I'm excited for progress in supersonic flight because fast things can be qualitatively different. I first remember hearing this idea from Linus Torvalds, talking about developing Git. He said he works differently, not just faster, when merges are instant and easy.

Since hearing that, I see the effect in other areas of life, and transportation is one. I travel differently when the flight is 3 hours as opposed to 7 or more. Shorter trips, less luggage, less advance planning, less exhaustion, etc.

At first it will be available only at a premium, but that's how innovation usually goes. When the market finds something people love, capital seeks opportunities to lower the cost and increase the quantity. The real price of travel by aviation has declined dramatically over the last 50 years, for example.

I've got friends and family all over the world... I would for sure go visit more often if it wasn't so darn long just to get there and back.