight issue is posed, there are a lot of stresses from flying as it is. It seems to me that Internet may be great to have, but could be adding more trouble than it's worth.
Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)
masanddjs Aug 26th 2008 1:03PM
most of the flight attendants I know will enjoy looking at it themselves
fathertimema Aug 26th 2008 1:59PM
Its non of the flights attendants business what you watch on your laptop. If someone sitting next to you does not like whats on your screen let them turn their heads away.
If its a child next to you to damm bad.
If these flight attendants want to be of service let them pull their panties down and do their job in life pleasing men.!!
H Aug 30th 2008 11:51AM
fathertimema --
You seem like a sexist pig. Here's a thought: what about waiting until you're off the what, three-hour flight to watch your porn? Would it kill you to go that long? How about you don't like these people doing their jobs, you don't fly?
You know, "men" are old enough to wait for gratification. You sound more like a whining little boy, really.
It is indeed their business, furthermore, considering that you're on *their* flight, *they* will be the ones taking the heat if a mother sues because her child saw your porn movie, and *you* have no obligation to fly.
Secret Asian Man Aug 26th 2008 4:20PM
I see no problem with this. The passengers are on a flight using services provided by the airline. The airline can place any limitations it wants.
That's what the Terms of Service agreement is for.
Nick Hawkins Aug 26th 2008 6:59PM
Does this work both ways - where I can yell at the person next to me for reading a crappy book?
Iceman Aug 29th 2008 6:17PM
Damn, I watch porn myself but wouldn't dream of doing it on a plane, or even at an internet cafe - I used to do it when I was younger but not anymore ;-)
fathertimema, you're a total a$$hole, Every (straight) guy probably fantasizes about airline stewardesses, but that's where it should stay. Their work is most probably one of the hardest in a plane, they have to stay cheerful and upbeat even (especially!) if the pilot has a bad day. I hope next time you fly they throw you off the plane! Or at least, drop a full pot of scalding hot tea in your lap while you're w@nking to your pictures.
Claire Aug 31st 2008 8:21PM
I could never understand why they sell porn mags in the airport either!! I am not prude by all means but there is a time and a place and being sat next to a big fat, slobbering, heavy breathing wanker like fathertimema would completely turn my stomach and there would be no excape!!
skylatte Sep 1st 2008 4:00AM
While you may think your Flight Attendant has nothing other to do than "police porn" and "give you correct change", keep that in mind as thay are giving some passenger cpr, comforting a child traveling alone, or dragging you off a burning plane. Keep in mind that F/A you expect to smile has been working under pay cuts and a 15 hour day, but iIS still there to listen to your sorry ass whine about your seat and paying for a meal, all things out of their control. So grow up act like a responsible adult and police yourself and let them do their job.
masanddjs Sep 2nd 2008 8:13AM
that drunk BMI flight attendant would have done a GREAT job doing all those things if she hadn't been ARRESTED. Look how well flight attendants worked out dragging passengers "off a burning plane" on the Spanair flight. There were 5 Doctor's on the Australian flight delivering the baby, recently. No flight attendants needed except getting blankets. You all think too highly of yourselves
Trevor Sep 2nd 2008 12:39PM
If anyone is interested, google "fathertimema"
You guys can see how much of a pig he really is...