British Airways adds sleep pods to its First Lounge at London Heathrow

British Airways has launched a selection of sleep pods at its First Lounge at London Heathrow for travellers in need of some shut-eye.

Launched in partnership with sleep technology company Restworks, the airline’s Forty Winks nap lounge features seven EnergyPods, which will be offered to Club World guests on a complimentary, self-service basis.

Customers can use the Your Menu lounge app to check if a pod is available in real time or check availability on screens outside the lounge. They can then set the timer on the EnergyPod to their desired duration or use the one-touch start button for a pre-programmed 20-minute nap. 

The EnergyPod chairs feature gravity neutral positioning and an adjustable privacy visor and can be reclined to elevate the feet. Complimentary audio content can also be downloaded via the Restworks mobile app. 

Hand sanitiser stations will be positioned in the nap lounges, and antibacterial wipes will be used to keep the pod surfaces clean after each use. 

British Airways said it would roll the sleep pods out across its Concorde Room at London Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York’s JFK Terminal 7 when global travel restrictions ease.

“We can’t wait to welcome our customers back after a very difficult year, and we’re always looking for new ideas to support our customers’ health and wellbeing pre-flight,” said Tom Stevens, director of brand and customer experience at British Airways. 

“In late 2019 we carried out a survey of over 100,000 lounge guests asking what they would like to see featured in our lounges. Sleep pods were right at the top of their list.

“Our Forty Winks nap lounges will offer a dedicated rejuvenation space for customers as they return to the skies, all self-serviced via the Your Menu ounge app. Beating jetlag and catching a snooze on the go has never been easier!”

Christopher Lindholst, Restworks’ global managing director, added: “Being able to rest while travelling is an important way to stay healthy and energised, and what better way to use your dwell time than to catch up on some sleep.  We are excited British Airways is making this important investment in customer wellbeing.”

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