Transportation is the movement of people and goods from one place to another. This is an old age definition that anyone can give without blinking twice. The importance of transportation cannot be overemphasized as there is a constant need for man to move within and outside their environment be it personal or business related.
We have different modes of transportation and each comes with its pecks. On land, we have buses, cars, tricycles, bicycles, bikes and even leg for those who enjoy walking long distances. On water, we have boats, canoe, ship, yacht, speedboats etc. In the air, we have airplanes and helicopters as the basic means of transportation.
Assuming there were no security issues, traffic and accidents have been reduced to the barest minimum, my favourite means of transportation will be air transportation specifically, the aeroplane.
Here are some reasons why I prefer to travel by air.
Flying is very safe.
I know we are assuming that accidents have been reduced to the barest minimum. This assumption is only possible on air. The planes are handled by well trained engineers and unlike other means of transportation where anyone can ride or drive without any basic training, it only takes a professional to fly an aeroplane. No one becomes a pilot overnight. This is why we do not have many of them. Also, there are so many regulations to ensure one's safety. One can fly with their eyes closed knowing that the chances of something going wrong is very minimal.
Flying is the fastest way of travelling.
I remember the first time I travelled by air from Asaba to Lagos. The whole journey took about 50 minutes by air compared to 6 hours by road and I'm sure much more by other means of transportation. You can meet up with your meetings and other appointments conveniently without having to travel a day ahead and even travel back on the same day if you so wish. If your flight leaves without you or gets delayed, there are regulations to have them pay for compensation. When you travel by plane, you arrive at your destination without any form of exhaustion because of how fast it is. There are no unnecessary stopovers.
It is convenient and comfortable
You get to sit on your own seat comfortably unlike other means of transportation where you are sometimes packed together like sardines. The plane is fully air-conditioned and you do not have to worry about sweaty armpits or a handkerchief. Water and snacks are provided to make your journey quite comfortable and there is a convenience for toilet calls. No need to suffer stomach upset or hold urine in the bladder for so long until you get to your destination. The air hostesses are also very polite and ready to assist you with anything you need.
It gives avenue for socialization.
Unlike other means of transportation, chances of meeting important people is higher on a plane. Someone once said that your contacts are very important because it determines what your future would look like. Building good contacts starts from meeting people of importance and the plane is one such place. On the plane your phone is turned off and that makes it easy to start a conversation with the person seated right besides you. This may end up being quite memorable.
Flying is the only way to get to some locations.
It will be foolish to want to travel overseas by other means of transportation. While it will definitely get you there but there is no saying how many weeks or months you may have to spend before getting to your destination. When travelling outside your country, flying is the only way to get you to your destination within the acceptable time frame.
Flying makes you appreciate nature the most.
Flying offers some great views especially when you are seated by the windows. You'll see beautiful cloud formations and if it's over the countryside, you are treated to great views of lakes, rivers, and mountains. At night, the view is simply unexplainable. Nothing compares to a bird's eye view you get from the plane.
One might argue that flying is expensive but it can be very affordable if you book ahead of time. Flying allows you to use your time constructively since it's very comfortable. A lot of work can be done by anyone who chooses not to sleep through the flight. Flying is the most organised and efficient way of transportation.
This is my entry into Week 7 Episode 3 contest of hive learners