Air New Zealand Introduces Sleep Pods in Economy

April 17, 2026, 9:32 am | Read time: 3 minutes

Sleeping areas in Economy Class at Air New Zealand? This was heard of a few years ago, but then nothing happened. Now the airline is serious. In just a few weeks, passengers in the simplest booking class will be able to book real sleep pods with the “Skynest.” All the details here.

Air New Zealand first introduced concepts for the particularly comfortable sleeping areas in Economy Class back in 2020; the launch was originally planned for 2024. However, due to delivery and certification issues, there were delays. But postponed is not canceled: The airline has now announced the official rollout. In just a few weeks, starting May 18, 2026, the sleep pods can be booked—for travel starting November 18 of this year.

Here’s What the New Sleep Pods at Air New Zealand Look Like

The principle of the “Skynests” is as simple as it is revolutionary. Instead of having to adjust your own seat to a somewhat comfortable position—as is possible, for example, with a paid add-on Sleeper’s Row at Lufthansa—passengers on certain routes with Air New Zealand can leave their moderately comfortable seats for several hours to retreat to real sleeping quarters.

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A Skynest includes six sleeping spaces for one passenger each. The pods are functionally designed: about two meters long, rather narrow, and equipped with a mattress, pillow, blanket, ventilation, and USB port. A curtain provides some privacy. The offer is complemented by a small amenity kit with a sleep mask, earplugs, and toiletries.

Air New Zealand's sleep pods — You share the Skynest for about 4 hours with other passengers—curtains can provide some privacy if needed

Usage is not continuous but in time slots of four hours each. Travelers first purchase a regular ticket and can then book such a slot additionally. Air New Zealand has not yet made any official statements about the prices. According to media reports, however, a sleep slot could cost around 250 euros.

A Novelty–That Might Find Imitators?

The setup is somewhat reminiscent of the crew rest areas of many airlines, which are also equipped with compact sleeping berths. At Air New Zealand, there were previously the so-called “Skycouches”: convertible seat rows where passengers could somewhat lie down with a bit of skill. But the Skynests—as fully-fledged, separately bookable sleeping spaces—are a novelty in this travel class.

So far, however, it is also a limited offer at Air New Zealand. Initially, only selected aircraft, specifically some Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, will be equipped. The Skynests are located in their own area between Economy and Premium Economy.

TRAVELBOOK has inquired with German airline Lufthansa whether they are currently considering or have already developed similar concepts. A response is still pending.

This article is a machine translation of the original German version of TRAVELBOOK and has been reviewed for accuracy and quality by a native speaker. For feedback, please contact us at info@travelbook.de.