The fare for such a chance to get "closer together" on long-haul flights is £2000 per person on a return trip London-New York.

Virgin Atlantic boss Sir Richard Branson, it is said, had been dreaming for such a plan for five years. A picture of his and TV presenter Dani Behr testing the in-flight bed has been published with the quote, "We have a lot of honeymoon couples who fly on Virgin, and a lot of couples who have been together for many years. There is no reason why they shouldn't cuddle up on board like they would at home."

At present three Boeing 747s have been fitted with four double beds each for transatlantic flights, but by the end of the years, double beds could be available on flights to South Africa. The couples will be shielded by screens from other passengers but those walking the aisle will be able to see them. The in-flight crew would object a possible sex romp only if other passengers complained.

The mile-high club is quite old. According to one report, its founding members were a dare-devil US pilot, Lawrence Sperry and a wealthy socialite Mrs Waldo Polk. They enjoyed their passion in a biplane over New York way back in 1916. Other celebrity members include model Pamela Anderson and the late actor Oliver Reed.

Other rather funny incidents include one on a BA flight. The cabin crew had to unscrew a lavatory door after a couple locked themselves for an hour. But BA has no plans to follow Virgin and provide double beds. Another couple, strangers when they boarded the plane, were arrested on arrival at Manchester from Dallas, for allegedly engaging in sex acts. They were also fined £2500 for being drunk on board.

There is, of course, a lot of criticism about the Virgin plan. Ann Widdecombe, former shadow home secretary, is quoted saying, "This is unnecessary and unfortunate. There's an immense issue of public decency here because there are other passengers who will not wish to see or hear such things."