Flying the Friendly Gay Skies With JetBlue

Airlines including Qantas and Virgin America have made direct overtures to the LGBT market ... and JetBlue joined the fray Friday with a gay-centric Pride Flight from San Francisco to Long Beach, Calif., for the latter city's pride festival.

Kicking off at the expansive international terminal of San Francisco International Airport, the flight featured comedian Pam Ann dispensing boarding passes for Flight 1969 to Long Beach Airport (as well as tags indicating the fliers' sexual proclivities). Weary travelers making their way through the terminal to Tokyo or Paris stared slack-jawed at the Australian Ann, who wore a painted-on red sequined skirt suit, go-go boots, and a wig that would intimidate Tyra Banks.

Pam, never at a loss for a sexual pun, was escorted to the gate by two of the flight's handsome captains, one of whom she referred to as Captain Rimming. Champagne and cupcakes were served before the flight's lesbians were allowed on board first, followed by the gay men. More champagne -- and vodka cranberry drinks -- flowed on the hour-long flight, which inevitably led to many introductions and much mingling among the 110 passengers, most of whom plunked down just $79 for round-trip tickets. Giveaways were also part of the trip, including stays at Joie de Vivre hotels, the official lodging host of Long Beach Pride.

JetBlue marketing manager Mark Rogers said the flight was the airline's way of showing support for its gay customers.

Whether it's pride or simply pragmatism that encouraged JetBlue to inaugurate a gay-centric flight, one thing is certain -- flying has never been this much fun.