Air New Zealand to launch skynests this September
The new economy-class offering from Air New Zealand is set to launch for passengers this year. Here are the details…
AIR NEW ZEALAND SKYNEST SLEEP PODS GET A LAUNCH DATE
Air New Zealand’s exciting and much-anticipated Skynests are due to launch in September this year. The new offering from the New Zealand flag carrier will allow economy class passengers way more comfort on long-haul flights in the form of bunk beds and couches.
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The airline first announced the Skynest concept last year, revealing that the Skynest sleeper pods will be featured on eight new Boeing 787 Dreamliner jets.
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According to Travel News, Air New Zealand will begin installing the bed option on its extra long-haul flights, beginning with flights from New York and Chicago to New Zealand, with plans to expand to European and Asian flights soon.
Recently last year, the airline provided more specifics about how booking, pricing and other details would work, revealing that the six bunk bed pods would be located between the economy and premium economy cabins.
Air New Zealand passengers will be able to book four-hour sleep sessions per use.
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HOW MUCH TO BOOK?
Passengers will be able to pre-book a slot in the Skynest pod for between NZ$400-$600 (R4 580 – R6 780), in addition to the regular cost of their ticket. The cabin crew will also change out the bedding in each pod after each use.
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“The airline did a fair bit of research around sleep cycles. A typical sleep cycle is around 90 minutes, so a four-hour session gives the opportunity for customers to wind down, fall asleep and wake up,” an Air New Zealand representative told CNN Travel in 2022.
Skynests will include USB charging ports, a reading light, ear plugs, full-size sheets, a blanket, a pillow as well as seatbelts to make sure that the beds adhere to onboard safety protocols.