Bunk beds in economy class?

Air New Zealand's Skynest units are being billed as 'the world's first sleep pods in the sky for Economy travellers'

 The in-flight innovation we've been waiting for.

Air New Zealand will debut stacked sleeping pods for its economy and premium cabin passengers that can be booked in four-hour slots.

Air New Zealand has announced the introduction of stacked lie-flat beds in its economy cabin in what will be a landmark development for long-haul plane travel. 

The Kiwi carrier will debut its Skynest, comprising six units that are billed ‘the world's first sleep pods in the sky for Economy travellers’, on board its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners at the end of 2024. 

Prices are yet to be announced but passengers in Economy and Premium will be able to book a four-hour slot, limited to one person, once during the flight, with demand expected to be strong across more than 200 seats in the section. 

The stacked, bunk-style pods – reminiscent of Japanese hotel sleeping capsules – will feature a privacy curtain and USB charging, and cabin crew will change the bed linen after each slot. 

Air New Zealand Chief Executive Officer Greg Foran said of the concept, which was first mooted in 2020: “New Zealand's location puts us in a unique position to lead on the ultra-long-haul travel experience. We have zeroed in on sleep, comfort, and wellness because we know how important it is for our customers to arrive well-rested. We wanted to offer our Economy customers a lie-flat option and that's how Skynest was born. It's going to be a real game changer for the economy travel experience."

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