From May 2026, Air New Zealand is installing four-hour bookable sessions in sleep pods for its economy passengers. These sessions will be available from November 2026 for ultra-long-haul flights between Auckland International Airport (AKL) and John F. Kennedy International Airport (JFK).
“Skynest” launch
Six Skynest sleeping pods will be installed in a dedicated cabin zone of the new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner operating these flights. These pods will include a variety of features, such as a curtain for privacy, clean bedding, eye-masks, earplugs, socks and skincare. Additionally, the pods include adjustable dimmed lighting to improve sleep conditions.
Premium and economy passengers will be able to opt for a four-hour session in the Skynest pods. The price for booking one of the two sessions available per flight in the initial launch, will be NZ$495, equivalent to $292 or £215. Only one slot will be available to each passenger per flight.
Passengers opting for the in-flight Skynest pods have been advised not to wear strong perfumes, and Air New Zealand has set guidelines on what is permitted, including prohibiting “double bunking” and snacking.
A “more manageable” flight
Air New Zealand’s Chief Executive Nikhil Ravishankar stated hopes for more travel to New Zealand:
“By giving more people the chance to properly rest on ultra-long-haul flights, it helps make travel to and from New Zealand more manageable.”
The development of Skynest has been ongoing since 2020. The airline currently offers Skycouch, providing an opportunity for passengers who have booked a whole row to ask for extended footrests to transform the seating into a bed.
Several other airlines have sought to increase comfort for their economy passengers in ultra-long-haul flights, with United Airlines and Qantas announcing new upcoming features on their flights.
Would you stay in Air New Zealand’s Skynest pods? Let us know in the comments below.
