This fall, fliers in economy class will have access to true lie-flat beds for the first time ever, thanks to Air New Zealand’s newest product launch.
The carrier is finally launching its long-awaited sleeping bunk product called Economy SkyNest. The product will be available on ultra-long-haul flights and features six individual lie-flat sleeping pods in a bunk-style layout located between economy and premium economy cabins.
The first SkyNest will be available to book beginning May 18 for the product’s inaugural flight in November 2026. SkyNest will debut on board Air New Zealand’s newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner plane that will operate flights from New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL).
The sleeping bunks will be an add-on service in addition to fliers’ normal seats. Economy and premium economy fliers will be able to book SkyNest bunks in shifts for a chance to stretch out and get quality sleep during the ultra-long-haul flight.
Passengers can book four-hour sessions in the SkyNest beds, starting at $495 USD per session. Initially, travelers will be able to book up to two sessions a person per flight.
Each SkyNest session includes access to the lie-flat pod outfitted with a full-length mattress, as well as fresh bedding that includes a pillow, sheets, and blanket that are changed after each passenger.
Each pod also features a privacy curtain, storage areas, charging outlets for USB-A and USB-C, a reading light, and ventilation outlet. Specialized ambient lighting will be designed to set the atmosphere for both sleep and wakefulness.
Passengers will also receive an amenity kit—called “Nest-cessities”—that includes an eye mask, ear plugs, socks, and skincare and dental care by Aotea.
Air New Zealand developed the SkyNest over the course of several years and tests with more than 200 customers.
“On some of the world’s longest commercial flights to and from New Zealand, Skynest is designed to make a real difference to the journey,” the carrier’s CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said. “It is another example of how we are continuing to evolve and improve the Economy cabin experience.”
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