The American Airline Association and Match.com have today announced the official launch of “Up in the Air,” an online dating site for frequent fliers inspired by the famed movie starring George Clooney and Anna Kendrick.
Fliers can enter their profiles into a special online system and a proprietary algorithm will “match” them with those who have similar interests — hotel loyalty groups, a love of Las Vegas nightlife, or even the Ashley Madison-like twist of those looking for extramarital affairs.
Matches will be suggested based on those who have the same upcoming flight plans and travelers will be seated next to one another on the new flights.
But what if this new love doesn’t soar at 35,000 feet?
If love doesn’t strike, travelers opting into the program can discreetly press their attendant call buttons and ask to “switch” with other matches for a better outcome.
Brad Johnson, a frequent business traveler who was part of the pilot program for the launch, said he simply “can’t get enough.”
“I travel almost five days a week,” he said. “A plane is the only time I have a chance to sit down and talk with someone. I’m happy to say I found my now girlfriend, a corporate recruiter, on my fifth ‘Up in the Air’ flight experience.”
An Up in the Air spokesperson says that they are looking into adding hotel partnerships so that interested parties can continue the conversation on the ground as well.
Membership in the program is a hefty $399 per month for ‘economy’ members, but includes airport lounge access, premium seating assignments with extra legroom, guaranteed overhead bin space and three, free cocktails per member.
“We find that people who aren’t looking for partners have opted into the program just for the travel perks,” said airline spokesperson Mary Trallow. “These add-ons are well worth it for frequent travelers — and who knows, you might meet the love of your life in the process.”
International flight access to the program should debut in the next six months.
[Flickr via Lin Pernille Photography]