Airline announces game changing feature

The innovative sleeping option for flyers will be featured on ultra-long haul flights, including New York and Chicago routes departing from Auckland from September 2024.

Known as Sky Nests, the sleeping pods will be available for six economy passengers to lie down when travelling long haul in each sleep zone.

Each pod will include seatbelts and a full-size pillow, sheets and blanket, ear plugs, a separate reading light, USB outlet and ventilation outlet.

The pods will be cleaned and new bedding to be installed after each four hour session.

Air New Zealand Chief Customer and Sales Officer Leanne Geraghty said the new beds will be a “a real game changer” for travellers.

Ms Geraghty said the company was still working out final details but customers can expect to pay between $400 and $600 extra for a four hour session.

“North America is the perfect market for Sky Nest, as it has a premium segment that values comfort and sleep during long-haul travel,” she said.

“With our ultra-long haul routes to destinations such as New York and Chicago, Sky Nest provides a unique and innovative way for our passengers to rest and recharge, making their journey with us even more enjoyable.

“By launching Sky Nest on these routes, we are bringing to life our commitment to providing choice, alongside the best possible experience for our passengers, and to continue to innovate and lead the way in the aviation industry.”

The Sky Nest will be located between Premium Economy and Economy, and each pod will come with a separate seat belt to ensure passengers can fasten them and stay in the pod should the seat belt sign come on during turbulence.

At the end of each session, passengers still sleeping will be woken up by crew so the cleaning process can begin.

Each passenger will be limited to one session, with families travelling on the same ticket able to book a session for each passenger.