Many travelers have long fantasized about sleeping comfortably in economy class during extended flights.
Air New Zealand is set to provide a unique solution: a triple bunk bed that you can climb into while wearing special socks.
The airline will soon start letting customers reserve a SkyNest sleep pod for four hours, claiming it will be the first flatbed available specifically for budget-conscious travelers.
However, there’s a catch: passengers must adhere to certain rules to ensure a pleasant experience for everyone—no crumbs, no strong perfumes, and no co-sleeping.
The pods will be available for economy and premium economy passengers aboard the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner starting in November.
This aircraft will operate routes from Auckland to New York, one of the longest flights in the world, which typically has economy passengers sitting upright for an exhausting 16 to 18 hours.
Instead, travelers will have the option to pre-book a specific four-hour time slot in a curtained pod for an additional fee beginning at NZ$495 ($291) on top of their economy fare.
Yet, the layout, featuring six pods in a triple bunk style located between cabins, means close quarters with fellow flyers. Because of this, the airline has shared an etiquette guide.
No snacking is allowed in the pods, and children or additional guests cannot accompany travelers inside.
According to Air New Zealand’s promotional materials, “This means you only have to snooze alone – no musical nests or tag teams.”
For those worried about hygiene, the airline ensures that pillows, blankets, and sheets will be “all refreshed” for each four-hour nap.
Travelers will also need to wear special socks to enter the pod, fasten seatbelts over their blankets, and refrain from using any strong scents, whether perfume or medicinal.
Once the four hours are up, the lighting will gradually brighten to wake passengers. Or, if they happen to oversleep, they might find a not-so-gentle nudge from a flight attendant.
Each sleeping space is about as long as a standard bed (80 inches or 203 centimeters), but there’s no headroom to sit up; getting in requires bending or crawling, according to the airline’s website.
The width of the bunk measures 25 inches (64 cm) at shoulder height, tapering down to 16 inches (41 cm) at the bottom.
While converting seats or sofas into beds isn’t new for first-class or business travelers, Air New Zealand believes its flatbeds will be a first for those in economy.
This service is part of a growing trend among airlines offering upgrades and extras to economy class customers. Air New Zealand first unveiled plans for its economy bed concept back in 2020.
In response to soaring fuel costs amidst the conflicts in the Middle East, the airline has raised ticket prices and cut some domestic routes.
In March, it even suspended its earnings forecast due to fluctuating fuel prices, hinting at possible further adjustments to flight routes.
On one of the world’s longest journeys, travelers may finally have the chance to wake up feeling refreshed, but they might snore in the process—earplugs will be provided, as the airline quipped, “Statistically, someone will do it. That could be you.”
