United Airlines reveal business-class cabins with sleeping pods
12,000 hours of market research leads airline to install comfortable mattresses to replace seats
- The pods are designed for long-haul international flights
- New scheme launched by UA to be called United Polaris
Updated : 16:07
United Airlines is hoping to put to bed doubts about its business class service by installing cabins with sleeping pods for passengers to get a good night's sleep.
After carrying out over 12,000 hours of research into how to improve their flying experience, the business customers have responded by saying that they want to get some shut eye on the way to their destination.
The pods are being installed with a view towards long haul international flights. Chief Marketing officer Thomas O'Toole explained that the pds will line up in single file so that there is no "stepping over anybody".
The service, which also includes a special calming "lavender pillow mist", and "ergonomically designed eye shades", will launch in December with their Boeing 777-300 aircraft.
United Polaris will also contain the opening of various business lounges, starting with O'Hare International Airport in Chicago, and extending to Houston, Newark, Heathrow and Tokyo among others.
"by the time you get to your seat, you're going to be grumpy" United CEO Oscar Muñoz
Speaking from a launch event in Manhattan, CEO Oscar Muñoz said that "by the time you get to your seat, you're going to be grumpy. I´m already starting at a deficit".
Polaris is the latest attempt by United to increase its numbers ofbusiness class passengers and convincing them to pay more for added extras.