British Airways has launched a new ‘Forty Winks’ nap lounge featuring power nap pods, so customers can enjoy a little preflight relaxation. The new pods are available at British Airways’ First Lounge at London Heathrow and will added to the Concorde Room and New York JFK.
On Tuesday (May 18, 2021), British Airways announced the launch of a new preflight ‘Forty Winks’ nap lounge featuring power nap pods. The first lounge opened on Monday (May 17th) at British Airways’ First Lounge at London Heathrow and will be added to the Terminal 5 Concorde Room and New York’s JFK Terminal 7 when global travel restrictions ease. Customers do not need to pre-book the pods, as the complimentary and self-service product is available via the ‘Your Menu’ lounge app. The new ‘Forty Winks’ lounge has been introduced in partnership with Restworks and allows guests the opportunity for some preflight relaxation in a dedicated EnergyPod.
In Tuesday’s announcement, British Airways’ Director of Brand and Customer Experience, Tom Stevens, said,
“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. 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’ lounge app. Beating jetlag and catching a snooze on the go has never been easier!”
Also commenting on the launch of the Forty Winks nap lounge, Restworks’ Global Managing Director, Christopher Lindholst, added,
“Being able to rest while travelling is an important way to stay healthy and energized, 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.”
The EnergyPod is the world’s first chair designed specifically for power napping and features a unique combination of gravity-neutral positioning and a privacy visor. With the new Forty Winks lounges, British Airways hopes to support customer wellbeing, while helping them beat jetlag during their travels. As previously mentioned, the lounge is complimentary and operates on a self-service basis. There are seven pods available, so customers can use the ‘Your Menu’ lounge app to check if a pod is available in real time. Occupancy information will also be displayed on a monitor outside of the Forty Winks lounge entrance.
As part of the airline’s continued commitment to the health and wellbeing of guests and colleagues, Dettol hand sanitizers will be positioned in the nap lounges and pods will be wiped down with Dettol antibacterial wipes after each use.
The EnergyPod features a timer so guests can select the duration of their power nap, or simply use the one-touch start button for a pre-programmed 20 minute nap. The pod also reclines to elevate the feet and promote customer relaxation, while the adjustable privacy visor can be swiveled into place to block out distractions. Additionally, complimentary audio content can be downloaded vis the Restworks Mobile app for use in the lounge and while traveling. When the Concorde Room at London Heathrow’s Terminal 5 reopens, an EnergyPod can be booked through dedicated hosts, where guests can request a wakeup time and choose a hot beverage after their nap. Water and hot towels will also be provided to ensure a refreshing awaking experience.
Source: British Airways