British Airways has unveiled new sleep pods in its First Lounge at 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 free, 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 an adjustable privacy visor and can be reclined to elevate the feet. Audio content can also be downloaded via the Restworks mobile app.
Hand sanitiser stations will be available in the nap lounges, and antibacterial wipes will be used to keep the pod surfaces clean after each use.
Tom Stevens, director of brand and customer experience at BA, said: “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.”
Currently the First lounge is open to all lounge-eligible customers, giving those who are travelling in Club World a chance to try the new sleep pods.
BA will also add the sleep pods to its Concorde Room at Heathrow Terminal 5 and New York’s JFK Terminal 7 when global travel restrictions ease.