Overview
- Bookings open May 18 for four-hour lie-flat sessions in the new Economy Skynest, with revenue service slated to begin in November 2026 on select Boeing 787-9 flights between New York and Auckland.
- Each Skynest compartment holds six bunk-style pods positioned between economy and premium economy, with a full mattress, fresh bedding changed between sessions, a privacy curtain, ventilation, USB-A/C charging and a reading light.
- Access is an add-on for economy and premium economy passengers priced from NZ$495 per session, limited to one session per person with two sessions offered per flight to align with natural sleep cycles.
- Use rules set expectations in the shared space, including an age limit of 15 and over, self-entry and exit without crew assistance, no eating in the pods and socks required, with a small amenity kit provided for each session.
- Air New Zealand developed and trialed Skynest over several years after earlier delays tied to Dreamliner timing, positioning it as the next step after its Skycouch and a model other carriers are watching for economy upgrades.