Five Ways Wireless Internet Makes Waiting for Planes Less Horrible

The world of travel these days is not the luxury sedan of the skies that it used to be. While once, people dressed up for air travel and the planes were packed with lovely, well-designed seats that were made for comfort, these days, it's like being packed into a crate with other cattle. This isn't just about those who happen to be flying coach, either; it's about the notion that it just makes more sense to be receiving better treatment when shelling out so much money, yet noticing that it doesn't seem to be happening. With wireless internet available only if one pays and a sense that things are getting out of hand, it's no wonder that those who get stuck in airports from time to time are closer to mutiny than ever before.

But before going postal on whoever is behind the ticket counter during one's next delay, take a deep, cleansing breath and consider the other options. Now that laptops can go everywhere in the friendly skies that humans can, there is a lifeline in place for those who have wireless internet access for free, and one that works even better for those kind souls who have upgraded to WiMax and its ubiquitous coverage. Here are five ways that having the web in place makes waiting for a flight a lot less horrible.

#1 - Staying entertained can actually happen easily. Instead of putting up with the same songs on one's personal music device or having to watch whatever DVDs are in one's carry-on bag, it's possible to have access to all of the world wide web, which means streaming radio, downloadable television, and a whole lot more. It certainly beats being stuck with whatever one packed, especially if delays are taking forever.

#2 - A dead cell phone no longer means being out of touch. Because of the availability of wireless internet, it is simple to write an email, to make a call using something free online, or even to video conference with family or friends. This way, the portion of the delay that is personal--i.e. missing a crucial business meeting or not making it to a wedding on time--doesn't have to feel quite as miserable.

#3 - Two words: rental car. If it looks as though things aren't going to be getting better anytime soon, it just makes so much more sense to be proactive. Flip open that laptop and figure out which of the local rental car companies offers something that is affordable and the right size, and then leave everyone else to figure out when they will ever get a seat on a plane. Those with WiMax can even use their far-reaching signal to map out the quickest most traffic-free way to get to where one is heading.

#4 - It's possible to actually keep working. Sure, it's fun to watch things on YouTube and stay entertained through other ways, but for anyone who actually has a serious deadline, being able to use one's signal to get things in on time can be a life saving technological development.

#5 - Finding a real person to talk to doesn't require moving from one's seat. For those who are staring down long lines, wireless internet means being able to poke around and get a response, whether through a social networking site or something else entirely. It's a helpful resource if things are particularly bad.

The right Wirelessinternet means no more looking for a signal when a flight happens to be delayed.