British Airways creates Kidszone in Heathrow Terminal 5 and Skyflyer solo lounges and partners with Microsoft to offer children inflight entertainment.
As British Airways‘ busiest day for Christmas travel approaches, the airline has announced it’s investing in new products and services in 2013 to keep its younger customers entertained at the airport and in the air.
In the lounges at Heathrow Terminal 5 children will start to see refreshed ‘Kidszones’, which will feature bright new furniture including beanbags and floor cushions; talking mirrors on the walls; sensory blocks and aviation-inspired toys for younger children and power chargers for a range of mobile devices including smartphones and iPads.
In the Skyflyer Solo lounges, used by children travelling alone, there will be further enhancements including football tables, balance boards, mini fridges stocked with a complimentary selection of snacks and drinks; Vitra ‘Tip Ton’ chairs, designed by Barber Osgerby (the designers behind the London 2012 Olympic torch); Allsorts’ ottomans from designers Davison Highley, specially created to look like liquorice allsort sweets.
In addition, British Airways has partnered with Microsoft to provide children with access to the latest in games technology with the Xbox in the Kidszones and Xbox Kinect in the Skyflyer Solo lounges. The Kinect console’s motion sensors allow children to interact with the game using their bodies, without the use of handsets. The library of age-appropriate games available will include: Sesame Street, Forza (driving), Dance Central, FIFA football, Star Wars and National Geographic.
There are also some changes being made to entertainment at 35,000 feet to enhance the family travel experience.The airline recently introduced extended in-flight entertainment, which means children will be able to start enjoying their favourite films and TV programmes as soon as they board until they land at their destination, giving parents time to relax and enjoy the flight.
Thousands of new ‘Skyflyer’ packs for children have also been created which includes an activity book, crayons or pens in a drawstring bag.
Kate Thornton, British Airways’ head of product and service said: “Children are flying more regularly than their parents ever did, and with the development of new technology they are also discerning travellers. We’re always looking for new ways to make the journey special, interesting and enjoyable for families.”
To help parents plan their Christmas flights British Airways has created a new video about travelling with children. The short film gives top tips for families travelling through the airport from check-in to arrival and is available to view on British Airways YouTube channel.
British Airways customers will start to see changes to the lounges in spring 2013.
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She holds a Bachelor's degree in Communication & Mass Media from Panteion University of Political & Social Studies of Athens and she has been editor and editor-in-chief in various economic magazines and newspapers.
