Bunk beds in coach take off on Air New Zealand’s new planes

Airline's 'Economy Skynest' pods, debuting on long-haul routes in November, let travellers 'stretch out, lie flat and get a few hours proper rest in the air'

Published Apr 15, 2026  •  2 minute read

Air New Zealand is launching what it calls a “world-first innovation” aimed at making long-haul economy travel a lot more bearable with actual lie-flat sleep pods. One of the features in the airline's new "Economy Skynest" pods is ambient nest lighting designed for rest, along with a reading light if you need it. Photo by Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand is rolling out what it calls a “world-first innovation” aimed at making long-haul economy travel a lot more bearable with actual lie-flat sleep pods.

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Starting May 18, passengers will be able to book time inside the airline’s new “Economy Skynest” pods, designed to let travellers “stretch out, lie flat and get a few hours proper rest in the air,” according to a news release shared with People.

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The Skynest setup will be installed on the airline’s new fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets. Each plane will feature six compact sleeping pods, stacked like bunk beds. Each pod comes with a mattress, bedding, privacy curtain, seat belt, reading light, charging ports and an amenity kit, reports CNN.com. Cabin crew will also refresh the space between bookings, swapping out pillows, sheets and blankets to keep things clean for the next passenger.

The Skynest setup will be installed on Air New Zealand’s new fleet of Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets. Each plane will feature six compact sleeping pods, stacked like bunk beds. Photo by Air New Zealand

‘Swap the headrest for bedrest’

Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar says the move is rooted in the airline’s experience operating some of the longest routes in the world.

“New Zealand’s unique location means we understand long-haul travel better than anyone,” he says in a news release. “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. It’s a simple idea with a powerful impact: Swap the headrest for bedrest, and arrive ready to go.”

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How does it work?

Starting next month, passengers can book a four-hour session in a pod, with one session allowed per person, per flight. The service will debut on ultra-long-haul routes, including the roughly 18-hour flight between New York and Auckland beginning in November, according to People. Prices start at $495 per session.

There are a few caveats. The pods are strictly for lying down — there’s no room to sit upright — and passengers will be sleeping in close quarters with others, per The Guardian. Rules also ban “double-bunking,” eating in the pods or bringing children in. Travellers are also encouraged to “go easy on perfumes and potions,” since “not everyone dreams in vanilla-sandalwood-cloud-musk,” reports The Guardian. Snoring, however, gets a pass: “Statistically, someone’s going to do it … Earplugs are provided for everyone, just in case.”

More flexibility on long-haul journeys

The Skynest builds on the airline’s existing “Skycouch,” a row of economy seats that can convert into a flat surface for lounging or sleeping. But unlike the Skycouch — which simply involves reclining leg rests — the Skynest requires passengers to climb or crawl into their pod.

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“It is another example of how we are continuing to evolve and improve the Economy cabin experience,” Ravishankar says, adding that the Skynest offers travelers more flexibility on long-haul journeys.

Air New Zealand is not alone in rethinking economy comfort. Last month, United Airlines introduced “Relax Row” economy seats. Photo by United Airlines

Air New Zealand not alone in rethinking economy comfort

In March, United Airlines unveiled its own solution: A “Relax Row” that lets passengers convert a trio of seats into a couch or bed. The feature, previously reported by the Toronto Sun, is expected to roll out in 2027 on Boeing 787s and eventually on Boeing 777 aircraft by 2030, with more than 200 planes set to include the option.

Like Skynest, United is pitching the setup as ideal for families, couples and solo travellers looking for a bit more space.

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