A Heavenly experience in the sky

Westin Hotels & Resorts and United Airlines jointly announced a partnership this week that will treat all first and business class customers who fly United’s p.s. service to a new level of comfort with Westin’s Heavenly Bed products.

This partnership marks the first time that hotel-branded bedding is taken to the sky by a U.S. airline. Also, as part of this partnership, select United Red Carpet Clubs in New York (JFK), Los Angeles and San Francisco will debut custom-designed Westin Renewal Lounges later this year: private areas outfitted with luxurious touches from Westin to create a calming oasis where travellers can relax before or after their flight.

Inspired by the iconic all-white, ten-layer Westin Heavenly Bed, United’s first and business class p.s. service between New York and California will include a signature oversized Heavenly blanket and pillow—bringing a new level of luxury and comfort to flying. The Westin Renewal Lounge areas will provide Red Carpet Club guests with a soothing environment with many spa-like amenities for relaxing and escaping the hustle and bustle of an airport.

“Who would have thought our signature Heavenly bedding would reach 35,000 feet? We are thrilled to be the first hotel company to partner with an airline, bringing our highly regarded bed amenities to travellers in flight,” said Sue Brush, senior vice president of Westin Hotels & Resorts.

“At Westin, we continually strive to provide the services and amenities that make guests feel renewed. Through this exciting new partnership we can reach beyond our doors and help United’s p.s. customers relax in luxury during their travels, whether in the sky or on the ground in a United Red Carpet Club.”

“It is important that when our guests spend their valuable time with United, they feel relaxed and rewarded,” said Graham Atkinson, executive vice president and Chief Customer Officer, United Airlines.

“By partnering with Westin, we can welcome aboard our first and business class guests with luxurious pillows and blankets, and treat some of our Red Carpet Club visitors to a calming oasis that feels miles away from the airport. No other airline in the U.S. can offer this level of hotel-branded luxury today, and we are proud to offer it to our valued guests first.”

The Westin-United partnership joins a host of initiatives at both companies to improve the guest experience.

Initiatives aimed at personal renewal recently introduced by Westin Hotels & Resorts include a groundbreaking SuperFoods menu and an in-room spa program that includes a custom-designed portable spa table inspired by the Heavenly Bed. Additionally, properties across the globe host Unwind(SM) - a Westin evening ritual—mini lessons, tastings and art instalments that help guests connect with each other and the culture of their surroundings.

As part of its multi-million dollar investment to improve the customer experience, United recently inaugurated its newly-enhanced international aircraft, featuring the first 180-degree, lie-flat business class seat to be offered by a major U.S. airline.

Other customer experience enhancements include redesigned airport lobbies and separate security and boarding lanes for premium customers at most of United’s busiest airports. United also renewed its partnership with world-famous and legendary Chicago Restaurateur, Chef Charlie Trotter, and Doug Frost, one of only three people in the world to hold both the title of Master Sommelier and Master of Wine, to help create its menus and select wine.

For more information, visit United.com.