Tech-Heavy Airline Virgin America Takes Flight

Virgin America took to the skies on Wednesday. While for some it may just be another discount airline, the technology-centric planes could be a geek's dream.

The first flights take off between San Francisco and New York along with a San Francisco to Los Angeles route Wednesday.

Beyond the inaugural flights, a New York to Los Angeles route will be added August 29, a San Francisco to Washington DC route on September 26, a San Francisco to Las Vegas route on October 10, and a Los Angeles to Washington DC route October 24, the company said in a statement.

The airline says it will expand to 10 cities within the first year, and up to 30 cities within a half-decade. Virgin says many of the innovative features were aimed at "bringing the fun back into flying."

Each seat includes its own USB port and Ethernet jack, which connect to a network with the rest of the passengers. Wi-Fi access is provided, and Sprint EV-DO connectivity provides ground communications.

The company is still working on securing a provider that will allow customers to connect to the Internet in-air.

From your seat, you may chat with other guests, or send e-mail and SMS messages. A current list of what food and drink is available can be checked, and an order can be placed from the seat.

Virgin has pay-per-view streaming movie titles as well as an MP3 store with over 3,000 songs. The playlists can be created online, at the seat, or even be saved for a future flight. In addition, games and live DISH Network TV programming will be available to guests.

"With its low fares and brilliant innovative features, Virgin America is sure to usher in a new era of domestic travel for U.S. consumers," Virgin Group founder Sir Richard Branson said in a statement.