Long-haul travel is pretty rough, especially if you’re in economy. So, instead of feeling cramped in your seat, and unable to sleep properly, Air New Zealand has created the Skynest for economy passengers. Have a nap, bunk-bed style, from one of six sleeping pods, that will allow you to fully lie down. This experience will be available on the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which will journey between Auckland and New York from November. These flights are about 16 to 17 hours long, and are available to book from May 18.
Economy Skynest sleep pods by Air New Zealand
The Skynest was developed over several years, and tested on over 200 customers. Each Skynest pod comes with a full-length mattress, bedding, a privacy curtain, ambient lighting, ventilation, charging pods and even a “Nestcessities” kit, which comes with an eye mask, ear plugs, socks and Aotea skincare.
“For a country as remote as New Zealand, the journey matters,” said Air New Zealand Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar. “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.”
Passengers who book Economy or Premium Economy will have the option to add-on a four-hour session in the pod. The sessions have been designed around natural sleep cycles, allowing you time to settle in, have a nap, and wake up gradually. Initially, only two sessions will be offered on each flight.
The sessions are planned outside of meal service, so you don’t have to worry about missing out on food.
These sessions are from $495 NZD, or about $407 AUD. They are for travellers aged 15 and up. You will need to be able to enter and exit the Skynest on your own. The bottom and middle pods are slightly easier to access, while the top bunks require some climbing.
To learn more about the Skynest, click here.
The future of long-haul flights
Air New Zealand isn’t the only airline that’s looking to make long-range travel more comfortable.
Closer to home, Qantas is also gearing up for their Project Sunrise ultra-long-haul flights from Sydney to London and New York. These huge trips, which could take up to 22 hours, are currently scheduled to take flight from 2027. The aircraft will feature a Wellbeing Zone between Premium Economy and Economy.
This zone will provide a space for stretching, play guided movements on large monitors, and offer a hydration station and a range of self-serve snacks. Sleep scientists have also been working on the lighting of the cabin, in order to minimise jet lag for passengers.
