Does instant transportation effect game immersion?

[Gennosuke]

I agree with OP.

I think there's a few points that could have been clarified further in the OP though.
I see people arguing over some points that do not conflict with OP's concept.

The point being made is that the game as an MMO needs to be immersive. I think no one can disagree to that. The issue is how and where are the appropriate places for immersion. No.. I take that back, immersion should be everywhere, the issue is how to tackle the issue of convenience.
This is where i will agree with OP, that the very concept of Airship that sets it apart from Teleporting or anything else for that matter is that your travelling through Air. If nothing will reflect that very fact and there is no experience involved, then why even bother with the Airship or even name it that? Surely you could set up some npc's in every city that warp you to each city for a fee. Airship is just that, it's an Airship, you are supposed to have an Airship experience or by it's very definition it is completely pointless, redundant and in reality is just another disguised form of teleporting. There should be times set for travel, and there should be an Air Travel flight experience.
By the same token, would you be happy if chocobo were insta travels too? Would it make any sense to insta travel through chocobos? Just rent a choco, and your instantly in a new location. No, it doesn't make sense and it completely beats the point of chocobos as a travelling method.

The other point is, I would agree with the other side that the flight itself should not be a long and/or tedious flight, have it somewhere in the middle, something long enough to enjoy the flight, and not long enough to be tedious/frustrating. it does not have to be a long ride. Then ofcourse, content on the airship would definitely add to the immersion as well and make any time spent on the Airship an enjoyable time. Who wouldn't enjoy a garlean airship hijack/battle?
Certainly, i would for sure want to see to improvements over XI airship system, i think there is room for a lot of creativity in an airship flight and the ideas for a fun ride are many.

Point is, Immersion and convenience do not conflict. Insta travel has it's places and uses, Airship on the other hand has it's own unique place and flavor and is supposed to have an experience to reflect that. You want to instant travel to another city? Anima is there, you dont want to lose your Anima? Request some npc's for warping. Just dont kill the Airship experience for the sake of convenience, let the immersion, experience, fun, lore takes it's place, and let the convenience take it's place.

This game is starting to feel like it's turning into a grindfest more than anything with all the requests for insta ports and the game will really suffer as a result. What's the matter with you guys? can't be bothered exploring anything this game has to offer? just raids and grinding? There really is much more to an MMO than that.
I agree it's frustrating to run all over the place due to poor design of the world and travel methods, but don't just kill off the concept of exploration and adventure.
I personally hate Anima for that reason, though again it's understandable in the current poor state and design of the world of Eorzea, it is not feasible otherwise, which is why i personally can't wait for redesign of the world to take place (hence my signature), then we can hopefully see people actually being bothered with exploring the land and enjoying it instead of whine for insta ports and convenience this and convenience that.

For longevity and overall success of the game, there should be some effort and places that are enforced upon players, or the game will turn boring and die off rather quickly. Just as long as those things are actually fun and challenging, not tedious, boring and frustrating. I do blame the state of the game. I hope time will fix this issue when more interesting content and a more dynamic and interactive world exists.