Flying in comfort: Bunk beds in economy may be a reality

Air New Zealand to test concept on New York-Auckland route

Lie-flat seats — in Economy? It’s possible, says Air New Zealand, which announced a new economy-cabin concept to be piloted on flights between New York and Auckland starting October. The new route is the first-ever non-stop between the two cities, taking roughly

16 to 18 hours.

Economy Skynest, the latest prototype to stem from the airline’s Hangar 22 innovation centre, builds off the success of the airline’s Economy Skycouch, which allows families to transform a row of three economy seats into a single full-size bed.

Skynest will have two parallel sets of bunk beds stacked three high. Each mattress will be about 6.5 feet long and 23 inches wide at the shoulder, tentatively fitted with a privacy curtain, full-size pillow, blanket, sheets, and earplugs.

Skynest’s position within the cabin is yet to be decided — as is the exact date of its first flight. Its specifications are subject to change. But according to the airline’s general manager of customer experience, Nikki Goodman, “an economy-class customer on longhaul flights would be able to book the Skynest in addition to their economy seat, get some quality rest and arrive at their destination ready to go.”

Price and logistics are similarly up in the air, such as if guests can book the pod for an entire flight or just segments. A spokesperson said it’s more likely to be reserved for single-use sessions of a still-tobe-determined length.