A Japanese company has a creative solution for those with a strong case of wanderlust but no time or money to satisfy it. Tokyo-based First Airlines, the world's first virtual airline facility, lets customers book "flights" online and then jet off to far-flung destinations without ever leaving a room.
Situated in Ikebukuro, a popular shopping and entertainment district in Tokyo, First Airlines hosts its guests in a room designed to look exactly like a plane - with real Airbus seats, salvaged from an airline.
At the booking stage, customers choose a destination - current options are New York, Paris, Rome and Hawaii - and a seat, in either first class (¥5,980/R650) or business (¥4,980/R540).On their "flights", "passengers" wear augmented reality headsets, and enjoy all the perks of high-end flying, including fine-dining and a drinks service. The "flights" are also staffed by real flight attendants, who have been trained in the industry.
Each menu changes depending on the destination, with the trip to Paris featuring dishes such as salmon tartar and onion soup, whereas those headed to Hawaii dine on poké bowls and coconut curry soup.
The experiences last around two hours and include special activities in each destination - on arrival, guests can take 360-degree tours and visit famous landmarks.
The airline also offers a "round the world" experience on the first Thursday of the month.
"Customers say the experience is exciting and enjoyable, and some come back more than once," a First Airlines spokesperson says.
In some respects, one might even argue that it's better than an actual flight.
For one thing, boarding starts 15 minutes before the takeoff; flight times are much reduced (it takes almost 13 hours to fly from Tokyo to New York in real life), and those who've had enough of the high life can simply disembark whenever they choose - just tell a member of the crew...