News that Virgin Atlantic is planning to offer “private double beds on the new A380″:http://news.xinhuanet.com/english/2005-01/20/content_2485526.htm got me thinking. It really would be nice to spend most of a 14-hour flight sleeping in a real bed, kind of like travelling by train. The way it is now, the first and last day of any long trip are wasted “flying days”, and the nicest long flight I had was an “overnight” from San Diego to Sydney. Timing and melatonin helped us get almost a full night’s sleep (if sitting up) on the flight. (The worst long flight was the one on the way back, unfortunately.)

Apparently this is an “idea that’s catching on”:http://www.britishairways.com/travel/sleeptrial/public/en_gb :

“The Club World Sleeper Service now offers you up to five dining options throughout your journey, a more tranquil cabin with fewer announcements, the usual complimentary spa treatments and more. Designed to help you be ready for bed as soon as you take off, The Club World Sleeper Service will deliver you at your destination feeling rested and refreshed.”