Skynest Revolutionizes Long-Haul Flights with Bookable Economy Sleep Pods

Air New Zealand is introducing Economy Skynest, bookable lie-flat sleep pods for economy passengers on long-haul flights between Auckland and New York City. The innovation allows travelers to stretch out and get some genuine rest in the air.

Each flight will have six individual nests with two four-hour sessions that don't conflict with meal times. From late December 2026, economy Skynest will be available on flights between Tāmaki Makaurau Auckland and New York City (JFK), which take around 16 hours to reach.

The sleep pods come equipped with fresh linen, a blanket, pillow, and complimentary amenity kit that includes earplugs and an eye mask. This means economy passengers can now arrive in New York feeling rested and refreshed, ready to tackle the city's attractions without needing to recover from jetlag.