The ‘world’s first sleep pods in the sky’ have been launched by Air New Zealand – complete with pillows, privacy curtains, ambient lighting, amenity kits, and more.
From November, passengers travelling in economy between New York and Auckland will have the opportunity to enjoy a quiet, private space to rest in six individual lie-flat nests, named ‘Skynests’, on select flights.
A Skynest session lasts four hours and can be booked in addition to Economy or Premium Economy seats for the price of NZ$495 (£215).
Each nest has been designed for elevated comfort, featuring a privacy curtain, soft ambient lighting, a reading light, USB-A and USB-C charging ports, ventilation outlets, space to store small personal items, and kits containing eye-masks, socks and skincare.
But while travellers will be treated to upgraded amenities, a number of strict rules will be enforced.
Passengers must book their session outside meal times and can only book one session per flight.
They are also only available to those aged 15 and over.
The sleeping pod area is a shared spaces, so passengers will be close to others and cannot sit upright.
From November 2026, economy passengers on select Air New Zealand flights will be able to enjoy a quiet, private space to rest in six individual lie-flat nests, named ‘Skynests’
Each nest is around 203cm (6.6 feet/ 80 inches) in length, and width at the shoulder is around 64cm (25 inches), with top, middle and bottom pods available
‘Double-bunking’, eating in the pods, and bringing children are not allowed, and passengers will be encouraged to tone down on wearing heavy perfume, as ‘not everyone dreams in vanilla-sandalwood-cloud-musk’.
Each nest is fairly narrow, about 203cm long and 64cm wide, essentially designed only for lying down.
Middle and top pods – each accessed via a small step-ladder – are elevated, meaning passengers may need to climb or crawl in, while bottom nests require bending down for entry.
Passengers requiring special assistance may book Skynest, provided they can enter and exit the pods independently or with their own safety assistants.
While the nests are ideal for solo travellers or passengers travelling without young children, small groups can alternatively book other long-haul comfort options like the Skycouch.
Located on some rows across 777-300ER and 787-9 aircraft, the innovative Skycouch transforms a standard three-seat economy row into a flexible, lie-flat surface.
Featuring adjustable, independent leg rests, these seats can be raised 90 degrees to create a sofa, or halfway for enhanced comfort, allowing passengers to create a cosy lounging area during flights.
Skynests will be available on Boeing 787-9 aircraft, with bookings opening on 18 May and flights starting from November 2026.
Passengers who have booked a £215 nest will be treated to a range of amenities, including bedding, ambient lighting, a privacy curtain and kits containing socks, skincare and earplugs
Nikhil Ravishankar, the airline’s chief executive, told The Guardian: ‘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.’
Following in Air New Zealand’s footsteps is a US carrier that is
United Airlines also recently unveiled a seat design that transforms an entire row into a shared sofa, complete with a blanket and extra pillows.
The carrier is the first among North American airlines to offer the unique seating concept, which will be rolled out in 2027.
Perfect for parents with young children, or friends and couples with a free space, United Relax Row provides a dedicated space to stretch out, sleep or enjoy a movie.
Each row is made up of three adjacent economy seats with adjustable leg rests that flip up at a 90-degree angle to create a flat surface.
Passengers in these seats will receive a custom-fitted mattress pad, a plush blanket, and two additional pillows.
Families with children will be offered a comforting plush toy and Children’s Travel Kit.
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