Amadeus has laid claim to the world’s first virtual reality (VR) travel and search booking experience.
The innovation allows travellers to complete the whole booking process - from choosing the destination to payment - all without leaving virtual reality.
It says the VR experience could change the way travellers shop and purchase trips, helping airlines and other companies “become next generation travellers”.
The patented technology allows the user to spin a virtual globe and select a destination, they can also walk through the aircraft cabin selecting their seat and when booking a rental car they can sit in them and try different vehicles.
Amadeus said in the future, the VR experience could include hotel booking features and social media functions.
The idea was created by developer Justin Wilde at Amadeus’ company Navitaire, which it acquired in 2015. It is still currently in the project phase.