Air New Zealand's Skynest Takes Flight with Lie-Flat Economy Option
Air New Zealand's innovative Economy Skynest has been recognized by Condé Nast Traveller as one of its Bright Ideas in Travel for 2026. The sleeping-pod concept, which will debut on Auckland, New York services in December, offers Economy and Premium Economy passengers the option to book a lie-flat rest session during their flight.
Skynest will consist of six individual pods in a bunk-style layout, positioned between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins on Air New Zealand's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. Passengers can book four-hour sessions, with two sessions initially available per flight. The starting price for each session is $495.
The installation will feature full-length mattresses, pillows, sheets, blankets, and a 'Nestcessities' kit containing an eye mask, earplugs, socks, and Aotea skincare products. Each pod also includes personal storage, USB-A and USB-C charging, a reading light, a crew call button, and a seatbelt.
According to Air New Zealand Chief Customer Officer Jeremy O'Brien, Skynest grew out of a challenge to improve rest on some of the world's longest flights. He described the concept as 'the result of years of design and testing, with the aim of making lie-flat sleep available to more passengers travelling outside premium cabins.'