Flying often (very often, these days), I've noticed that some airlines are upgrading their fleet. You can tell because the seats look different, the overhead bins are smaller and the carpet is newer.
There's also another change: no more "No Smoking" signs. You know the ones...the space above each seat where two lights are illuminated - "Fasten Your Seatbelt" (also communicated with a simple seatbelt illustration) and "No Smoking" (also communicated with a cigarette with a red line through it). The "No Smoking" light has now been replaced by the "Turn off Electronic Devices" light (no cool graphic to go with this one).
I don't actually ever remember being able to smoke on a flight, but it's strange to see this icon be updated. It's what I've always seen on a plane - a bit of comfort and familiarality replaced by something new.
At the same time, it's exciting to be part of two eras - and be aware of the change. I don't think any other generation has seen - and been a part of - such rapid technological change. After all, this week marks the 25th anniversary of the Commodor 64 - I was three when it debuted, but I've watch computers change (remember DOS?), digital music descend upon us (remember Napster?), and now seen it become so embedded in our culture that it has found its way even in the small space above an airline seat. My kids will never see the "No Smoking" light on an airplane; although I'm sure the old comfort of "Turn off Electronic Devices" will one day be replaced with something newfangled.
It's pretty exciting.
2 comments:
Yea, with the way things are heading, our kids will probably see a "No sex" sign above the seats on an airplane :)
If only your kids would not see smoking at all!
(And per Jessica's comment, maybe they'll put sex detectors in the lavatories.)
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