Air New Zealand has announced that economy passengers will soon be able to lie down and take a nap in communal bunk bed-style sleeping pods on long-haul flights. The airline claims it will be a world first when its new cabins are installed by 2024.
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Dubbed the 'Skynest'
As reported by The Guardian, passengers in economy and premium economy will still be sold traditional up-right seats. However, these passengers will also be able to book four-hour sessions in what the airline is calling its 'Skynest' for an additional cost.
The lie-flat pods will include a mattress and sheets–which will be changed after each passenger by cabin crew–and will be stacked on top of each other to take full advantage of the available space in the plane.
Each pod will also feature a privacy curtain, USB charging, and 'ventilation outlets.' The pods resemble the famous capsule hotels that can be found in Japan.
Skynest
— Air New Zealand ✈️ (@FlyAirNZ) June 28, 2022
It’s time to swap the headrest for some bed rest. Say hello to the world’s first sleep pods in the sky, Skynest. Stretch out in one of six pods for part of your journey and catch some shut-eye. A game-changer for economy travellers pic.twitter.com/3YSSuIUna8
There will be high demand
The Skynest pods will be installed across eight Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. Passengers will only be allowed to book one sleeping pod session per flight, as there are over 200 seats in economy and it is anticipated that demand will be high.
In addition, an Air New Zealand spokesperson said the pods will be limited to one person at a time. It is not yet known how much it will cost to book a four-hour session in one of the beds.
Greg Foran, Air New Zealand’s chief executive, said the bunk bed-style pods will be 'a real game-changer for the economy travel experience.'
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