It looked like an ordinary park bench, but a group of New Yorkers were stunned when they sat down only to be greeted by flight attendants bearing gifts of champagne, food, and much more.

It was all part of a bid by Sir Richard Branson to give unsuspecting passers-by a taste of what it's like to fly with Virgin Atlantic.

The bench, located in a pedestrian park near the Flatiron Building in Manhattan, was transformed into the "Upper Class Bench" for the airline's quirky campaign.

As part of the experience, the in-flight entertainment units were brought to life - when the spectators selected the movie or game of their choice, it was re-enacted by actors on the streets.

And they ended it all with a hot towel.

Sir Richard Branson questioned: "Is this the world's best bench?" Well, watch the video above and decide.