The fight for high-spending frequent flyers continues, and airlines are doing their best to appeal to them. Two U.S.-based airlines are jumping on the trend, adding mattress pads to their premium in-flight offerings.
United Airlines already offers mattress pads, available on request, as part of its Polaris experience.
“Our Business Class customers have been clamoring for the return of mattress pads and pajamas to complement the duvets, dual-sided pillows and slippers that help create an inviting and cozy atmosphere on those flights lasting 12-plus hours. American is committed to investing in an elevated customer experience and we know these amenities are key to ensuring our travelers not only enjoy their journey, but also arrive at their destination feeling cared for and well-rested,” Heather Garboden, American Airlines‘ chief customer officer, told Newsweek.
Delta AIr Lines
Last year, American Airlines stopped issuing mattress pads to customers. This summer, the airline began reintroducing mattress pads and pajamas to Business class customers on widebody flights to the Middle East, India, Australia and New Zealand.
Delta Air Lines tested mattress pads on ultra-long-haul flights in 2023 and has rolled them out en masse this year. The company offers them on international flights with Delta One seating, the most premium offering the company has. All flights with Delta One seating, domestic and international, will have mattress pads available by the end of 2025.
“In travel, every moment matters – not just where you’re going, but how you get there,” said Mauricio Parise, vice president of brand experience, in a press release earlier this year. “We want you to savor your time in the air, which is why we are intentional about each detail of the customer experience to create a sense of home in every space, which is instantly elevated with Missoni’s iconic, signature designs. Our new Missoni collection will help you arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready for the journey ahead.”
Ahead of the summer travel season, numerous airlines introduced new amenity kits for their high-end travelers in partnership with various brands including Missoni with Delta and Blackwood with American. United’s latest take on the amenity kit, in partnership with Therabody, debuted late last year.
Delta, United and American join international carriers including Qatar Airways, Etihad Airways and Turkish Airlines in offering mattress pads.