Summary
Air New Zealand will introduce six lie-flat sleeping pods called "Skynest" for economy passengers on its long flight between Auckland and New York starting in late 2026. Passengers can buy a traditional seat and pay extra to use a pod for four hours during the 17-hour flight.
Key Facts
- The Skynest pods are full-length, flat sleeping spaces placed in the aisle of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner.
- Each pod comes with bedding, a privacy curtain, mood lighting, and a kit including eye masks, skincare items, earplugs, and socks.
- Economy and premium passengers must still buy a regular seat and pay about NZ$495 for a four-hour pod session.
- Only six pods are available per flight with two sessions offered; passengers can book one session per trip.
- Passengers in pods will be close to others and cannot sit up or share pods. Eating snacks or bringing children into pods is not allowed.
- Air New Zealand hopes the pods will help make very long flights to New Zealand more comfortable and attract travelers.
- The airline also offers Skycouch, a row of seats that can transform into a bed for families or groups.
- Fuel price volatility and geopolitical conflicts have caused Air New Zealand to increase fares and reduce some flights recently.
