Air New Zealand Introduces Bunk Beds for Economy Flyers

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Air New Zealand will soon offer economy class passengers the option to book four-hour slots in triple-tier bunk bed sleep pods on its new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft servicing the Auckland to New York route. The curtained berths, which will cost an additional $291 on top of the economy ticket price, are designed to provide a lie-flat sleeping option for the marathon 16-18 hour flight.

Why it matters

The new sleep pods represent an innovative attempt by Air New Zealand to enhance the economy class experience on one of the world's longest commercial flights. As airlines continue to seek ways to upsell economy passengers, this offering could set a new standard for long-haul budget travel.

The details

The Skynest sleep pods will feature six berths arranged in a triple-bunk style layout between the economy and premium economy cabins. Passengers will be required to change into provided socks, fasten seatbelts over their blankets, and refrain from snacking, strong perfumes, or having additional visitors in the pods. The beds are 80 inches long but only 25 inches wide at the shoulders, tapering to 16 inches at the foot, so flyers will have to bend, kneel, or crawl to access the space.

• Air New Zealand will open bookings for the Skynest sleep pods in November 2026.
• The new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft featuring the sleep pods will service the Auckland to New York route.

What’s next

Air New Zealand will begin accepting bookings for the Skynest sleep pods in November 2026 ahead of the new aircraft's debut on the Auckland to New York route.