WELLINGTON, New Zealand — For economy passengers enduring marathon flights, getting quality rest has long seemed impossible. Air New Zealand plans to change that with an innovative solution featuring triple-stacked sleeping pods, though passengers must follow strict guidelines including wearing provided footwear.
Starting in November, the carrier will launch bookings for its Skynest sleeping compartments, offering four-hour rest periods that the company claims will be the world’s first horizontal sleeping option for budget travelers. However, the close quarters mean passengers face rules against eating, wearing strong fragrances, and sharing spaces.
These curtained sleeping areas will become available to economy and premium economy passengers aboard Air New Zealand’s newest Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner jets. The aircraft will operate the Auckland-New York route, among the globe’s most grueling commercial journeys, forcing economy travelers to remain seated upright for 16 to 18 hours.
Travelers can reserve a four-hour slot in these private, curtained compartments for an additional 495 New Zealand dollars ($291) beyond their standard ticket price. The six sleeping units are configured in triple-level arrangements between passenger sections, creating close contact that prompted the airline to establish behavior guidelines.
Food consumption inside the pods is prohibited, and children or additional occupants cannot use the facilities.
“That means solo snoozes only please, no musical nests or tag-teaming,” Air New Zealand’s website says. Addressing hygiene concerns, the airline promises that provided pillows, blankets and linens “are all refreshed” after each four-hour session.
Passengers must switch to airline-provided socks before entering pods, secure safety belts over their bedding, and avoid applying strong-scented “perfumes or potions.” At the conclusion of their rest period, gradual lighting changes will wake sleepers, or flight crew will intervene if passengers don’t wake up promptly.
Each sleeping space measures approximately 80 inches (203 cm) in length, similar to standard beds, though the pods lack sufficient height for sitting upright and entry “requires bending, kneeling, crawling, or climbing into the space,” according to the aircraft specifications. The bunks measure 25 inches (64 cm) wide at shoulder level, narrowing to 16 inches (41 cm) at the feet.
While convertible seating that transforms into beds has existed for business and first-class passengers, Air New Zealand believes its horizontal sleeping option for economy travelers represents a global innovation.
This new service from New Zealand’s flag carrier reflects the aviation industry’s push to market seat enhancements and additional services to budget travelers. Air New Zealand initially revealed plans for economy sleeping accommodations in 2020.
The airline has raised ticket prices and eliminated certain domestic routes due to rising jet fuel expenses amid Middle Eastern conflicts. In March, the company paused its financial projections citing fuel cost uncertainty and indicated additional route modifications might occur.
For passengers on this extended journey, quality sleep may finally be achievable, though they should anticipate snoring from fellow travelers, prompting the airline to supply earplugs.
“Statistically, someone’s going to do it,” Air New Zealand’s website reads. “It might be you.”
