<strong>VR travel:</strong> Japanese company First Airlines uses virtual reality to take travelers on journeys around the world -- without leaving the ground.
VR travel: Japanese company First Airlines uses virtual reality to take travelers on journeys around the world -- without leaving the ground.
Courtesy First Airlines
<strong>Stress-free vacations: </strong>Forget baggage fees or busy airport transfers -- First Airlines' aim is to create a more affordable, stress-free vacation.
Stress-free vacations: Forget baggage fees or busy airport transfers -- First Airlines' aim is to create a more affordable, stress-free vacation.
Courtesy First Airlines
<strong>Cross-continental flights:</strong> First Airlines offers journeys from Tokyo to Paris, New York, Rome and Hawaii -- at just 4980 yen ($46) for Business Class and 5980 yen ($56) for First Class.
Cross-continental flights: First Airlines offers journeys from Tokyo to Paris, New York, Rome and Hawaii -- at just 4980 yen ($46) for Business Class and 5980 yen ($56) for First Class.
Courtesy First Airlines
<strong>Inspiration:</strong> The inspiration behind the concept was to create an easy alternative to long-distance travel. "For me, it's difficult to have a trip because of the cost like time and money," First Airlines manager Hirokai Abe tells CNN Travel.
Inspiration: The inspiration behind the concept was to create an easy alternative to long-distance travel. "For me, it's difficult to have a trip because of the cost like time and money," First Airlines manager Hirokai Abe tells CNN Travel.
Courtesy First Airlines
<strong>In-flight dining: </strong>The 'in-flight menu' depends on the destination of choice -- Manhattan clam chowder and cheesecake for New York and salmon tartar and onion soup for Paris.
In-flight dining: The 'in-flight menu' depends on the destination of choice -- Manhattan clam chowder and cheesecake for New York and salmon tartar and onion soup for Paris.
Courtesy First Airlines
<strong>Air steward service:</strong> Passengers are served the meals by air stewards, alongside drinks and other snacks, as if they were up in the air.
Air steward service: Passengers are served the meals by air stewards, alongside drinks and other snacks, as if they were up in the air.
Courtesy First Airlines
<strong>Realistic setting:</strong> The surroundings and interior mimic an airport and airplane. "If I can easily access the airport and take a flight even though it's virtual, I thought it would be so cool," says Abe.
Realistic setting: The surroundings and interior mimic an airport and airplane. "If I can easily access the airport and take a flight even though it's virtual, I thought it would be so cool," says Abe.
Courtesy First Airlines
<strong>Maximum realism:</strong> The cabin features state-of-the-art Airbus 310 and 340 seats -- as used on real planes.
Maximum realism: The cabin features state-of-the-art Airbus 310 and 340 seats -- as used on real planes.
Courtesy First Airlines
<strong>Personal service:</strong> The cabin can accommodate 12 people -- there are eight first-class seats and four business-class seats per flight.
Personal service: The cabin can accommodate 12 people -- there are eight first-class seats and four business-class seats per flight.
Courtesy First Airlines
<strong>Destination tours:</strong> Upon "arrival," guests can enjoy a 360-degree tour of the destination.
Destination tours: Upon "arrival," guests can enjoy a 360-degree tour of the destination.
Courtesy First Airlines