Mile-high hopefuls got a boost today as Continental Airlines unveiled its full sized beds for its new Shannon/Newark run.

The 6ft 4in beds are being fitted to the 757s which will  ferry passengers across the Atlantic    

The beds will go fully flat and while there are no doubles, the singles are just six inches apart.

Continental says it is not advocating sex in the skies.

But, as Yvonne Muldoon, sales manager for Continental Airlines in Ireland, said: "We can’t ban cuddling or certain types of affection."

And, an airline source, who wished to stay anonmyous, told the Irish Examiner; "I suppose if there is a means there’s a way."