Virtual Flight to Exotic Locales

"I often go overseas on business, but I haven't been to Italy."                                   "I got a sense of actually seeing things there."                                                   Japanese businessman 

"[The world's] first virtual aviation facility [an innovative entertainment concept made for the times we're at a time of closed borders, social isolation and face masks.]"                                                                                                                             First Air public relations

"[Passengers are] able to overlook the magnificent scenery of Taiwan's east coastline [from a lower-than-normal altitude]."                                                             "The on-board meal a selection of seafood chirashi-sushi rice designed by Michelin-starred chef Motoke Nakamura."                                                                    EVA Air, Taiwan

Leaving for a foreign destination at a time of global pandemic. Virtual travel. Safe and entertaining. That's what is on offer at First Airlines in the Ikebukuro neighbourhood of Tokyo. Although the virtual airline went into business several years before the onset of the SARS-CoV-2 virus causing COVID-19, its time has come. International travel for leisure and recreation is a tourism pleasure no longer recommended during this coronavirus epidemic.

Curious about what other places are like, take your pick from such destinations as Paris, Hawaii, New Zealand, Rome, New York, California or Helsinki. Good choices, great places to visit and you can do it without any personal risk. At a price that cannot be beat for value. $60 will gain you a reservation for the travel choice you want to commit to. 

A flight attendant at a check-in desk, First Airlines REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon

And the concept is available elsewhere, too. There's the Taiwanese carrier EVA Air. You'll pay a little more to enjoy their popular Hello Kitty-themed travel treat, about $180. But so much less than an actual airline ticket setting off in the usual manner for foreign destinations. You get to 'go' virtually, to see places that are now, however temporarily, off limits to tourism.

"In flight" meals are appealing as is the first-class "lounge" and first-class seat with ample room on an Airbus; the closest most wanna-be passengers will come to the real thing for a while to come yet. All the details of flight from departure screens in the lounge to flight attendants skillfully pantomiming the real thing carrying out safety protocols for the two-hour 'flight' experience.

First off, the "official boarding pass" for the destination of choice, drink service and a four-course culinary treat designed for the discriminating traveller by top chefs. How about Manhattan clam chowder and cheesecake for the Manhattan trip. Poke and minestrone for the Hawaii and Rome destinations respectively.

Flights "depart" on schedule five days a week. But act fast to make your reservations because they're a hot ticket right now. 

Customers in flight seats take their photos at First Airlines, that provides VR flight experiences, including 360-degree tours of cities and meals, amid the coronavirus disease (COVID-19) pandemic in Tokyo, Japan August 12, 2020. REUTERS/Kim Kyung-Hoon