Sir Richard Branson just made thousands of brand-loyal Virgin customers even happier with the product. On Wednesday, he announced that he would finally link up all airlines within the Virgin Group to build a strong frequent-flier program. Passengers of Virgin Atlantic, Virgin America and V Australia will be able to earn miles on any of the programs. Spending miles for awards on other Virgin Airlines is being phased in through the second quarter of 2011 as computer systems are linked. Elite status will eventually be reciprocal too (Virgin America still has to create upper tiers in its frequent flier program).

What's next for airline in-flight entertainment? iPod hook ups! With the entry of in-flight WiFi, airlines seem to finally be "getting" it in terms of technology, and have decided to upgrade from the terrible days of having to watch the one in-flight film showing on the tiny screens that flip down from the ceilings. Virgin America and JetBlue have long been ahead of the curve, providing live televised programming in the back of every seat, and in Virgin's case, outlets at every seat. Now, though, the innovators over at Rockwell Collins have created a system that would allow passengers to hook up their iPods (and other personal media devices) to an individual seat's entertainment system.

The problem with gambling addictions is that once you book your expensive plane ticket to Vegas, that’s about eight percent less of your wife’s savings you get to blow. That’s why the thoughtful folks at Virgin America have decided to sell non-stop flights from New York’s JFK Airport directly to Las Vegas for low fares starting at $159. The fun begins on September 4th, because why destroy your marriage at a ticket counter when you can do it at a roulette table?