Picture it: You’re in an economy seat on a 17-hour flight. Would you pay an extra $300 for just four hours lying flat?
Air New Zealand hopes the answer is yes. The airline is finally launching its Economy Skynest lie-flat sleep pods, starting at $495 NZD ($291 USD) for a precious four hours.
Passengers in economy and premium economy will have the option to book one of six individual pods nestled in three-tier bunk beds. The “nests” will be available on select Air New Zealand flights between Auckland and New York—one of the world’s longest flights.
“For a country as remote as New Zealand, the journey matters,” Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said in a release. “Tourism is a $46 billion NZD industry, but growth depends on travellers’ willingness to spend long hours in the air to get here.”
Ravishankar continued: “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.”
Fast Company initially wrote about the development of the Skynest in February 2020. At the time, a decision on the rollout was expected the following year. Considering the date, it’s entirely possible that the COVID-19 pandemic delayed things. The nests have been subsequently tested by over 200 customers.
Many flights had already been canceled by early March 2020 and the number of air passengers decreased by 95% the following month. By mid-2021, air travel was picking up again thanks to vaccines.
Fast Company has reached out to Air New Zealand for comment about the pandemic’s impact on the rollout. We will update this post if we hear back.
What does the Air New Zealand Skynest include?
So, for a minimum spend of about $300—after your initial ticket price—is the Skynest worth it?
Skynest is six feet and five inches long, with a 23-inch width at its widest section. It includes amenities such as:
- Fresh bedding, including a pillow, sheets and blanket
- Privacy curtain
- Ambient lighting
- Personal storage and charging outlets
- Reading light
- Ventilation outlet
- Crew call button
- Seat belt
- Kit with eye mask, ear plugs, socks, and Aotea skincare
Notably, the two bottom bunks are basically on the floor (four inches up) and will likely require crawling into. The middle two bunks are likely accessible from standing, while the top two bunks require using small central steps to get in and out.
Air New Zealand also offers a “Skycouch” on some of its flights. It takes a row of economy seats and offers adjustable leg rests that can form a large, flat surface.
It’s five feet and one inch long, with a width of 29 inches. It includes extra bedding and a seat liner. The cost of a Skycouch is very varied, with reports of paying upwards of $1,500. You can compare the two options here.
When can I book Air New Zealand’s Skynest?
Passengers on select flights between Auckland and New York will be able to book the Skynest starting Monday, May 18. Air New Zealand plans to have them available on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft starting this November.
Passengers must be 15 years or older to use Skynest and can’t leave any children under 12 alone in their seats.