Air New Zealand has announced that from May, economy passengers on its ultra-long-haul Auckland to New York flights will be able to book a four-hour session in new bunk-bed style sleeping pods, called Skynest. The pods will be installed on the airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which is scheduled to enter service in late 2026.
The Skynest consists of six full-length, lie-flat sleeping pods positioned in the aisle of the economy cabin. Each pod comes with fresh bedding, a privacy curtain, ambient lighting, and a kit containing eye masks, skincare products, earplugs and socks. Passengers must also purchase a traditional seat for the 17-hour flight, and can book one four-hour session per flight at a cost of NZ$495 (£215). Two sessions will be available initially.
The airline has set strict guidelines for use of the pods. Passengers are prohibited from bringing children, eating snacks, or attempting to double-bunk. They are also asked to avoid strong perfumes and potions. Snorers are tolerated, with earplugs provided for other passengers.
Chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar said the initiative aims to make long-haul travel to and from New Zealand more manageable by offering economy passengers better rest. The Skynest was first announced in 2020, and bookings open on 18 May for flights starting in November.
Air New Zealand already offers Skycouch, which converts a row of economy seats into a makeshift bed for an additional fee. Other airlines are also introducing economy perks, such as United Airlines' lie-flat seat rows from 2027 and Qantas' wellness zone on its Sydney-London route. However, demand for air travel has fallen in the UK due to rising fuel costs and geopolitical disruptions.
