It's no secret: when you're up in the air, flying for business or to a vacation spot, you're disconnected from people, information and entertainment you may take for granted on the ground. Yes, we agree that's sometimes good. Everyone needs a break from the constant influx of information. But as most airlines cut back on many of the creature comforts that used to be common on jetliners a few innovative carriers are bringing a new kind of perq to the skies.
Case in point, Virgin America, which is a corporate cousin to the well-known Virgin Atlantic airline founded by famous British entrepreneur and adventurer Richard Branson .
Every seat on a Virgin America flight comes with amenities historically reserved for First or Business class flyers, such as in-seat entertainment, food options and even a fridge where you can go get yourself a bottle of water or some fruit as you please. Plus, every seat has a 110v plug and USB plug so you can keep your laptop computer or iPod powered up.
Not interested in plugging in while you fly? Then the in-cabin mood lighting may be just what you're looking for. As the flight moves along the lighting changes intensity and color to reflect day, night, mealtime, sleep time, and so on. A nice touch, especially if you're taking a red-eye flight from the West Coast back to the East Coast.
Of course, Virgin America isn't the only airline that lets you plug in while zooming around the skies. Airline Web sites are getting better all the time about providing information on which type of aircraft you'll be flying on, and what kinds of in-seat amenities you'll find on-board, including which seats have power outlets. Sometimes you can plan out your trip to make sure you get juice of all kinds, whether a beverage or power for your computer. You can even use the sites to find out if your chosen airline will let you pre-order food for an infant. (Very important for travelling parents since there are serious limitations on how much liqued you can carry through airport security.)
A few minutes of careful planning can save you lots of aggravation once you get to the security line at the airport and then make your way onboard.
Finally, do you feel the need to offer up some feedback and constructive criticism to the Travel Safety Administration? Here's your chance. Click your way over to “Evolution of Security ,” the TSA's official Web log (that's where the word “blog” comes from) to read up on current issues and add your own commentary. It's a fascinating read.
-- Will Safer
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About Will Safer and the BehindTheBuy blog
Will has been writing about consumer products, electronics and technology trends for more than 10 years. His first editorial home was technology trade magazine of record, TWICE (This Week In Consumer Electronics) where he was the first dedicated Web editor. His latest articles can be found in Conde Nast Portfolio and online at AOL News and Switched.com. Now he's happy to be a part of the team at BehindTheBuy.
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