Air New Zealand has announced the introduction of 'Skynest', the world's first lie-flat sleeping pods for economy passengers on its ultra-long-haul flights between Auckland and New York. The six full-length pods will be available on the airline's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, set to enter service in late 2026.
Passengers can book a four-hour session in the bunk beds from May, with prices starting at NZ$495 (£215) per session. Each pod includes fresh bedding, a privacy curtain, ambient lighting, and a kit containing eye masks, earplugs, socks, and skincare products. However, the airline has cautioned against smuggling in children and prohibits eating snacks or 'double-bunking'.
Air New Zealand's chief executive, Nikhil Ravishankar, stated that the initiative aims to make long-haul travel to and from New Zealand more manageable. 'By giving more people the chance to properly rest on ultra long-haul flights, it helps make travel to and from New Zealand more manageable,' he said.
The Skynest pods were first announced in 2020 and will be available for booking from 18 May for flights starting in November. The airline already offers Skycouch, which allows passengers to convert a row of seats into a makeshift bed for an additional fee.
Other airlines are also introducing perks for economy passengers on long-haul flights. United Airlines plans to allow passengers to turn a row of three seats into a lie-flat space from 2027, while Qantas will introduce a 'wellness zone' on its Sydney-London route starting in June.
