Summary
Revolutionizing Economy Flying with Skynest
Economy travel is set to become significantly more comfortable as Air New Zealand has unveiled intricate details regarding its innovative Skynest bunk bed concept.
Design and Features of Skynest
The Skynest, scheduled to debut on the airline’s ultra-long haul flights beginning in September 2024, features six cozy pods. Each pod comes equipped with:
- Full-size pillow
- Soft sheets and blanket
- Earplugs for tranquility
- A dedicated reading light
- USB outlet for personal devices
- Ventilation outlet
- Seatbelt for safety during turbulence
According to Air New Zealand, these pod sessions are expected to cost between NZ$400 and NZ$600 (approximately $253 to $379) for a 4-hour session.
Availability and Pricing
The pods will be strategically situated between the premium economy and economy sections. Initially, passengers will be able to access these pods on the airline’s routes from Auckland to New York and Auckland to Chicago.
Each traveler is permitted one session in the sleep pods. Upon the conclusion of the session, lights will “gently come on,” signaling to the crew to wake any passengers who might still be asleep. Furthermore, the bedding will be replaced between each session, incorporating a 30-minute transition time to ensure cleanliness.
Additional Options for Passengers
In addition to the Skynest, Air New Zealand allows economy passengers to utilize the Economy Skycouch, which converts a row of seats into a makeshift bed. Earlier this year, the airline also introduced a new “Economy Stretch” cabin class, boasting a generous 39 percent more legroom and a seat pitch of 35 inches.
Additionally, Air New Zealand provides direct flights from the United States to several destinations, including Auckland to Houston, Los Angeles, San Francisco, Chicago, New York, and Honolulu.
With this commitment to innovation, Air New Zealand endeavors to enhance the travel experience, facilitating opportunities for travelers to rest and rejuvenate during their journeys.
