'Sir Richard Branson's guide to getting lucky' -- really?

Virgin America lets passengers open a tab and buy drinks for seatmates. (Photo: Virgin America)



By Hugo Martin

Los Angles Times

Virgin America is making it easier to befriend other passengers at 35,000 feet.

The Burlingame, Calif.-based airline’s touch-screen entertainment units on every seat now have a feature that lets passengers buy drinks, meals and snacks for fellow passengers and follow it up with a text message.

If you are feeling really charitable, the entertainment system lets you swipe your credit card and open a tab so you can keep the party going throughout the flight.

The service was launched last month with the start of a new Virgin America route from Los Angeles to Las Vegas.

Richard Branson, the founder of the Virgin brand, stars in an online video touting the new feature titled “Sir Richard Branson's Guide to Getting Lucky.”