AIR NEW ZEALAND: Skynest to cost AU$400. Soon bookable

Finally, Air New Zealand is about to offer a solution to the problem of sleeping in Economy. After years of delays, it’s finally becoming a reality, with bookings open from 18 May 2026.

Years in the making

Air New Zealand first revealed the concept in 2020, pitching it as a world-first way for economy passengers to lie flat on ultra-long-haul flights. It was refined over the following years, with an initial launch targeted for 2024.

But delays to new Boeing 787 deliveries and certification pushed the rollout forward, first to 2025 and now to late 2026.

Booking

Although bookings for Skynest open on May 18, 2026, the first flights are expected to begin in November 2026. The first flights available for booking are expected on ultra-long-haul routes, such as Auckland to New York.

What you get

Skynest is essentially a set of six lie-flat bunk-style pods installed between Economy and Premium Economy on the airline’s Boeing 787-9 aircraft. Each pod is a full-length ‘bunk’ bed with bedding, a privacy curtain, USB charging and an amenity kit.

Passengers book a four-hour session, with two sessions per flight. That means a maximum of 12 passengers can use the pods on a typical long-haul service.

The cost

After booking a standard economy or premium economy seat, you will need to book and pay for the Skynest. A Skynest session costs NZ$495 (around A$400) for four hours. With only six pods per flight and one booking allowed per passenger, availability is expected to be tight.

The experience

You’ll get a proper bed, but in a shared space. Access may involve climbing or crawling, depending on whether you’re assigned a top, middle or lower pod. Eating isn’t allowed, strong fragrances are discouraged, and while the airline can manage most things, it can’t prevent snoring.

Just remember that this is not a premium cabin replacement. It’s just a way to lie down and be horizontal for 4 hours. That helps, but doesn’t guarantee sleep!

Why now

Airlines are trying to improve Economy comfort without expanding expensive premium cabins. Air New Zealand already offers Skycouch (that’s three seats in economy with leg rests that convert into a flat ‘bed’), while Qantas is adding ‘wellbeing zones’ for stretching to its ultra-long-haul Project Sunrise flights, and United Airlines is working on similar concepts.

At the same time, long-haul flying is getting more expensive. Air New Zealand has recently increased fares and cut flights due to rising fuel costs, making add-ons like Skynest a more deliberate purchase.

Is it worth it?

On flights of 16–17 hours, even a few hours lying flat and even dozing can make a noticeable difference on arrival. For some travellers, that will justify the extra cost. For others, AU$400 for four hours will be harder to justify, especially on top of an already expensive ticket.

2PAXfly Takeout

Skynest has been talked about for years, and I will be really interested in the take-up rate. I can see this going a number of ways. People will love it, and it will be a runaway success. People will try it once as a novelty, and that’s all, and it will fade away and be replaced by seats with a higher earn. There will be some patronage, but patrons will complain about the cost, or the time limit, or something else. Finally, no one will use them as they will not be seen as value for money because of the additional cost

On the whole, I think for ultra-long-haul flights, some passengers will find it appealing and benefit from the option, only if that goddamn person above them stops snoring! That might be the ‘upgrade’ that matters most.