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Brilliant: One airline will soon give Gear VR to first-class fliers

Published Jan 29th, 2015 5:05PM EST
Samsung Gear VR

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We went hands-on with Samsung’s new virtual reality headset back in September, and we have discussed how fantastic Gear VR is a few times here on the site. The device uses the brains and quad HD display of a Galaxy Note 4 to power a wonderfully responsive virtual reality experience, and it’s well worth the $200 price of admission.

Now, Samsung has struck a brilliant partnership with an airline that will give first-class passengers free access to a Gear VR headset during flights.

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Beginning sometime next month, Australian airline Qantas will begin offering Samsung’s Gear VR headset to first-class passengers flying between Los Angeles and Sydney or Melbourne. The program will be a limited for the first three months, and it may then expand from there.

“From an inflight entertainment perspective, it’s an industry first. Qantas is committed to being at the forefront of innovation to give our passengers the very best and latest in-flight experiences, like accessing the virtual worlds of their favourite Hollywood blockbusters from the comfort of their seat 40,000 feet above the ground,” said Qantas marketing executive Olivia Wirth. “It’s also a fantastic tool to feature our network’s destinations, inspiring travel and promoting tourism.”

Only first-class passengers will have access to the units, and first-class flights between Australia and L.A. typically cost about $20,000. In other words, it’s a great perk but you might be better off buying one yourself for $200 and using it in coach.

Zach Epstein
Zach Epstein Executive Editor

Zach Epstein has been the Executive Editor at BGR for more than 10 years. He manages BGR’s editorial team and ensures that best practices are adhered to. He also oversees the Ecommerce team and directs the daily flow of all content. Zach first joined BGR in 2007 as a Staff Writer covering business, technology, and entertainment.

His work has been quoted by countless top news organizations, and he was recently named one of the world's top 10 “power mobile influencers” by Forbes. Prior to BGR, Zach worked as an executive in marketing and business development with two private telcos.