[fsflover]

>You don't need planes to meet your distant relativesx

This is not a good parallel. You can use any modern instant messenger like Telegram to talk to your friends as comfortably (or more).

[asteroidbelt]

It is a good parallel. Obviously if your relatives live on another continent, flying is the optimal, but for example you can ride a bus from SF to LA instead of flying.

[fsflover]

Bus takes much longer, whereas other messengers are practically as convenient as Facebook.