Travelers Are Paying Real Money To Take VR Flights To Nowhere
PhilNote: This idea is not new (Japanese tour firm offers virtual reality holidays – with a first-class seat https://www.theguardian.com/world/2018/feb/15/japanese-tour-firm-offers-virtual-reality-holidays-with-a-first-class-seat ), but it is gaining new attention
Several airlines have begun using VR technology to immerse “travelers” in exotic locations such as the Colosseum and Pantheon in Rome, New York Times Square in NYC, Market Square in Helsinki, and Fiordland National Park in New Zealand, all without leaving their respective countries.
First Airlines is one such company offering this remote traveling experience, going so far as to call themselves the world’s “first virtual aviation facility”. “Passengers” can purchase tickets to board one of their VR flights, each of which designed to replicate the experience of a real commercial flight. Since the COVID19 Pandemic started, the company has seen a 50% jump in ticket sales and now require advanced reservations.
First Airlines isn’t the only airline doing these types of virtual flight experiences. EVAAir’s Hello Kitty Dream Jet, an actual flight in the US that has been around since 2017, features a wonderful Hello Kitty-themed flying experience designed specifically for fans of the Japanese icon. Unfortunately, the all-pink aircraft has remained grounded due to the ongoing COVID-19 outbreak, much to the dismay of Hello Kitty super fans.