Airlines Introduce Lie-Flat Economy Seats for Long-Haul Flights

Air New Zealand is launching new lie-flat Economy Skynest pods on select flights between New York and Auckland this November. The pods will debut on new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, featuring six bunk-style lie-flat spaces with full-length mattresses and personal comfort controls.

Travelers can book the Skynest pods starting May 18, 2026, at a cost of $495 per four-hour session. The pods are designed to provide a quiet, private space for passengers to rest during long-haul flights. Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar stated that New Zealand's unique location means they understand long haul travel better than anyone.

In related news, United Airlines is launching its own Relax Row seat option in 2027, which dedicates a row of three economy seats to transform into a lie-flat space. The new option will be available on Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft, with up to 12 Relax Rows per plane.