Cecelia ChangChilling and laying in bed is no longer a flight luxury exclusive to first-class and business-class passengers. Air New Zealand will soon release the Skynest: a series of the world’s first-ever sleeping pods catered to those flying economy.
It has been more than five years since the start of the extensive research and design process for Skynest. Read on for everything we know so far — including prices and the official launch!
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What to expect from Air New Zealand’s Skynest
Image credit (L-R): Air New Zealand Official Facebook Page; Air New Zealand Official YouTube Channel
The Skynest is scheduled to launch in September 2024. These economy-flight sleeping pods are believed to revolutionise the in-flight experience for economy passengers, according to the Chief Customer and Sales Officer of Air New Zealand Leanne Geraghty. When first announced, the Skynest is referred to as “an idea that’ll put economy [flights] to bed.”
A Skynest on each plane will have a total of six sleeping pods, which come in a bunk-bed configuration. The pods will be placed between the economy and premium economy cabins on select planes and long flight routes.
Each pod will also feature USB charging ports, a reading light, ear plugs, bed sheets, a blanket, and a pillow. It also comes with a seatbelt to ensure the safety of the occupant.
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How much will it cost you?
Image credit: Air New Zealand Official Twitter
To experience the Skynest, travellers will have to pre-book and pay an additional cost of around NZ$400 to NZ$600 (~S$332 to ~S$498). In contrast to an average ticket for the airline’s long-haul business-class flights — which cost approximately NZ$20,000 (~S$99,400) — having to pay only this additional price is pretty much a steal.
Furthermore, only one person is allowed in each sleeping pod, and each person is limited to only a single four-hour session per flight. This is to create more opportunities for other passengers to try it out. The cabin crew will replace the pod’s bedding with a new one after every use.
Image credit: Air New Zealand Official Facebook Page
“Whether they are heading straight into a meeting, or to their first holiday hotspot — they want to hit the ground running,” the CEO of Air New Zealand Greg Foran said in a statement.
A representative of the airline also told CNN Travel that the designated four-hour session is to provide the opportunity for customers to wind down, fall asleep and wake up, as a regular sleep cycle is approximately 90 minutes long.
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Would you like to try out the Air New Zealand Skynest once it’s launched? Go on and share your thoughts on our Facebook Page.
Featured image credit: Air New Zealand | Official YouTube Channel
Facebook image credit (right): Air New Zealand | Official Facebook Page
