Unless you’ve splurged for a lie-flat seat up front, it can be difficult to get proper sleep on a long-haul flight. With tight legroom, limited recline, and bright cabin lights, the best that most passengers achieve is a few hours of fitful rest. But that could soon change. Later this year, one airline is introducing a revolutionary new concept — bunk beds in economy class. Here are all the details.

Introducing Air New Zealand’s Skynest

Air New Zealand currently operates one of the world’s longest flights, a nearly 18-hour route from the airline’s home base in Auckland to New York’s JFK Airport. To make that grueling trek more palatable, starting in late December, the airline will introduce a new upgrade option for economy-class passengers: the Skynest, which Air New Zealand touts as the “world’s first sleep pods in the sky.”

The Skynest will be available as an add-on for economy and premium economy passengers, who can book a four-hour session to leave their regular seat and enjoy an actual bed to sleep in. Located between the economy and premium economy cabins, the Skynest is a cluster of six individual bunk bed pods — three on each side, with a ladder in the center. Each pod measures 6 feet, 8 inches long and up to 25 inches wide. 

The pods will feature privacy curtains, ambient mood lighting, USB charging outlets, and fresh linens refreshed between each passenger’s session. Those who book the Skynest will also receive an amenity kit with an eye mask, earplugs, socks, a toothbrush and toothpaste, and hand cream. Once your session is up, mood lighting will slowly brighten your pod to nudge you awake, but if the lights don’t wake you up, a flight attendant will come tap you on the feet. 

Though the pods have privacy curtains, you’ll still be sharing relatively close quarters with up to five other passengers, so you may want to bring along noise-canceling headphones just in case. There are a few rules to be aware of, too, such as no eating, no playing audio without headphones, and no wearing shoes. Passengers must be 15 or older, and the beds may not be suitable for those with mobility concerns, particularly as the upper-level bunks may require you to climb, bend, or crawl into the pods. 

Cost and Availability

Air New Zealand’s Skynest went on sale in May 2026 for flights beginning in late December. Initially, the product will be available only on flights between Auckland and New York JFK.

The cost to book a four-hour session is currently $495 USD as an add-on to your regular fare. Passengers are allowed to book only one four-hour session per flight. The Skynest is available when booking both economy and premium economy (though not for business class, which already features lie-flat seats). 

According to the airline, the Skynests will be installed on two Boeing 787s to start, with plans to roll out the product to other aircraft and routes in the future. 

Sky Couches Are Another Option

Air New Zealand’s bunk beds in the sky are the first of their kind (at least for passengers — crew members have their own secret bunks hidden away from the rest of the cabin). But if you’re looking for extra comfort to hopefully get a little shut-eye, it’s not your only option.

In 2011, Air New Zealand was also the first airline to introduce economy-class seats that convert into a couch. The Economy Skycouch is a row of economy-class seats that have leg rests that can be raised to a 90-degree angle to create a lie-flat lounging and sleeping area, ideal for couples or families with young children. Like the Skynest, the Skycouch is available as an add-on to your economy fare, though pricing depends on the route.

Other airlines offer a similar option, including United Airlines, which recently became the first U.S. carrier to announce economy seats that turn into couches. Called the Relax Row, the concept will be available on select Boeing 787 and 777 long-haul aircraft beginning in 2027.  

In the meantime, there are a few other helpful hacks, products, and gadgets, from comfortable earplugs to foot hammocks, travel pillows, and even calming pillow spray, that you can pack to help you sleep better on a long-haul flight and arrive at your destination feeling refreshed.