Bunk beds are coming to economy air travel. There are rules
AP News • • business
Key Points:
- Air New Zealand will introduce Skynest sleep pods—triple-tier bunk beds with lie-flat berths—available for economy and premium economy passengers on its Auckland to New York Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights starting November.
- Passengers can pre-book four-hour sleep sessions in these pods for an additional cost starting at 495 NZD ($291), providing a rare opportunity for budget travelers to rest on one of the world’s longest commercial flights.
- The pods require passengers to wear special socks, fasten seatbelts over blankets, avoid eating, strong perfumes, and sharing the berth, with strict etiquette rules to ensure cleanliness and comfort.
- Each pod measures about 80 inches long and 25 inches wide at shoulder height but lacks headroom for sitting up, requiring passengers to crawl or climb into the space.
- This new offering marks a world first for lie-flat beds in economy class, reflecting airlines’ efforts to upsell amenities amid rising fuel costs and route adjustments.
