It is the Facebook update everyone hates to read, but we all love posting.
And now that status update about jetting off on holiday is set to be even easier after Virgin Atlantic announced it would allow each passenger one Facebook login for free so they could post an update from 35 000ft.
The #SkyhighSelfie is one of the unusual extras being offered on the airline’s Dreamliner 787 routes, alongside mood lighting to help with jetlag, windows that can be darkened with the touch of a button and full length windows in the toilets.
This bespoke Facebook application will allow customers to check in for free and share their location and photos with their friends mid-flight.
Virgin Atlantic is also developing certain #SkyhighSelfie spots in the cabin to offer customers the chance to take the perfect selfie on board and share their experience.
The first selfie spot will go live on Birthday Girl, the first of its 787 aircraft to be bought, from this month, and customers can take their pictures with the iconic Virgin Atlantic Flying Lady carrying her celebratory champagne coupe.
The app will also act as a sky high discussion forum where customers on the flight can chat and spark debate in the air creating an onboard community. To access the free wi-fi and check-in on Facebook, upload their photos or participate in the onboard discussion forum, all customers need to do is click on a specially-created link and log in.
Other key features include full-length mirrors in the bathrooms, and special mood lighting.
The lighting changes colour throughout the flight to help passengers relax, unwind and fall asleep.
On boarding the aircraft, a soft “rose champagne” colour has been chosen to destress passengers while encouraging them to relax.
This then changes into “purple haze” which is designed to be cosy and comfortable before transforming into “amber warmth” which creates a candlelight environment for passengers while dining. To help passengers drift into a deep sleep, “silver moonlight” is introduced to reflect a beautiful moon-lit sky.
One of the key upgrades in business class is a modification of the bar area to make it more social. Two stools now sit opposite each other so customers can dine opposite one another.
Sunday Tribune