Long-haul economy flights are rarely glamorous. It’s convenient travel with the inconvenient side effects of stiff necks, sleep deprivation and irritable jet lag. However, after much delay, Air New Zealand is finally ready to launch its secret weapon: Skynest sleeping pods.
The innovative concept will introduce six sleeping pods into the economy cabins of ultra-long-haul Boeing 787-9 flights, starting with the Auckland to New York routes. The beds lie flat, come with specially designed seatbelts and are designed for flights which are at least 15 hours long. Think of them as personal bunk beds in the sky.
Each pod has a full-length mattress, pillow and fresh bedding, a USB charging port, a reading light, ear plugs, ventilation and moody lighting to really get your rest on.
So how can I book?
Economy and premium economy passengers can book one four-hour session per person during the flight, leaving their original seat behind for a temporary, yet proper stretch and lie-in. Lights will gently turn back on once the four hours are up, but if you’re really getting that REM sleep, attendants will gently come wake you. After each session, pods are fully cleaned and refreshed for the next passenger.
What’s the catch?
Each passenger is limited to one Skynest session only, with around 18 opportunities available through the journey. It’s first come, first serve, so best to book as soon as you can. Also, despite its ‘economy’ branding, the price to sleep isn’t cheap. Each four-block will cost between $400-600.
After delaying the launch in both 2024 and 2025, Economy Skynest will apparently be available to book from May 2026. While it’s not exactly affordable, Air New Zealand is certainly trying to make long-haul travel more bearable. Or, as the airline puts it, help passengers arrive ‘in a reasonable state’.
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