Virgin Atlantic is preparing to launch an in-flight text messaging service which will allow passengers to have their questions answered at 35,000 feet.
Passengers can text questions from their seat-back TV screens to a land-based answering service which promises to answer them within minutes.
The Richard Branson-owned airline says users can ask questions on any topic they like.
"It's a great way to ask for a recommended bar in New York, what's the best way to get over jet-lag, or what's the best way to chat up the cabin crew," a Virgin spokeswoman told Reuters.
The service’s launch comes as airlines are attempting to increase non-ticket sales.
However, sending text messages from mobile phones is still prohibited due to interference issues.
Recommended reports
Mobile marketing: A Beginner's Guide
The Mobile Marketing Beginner's Guide is a starting point for those who want to discover what mobile marketing is all about. It is free to Bronze members (Econsultancy registered users) and higher.
Communities and UGC Editor at Associated Northcliffe Digital
3:01PM on 15th August 2006
So what they're proposing is a Virgin-style AQA, with a geek or two connected to Google on the ground? Innovative. And it is bloody expensive to send text messages from Virgin planes, too.
I'd rather use a guidebook.