As We See It

In-flight cocktailing gets trendy—and not just with Vegas-bound passengers

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The Virgin America seat back is way nicer than some bartenders.

Ever wanted to send some 12-year-old Glenlivet to the guy in 6A, the one with the long legs and the killer smile that you stalked from Starbucks all the way to the gate? Well, Virgin America isn’t the first airline to get boozy, but it might be the first to designate a “Send a Drink” feature. It’s controlled via digital seat-back panels, and the options go far beyond nameless box wine and watery beer.

That’s according to an AP report last week on Virgin America’s new focus on capturing “the glamour days of flying,” as told by in-flight team leader Ashley Nichelman. She says the company is trying to make flying an event again, adding: “You definitely notice trends, depending on where you’re going, especially our Vegas flights; you tend to have more cocktails ordered on those because people who are going to Vegas generally like to go have a good time, maybe gamble, and go out and have a few drinks when they get there.”

That’s our Vegas. The report also tapped travel industry analyst Henry Harteveldt for his opinion, and he rightly stated: “… frankly, from our standpoint as a customer, I think we’d rather pay the airline for a cocktail than a checked bag.” Cheers to that.

The Send a Drink feature is set to launch early next year. But your options already include the following:

Spirits

Absolut Vodka

Bombay Sapphire Gin

Funkin Margarita Mixer

Jack Daniel’s

Bacardi Rum

Bailey’s Irish Cream

Glenlivet 12 Year Old Scotch

Sauza Hornitos Reposado Tequila

Veev Acaí Spirit

Wines

35° South Chardonnay

35° South Cabernet Sauvignon

La Campana Sparkling Wine

Wente Southern Hills Cabernet Sauvignon 375 ml

Wente Morning Fog Chardonnay 375 ml

House Red 375 ml by Wente Vineyards

House White 375 ml by Wente Vineyards

Beers

Anchor Steam

Black Star

Blue Moon

Bud Light

Gordon Biersch

Marzen

Heineken

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