The long awaited Air New Zealand Skynest is set to launch this year, aimed towards Economy Class travellers. Being part of Star Alliance, we will see these dubbed ‘bunk beds’ available for booking on economy round the world flights late 2024 as an alternative to the Premium Economy seat.
Air New Zealand Skynest
The Star Alliance carrier has been thinking long and hard about how they can improve the Air New Zealand Economy experience on long-haul flights. With New Zealand being a 3 hour flight from Australia, 12 hours from the United States and 10 hours from Asia, comfort for all passengers onboard Air New Zealand has proved to be a priority.
When Will The Skynest Launch?
While the airline is keeping quiet on the exact launch date, passengers can expect to see the Air New Zealand Skynest launch in September this year, with select aircraft featuring six sleep pods to be booked up for four hours at a time.
Air New Zealand Skynest
The Air New Zealand Skynest bunk beds will be deployed on some of Air New Zealand’s long-haul routes, with the expectation that it will be seen on its flagship NZ1/NZ2 service between New York JFK and Auckland, one of the longest flights in the world. The Air New Zealand Skynest may also be expected on services to Chicago, the airline’s second longest scheduled flight.
How Much Does The Air New Zealand Skynest Cost?
Booking a bunk bed in Air New Zealand’s Skynest is estimated to set you back at NZ $400 – $600, which is in addition to your economy class fare. Within this 4 hour booking, there will linen included, which will be changed after each passenger, along with USB charging ports, reading lights, ear plugs, blankets, pillows and a seatbelt to ensure safety when using the bunk beds.
The 4 hour booking block was not decided at random either. The sleep cycle was well researched, with experts deciding the 4 hour block was adequate time for a traveller to wind down, fall asleep, and then wake up without feeling rushed.
Air New Zealand Fleet
Each bunk bed is only allowed for one person at a time. If family and friends want to join, they must book their own separate pod. This ensures that everyone has the opportunity to lay down and relax before arriving at their destination. With anticipation of availability to open up for long-haul routes as early as this September, this new product invention presents the next biggest question, would you choose this over Premium Economy?
If you’re looking to fly with Air New Zealand, or interested in other Premium Economy long-haul flights, let us know and one of our experienced airfare specialist will get back to you within one business day, guaranteed.
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