British Airways’ customers are getting a taste of what it’s like to fly at the front of the aircraft as the airline trials cutting edge virtual reality technology at check-in desks at its home at Heathrow Terminal 5.

British Airways' customers experience the high life through virtual reality experience

After taking the 360° tour of the Club World cabin, customers who like the look of the additional space, the lie-flat seat, The White Company bedding and restaurant-style dining can choose to upgrade their seat to enjoy the experience for real.

Tom Stevens, British Airways Head of Customer at Heathrow, said: “We are always looking at new and innovative ways to engage with our customers and virtual reality is the latest way we are using a rapidly evolving area of technology to further improve the airport experience.

“I’m thrilled British Airways is the first UK airline to be using the technology. The feedback from customers who have tried out the virtual reality headset has been incredibly positive; they love having a sneak peek at our swish Club World cabin, with many justifying an upgrade as an early Christmas present.

“We’re really excited about the many opportunities virtual technology offers for our customers on the ground, and in the air.”

The virtual reality headsets are from tech start-up Skylights, which is part of British Airways’ parent company IAG’s Hangar 51 start-up accelerator programme.