British Airways - Happiness Blanket

British Airways - Happiness Blanket

In an effort to gain more insights into – as well as promote – its onboard products and services, British Airways has conducted an experiment at 30,000ft by asking passengers located in different cabins to cover themselves under a socalled ‘Happiness Blanket’.

Passengers had to wear a special headband – the MyndPlay BrainBand , which uses neuro-sensors to measure a person’s brainwaves and ‘meditative state’ on a scale of one to 100. This information is then relayed via Bluetooth to LED lights woven into the ‘happiness blanket’, which changes colour to show when they are at their most relaxed. When the number is low it turns red (stressed) or when it is near the 100 mark it turns blue (relaxed).

BA said it will analyze the data from the blankets to make the in-flight experience better and the color patterns also gave an idea to the crew on the behavioral response of the passengers to in-flight services such as the timing of meals, the menu and the movie options.

The airline released a video (over 400,000 views so far) about the experiment that shows how initially there are fluctuations as passengers settle in, while there is a noticeable change in passengers’ mood as they enjoy food and drink. The blankets also show the reactions to different types of films and entertainment. While initially focusing on the technology and the passenger experience using it, the video closes with a clear marketing hook, stating “Never underestimate the power of a good flight’s sleep.”