The digital flights to Hawaii, Rome, Paris and New York take 110 minutes and include virtual trips to the destinations
Scared of flying but want to finally understand what all the aeroplane food jokes are about? Now you have the chance – without ever stepping on board.
First Airlines, a newly opened restaurant in Tokyo, Japan, is bringing the aviation experience to their “passengers” through virtual reality devices, including authentic aeroplane dining.
The restaurant looks like an ordinary airline office, which you can book through their reservation system. For a faithful representation, the company even uses first-class seats from the Airbus 310 and 340.
Diners are required to pass through check-in, seat themselves on the comfortable chairs and put the virtual reality goggles on. The travellers are even given realistic safety instructions, just in case of an emergency.
After “take off”, the staff serve four-course dinners that vary according to the exact route that the passenger has decided to take and are arranged as dishes on board would be.
The culinary flights to four destinations – Hawaii, Rome, Paris and New York – take 110 minutes and include virtual trips to the destinations.
Passengers travelling to Rome can devour salmon carpaccio and tiramisu, while those visiting Paris enjoy salmon tartar with basil sauce and caviar. New York‘s menu features Angus beef steak with bacon and balsamic truffle sauce.
“A real trip is a hassle to prepare for, and expensive, and takes time,” said Takashi Sakano, 39, who was on his first VR trip, told Reuters.
“So I think it is good that we can enjoy all this hassle-free,” he continued. He added that his next addition to the restaurant will be Rome.
Hiroaki Abe, manager of First Airlines, said: “We have lots of elderly customers who want to go overseas but are not able to easily given their physical limitations.”
Abe noted that the restaurant plans to include domestic flights around Japan soon. The meals served will highlight each region’s cuisine.