Air New Zealand Launches ‘Skynest’ Bunk Beds For Economy Passengers On Long-Haul Flights

To make long-haul air travel more comfortable, Air New Zealand has introduced an innovative sleeping solution for economy and premium economy passengers. This new offering, called the Economy Skynest, allows travellers to rest in lie-flat beds, providing a quiet and private space during extended flights.

Set to debut on select ultra-long-haul routes between New York City and Auckland, the Skynest will be available for booking from 18 May, with travel beginning in November. The pods, a world-first concept, consist of six full-length sleeping berths installed in the aisle area of the airline's Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.

Each pod measures approximately 6.6 feet in length and 2.08 feet in width, tapering to around 1.33 feet at the end. Despite the compact dimensions, the Skynest is designed with comfort in mind. Passengers are provided with fresh bedding, a privacy curtain, ambient and reading lights, and both USB-A and USB-C charging ports. Additional amenities include a small storage area, a strap for securing footwear, and a sleep kit containing an eye mask, Aotea hand cream, a toothbrush, toothpaste, earplugs, and socks. A unique seatbelt system allows passengers to remain in the pod even when the seatbelt sign is illuminated, while a call button enables easy communication with the crew.

Although passengers must still purchase a standard seat for the approximately 17-hour journey, they can reserve a four-hour Skynest session for an additional NZ$495 (around $292 or £215). Initially, each flight will offer two sessions, and travellers are limited to one booking per flight. Most importantly, the service is available only to passengers aged 15 and above.

There are, however, some limitations. Passengers using the pods will be in close proximity to others and will not be able to sit upright inside. "Double-bunking" is not allowed, nor is eating within the pods. Accessing the berths may require bending, kneeling, or climbing, especially for the elevated middle and top pods, which are reached via a small stairway. The lower pods are at floor level and require crawling to enter.

Air New Zealand has also issued light-hearted guidelines, encouraging passengers to avoid strong fragrances, noting that "not everyone dreams in vanilla-sandalwood-cloud-musk." Snoring, however, is accepted as inevitable, with earplugs provided for all.

Air New Zealand Chief executive Nikhil Ravishankar emphasized the importance of improving long-distance travel comfort, stating that better rest can make journeys to and from New Zealand more manageable.

"For a country as remote as New Zealand, the journey matters. Tourism is a $46 billion NZD industry, but growth depends on travellers' willingness to spend long hours in the air to get here," he added.

"Skynest is designed to help make that easier. It reflects the practical innovation New Zealand is known for, and shows how thoughtful design can improve the travel experience."