Kamal Ghorui
In a bold move that could change long-haul flying, Air New Zealand has shared plans of its much-anticipated “Economy Skynest”. According to a press release by Air New Zealand, it is a bunk bed-style sleeping solution for economy and premium economy passengers on routes exceeding 16-18 hours. It is going to be a game-changer for ultra-long-haul travel. As per the airline’s official release, bookings for Skynest will start from May 18, 2026 on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner fleet.Available to book from 18 May 2026Available on services from November 2026A first-of-its-kind
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According to official reports, the Skynest will have six lie-flat sleeping pods. These bunk-style beds will be made available for the economy and premium economy cabins and are unveiled after years of research and testing. These pods aim to offer what traditional economy seats cannot: the ability to lie down completely and get proper rest in the middle of the air. About sleeping podsEach pod is about 6.6 feet (203 cm) in length and about 64 cm in width. These are designed to offer a compact yet functional sleeping space. Passengers onboard will receive fresh bedding, which includes pillows, sheets, and blankets. An amenity kit with eye masks, socks, and skincare products will also be provided. The pods feature:Privacy curtainsLightsVentilationUSB charging portsSeatbelts EarplugsPay extra Skynest is not included in the base fare but is offered as an add-on experience for which travellers will have to pay extra. Travellers can book a four-hour bunk bed at NZ$495 (approximately INR 28,001). Each passenger is allowed to reserve only one session per flight, and initially, there will be two sessions per journey, 12 passengers per flight are allowed.Rules: No snacks, No sharingAs per airline guidelines: No eating allowed No “double bunking” (sharing a pod) Passengers can still ‘snore’Designed for the world’s longest flightsThe Skynest will debut on some of the airline’s longest routes, most likely on the Auckland–New York service. It’s a long-haul flight which can take up to 17–18 hours. Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said, “By giving more people the chance to properly rest on ultra long-haul flights, it helps make travel to and from New Zealand more manageable.”What passengers should expectFor passengers, especially those flying ultra-long distances, Skynest could be a game changer. Also those who have capacity to shell extra, will definitely choose the facility. It is expected to bridge the gap between uncomfortable economy seating and expensive business-class upgrades.
