You Can Soon Buy Flights in World's First Economy ‘Sleep Pods in the Sky'
Air New Zealand has unveiled its “Economy Skynest,” billed as “the world's first sleep pods in the sky,” marking a new approach to rest on ultra long-haul flights.
The new offering is designed to give economy and premium economy passengers the chance to lie flat and sleep comfortably while in the air.
Air New Zealand said that Skynest features six individual lie-flat beds inside sleeping pods, which are arranged in a bunk-style layout positioned between the economy and premium economy cabins, offering passengers a quiet and private space to rest. The concept is intended to allow customers to “stretch out, lie flat and get a few hours' proper rest in the air” on some of the longest routes in the airline's network.
Air New Zealand says the pods were tested with more than 200 customers during their development. Every pod includes a full-length mattress and fresh bedding, consisting of a pillow, sheets and blanket, all of which are changed between sessions. The nests are also equipped with a privacy curtain, ambient lighting designed to support both rest and waking, and a ventilation outlet for airflow within the pod.
Each sleeping “nest” measures around 6.6 feet (80 inches) in length. The width at the shoulder is approximately 25 inches, narrowing to about 16 inches at the feet. Air New Zealand says these dimensions have been designed to allow passengers to lie fully flat during their session.
Beyond the sleeping surface itself, each lie-flat pod includes a range of features intended to replicate essential in-seat amenities. These include personal stowage space, USB‑A and USB‑C charging ports, a reading light, a crew call button and an in‑pod seat belt. Passengers using the Skynest also receive an amenities kit, which includes an eye mask, ear plugs, socks and Aotea skincare products.
Access to the Economy Skynest will be offered as an optional add-on for customers who have already booked an economy or premium economy seat. Passengers will be able to purchase a four-hour session, with the duration designed around natural sleep cycles to allow time to settle, sleep and wake gradually. Initially, two Skynest sessions will be offered on each flight, the airline says.
The Economy Skynest will be available on select ultra long-haul flights between New York and Auckland. Pricing has been set at NZ$495 [$292] per session. Bookings will open from May 18 for travel from November 2026.
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This story was originally published April 15, 2026 at 11:13 AM.