5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight

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• Virgin Atlantic
• aircraft
• Wi-Fi
• electricity
• gaming
• biofuel
• Airbus
• Boeing

Airborne Internet

A subsidiary of Branson’s TV-laden Virgin Atlantic empire across the pond, Virgin America features an In-Flight Entertainment system (IFE) with a 9-in., 1024 x 600 seatback touchscreen—for every passenger. JetBlue-esque live satellite TV meets over 3000 MP3s and 25 pay-per-view movies in this Linux-based but in-house-developed system, affectionately termed “Red.” And, just like its next-generation competitors, Virgin will tap into the Internet, with a wireless signal transmitted via file servers and ADRs (Airborne Decoder Receivers) hidden in the belly of the craft. These devices take satellite signals and convert them so the IFE can stream to the network of seat monitors. There are dual 802.11b Wi-Fi access points, though they’re only broadcasting SSIDs for now—full connectivity is pending Federal Administration Administration approval and should be streaming by next year. Even the flight attendants will be connected with Wi-Fi-enabled handhelds that make the classic silhouette call button look just about as antiquated as a hotel’s front-desk bell. But who needs a bell when you have fresh food—yes, food—on demand at the touch of a screen?

12. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
Over weight lugage in San Francisco (SFO) IAN (I think employee# 135101) from first class was checking us in San Francisco (SFO). There was two of us with ONE 75 pound lugage. So, I stepped aside to re-packed it, then weighed 68 pounds. Only to be hassle again and then asked to weigh my carry on. The carry-on weighed 35 pound for two of us. The pushy IAN forced us to check our carry-on in because that too was overwieght. Split between two people would have been 17.5 pounds easily. Question is did IAN have a bad day with his boy friend or girl friend? Doing a job you don't like is worse than losing your job.

11. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
i just applied for flight attendant yesterday. IT'd be awesome to be a flight attendant at one of the coolest and hippest airlines around! Wish me luck and I wish Virgin airlines all the luck too because I do hope this new style of flying "takes off"!! =)

10. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
Virgin America expensive? SFO-IAD roundtrip for $350 is as cheap as they come.

9. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
Ooof.. Virgin is really expensive..

8. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
Website: www.starrportcorp.com
You conclude with: 'All that’s missing now is a functional airport.' That is exactly what the Starrport is designed to be. Using inclined runways over the terminal, it uses half of the fuel by landing and take-off, and no need for taxiing. See one of the next issues of Popular Mechanics, and our website.

7. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
Website: www.flyingtigerheritagepark.com
I am a retired United Airlines Pilot and believe it will be CEO's like Herb Kelleher (Southwest) and Richard Branson who will bring back the charm and enjoyment of airline travel.

6. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
There are lots of people whom take great delight in "bashing' Richard Branson. However, there is no denying the man has changed the flying experience for the good of all. People that disagree need to take a trans-pacific trip on United, Northwest,Cathay Pacific and a few others to realise how well Branson is 'pushing the envelope." Singapore Airlines, JAL, and others are still pleasant to fly with, but as your writer has stated correctly. The Richard Bransons are a necessary requirement to ensure healthy competition. Thank you, JA.

5. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
No wonder the domestic carrier s were doing everything in their powers to prevent Branson's entry into the US market. Branson is a visionary who is needed in any country that is championing free market.

4. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
Wish I were younger and still flying for business. I'd enjoy these gadgets.

3. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
You know what should be on every plane, Those cargo containers that are BOMB-PROOF like the Israelis use, but no we'd rather have the cool stuff, not the ones that could save our lifes.

2. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
Excellent service where the passengers are fully occupied. It will be nice to have an ineractive video conferecning with the home or offcie television.

1. RE: 5 Virgin America In-Flight Gadgets That Should Be on Every Flight
Exciting!!!!We just flew Virgin airlines to Europe***got home last friday***it was the best flying experience ever***we will do it again, and I hope real soon. Thanks for a wonderful traveling experience, can't wait to try out the gadgets, as we do travel with a laptop and Ipod, traveling the great distance does make a batterey go unenergized and the jacks are going to be a great asset!!!!

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