Bunk Beds Are Coming to Economy Class This Fall

Economy class bunk beds have been an industry talking point for years. Now they’re finally making the leap from prototype to paying passengers.

Air New Zealand has confirmed that the Economy Skynest — six bunk-style pods tucked between the economy and premium economy cabins — will go on sale May 18. The first passenger flights with the new product will operate between Auckland and New York JFK in November.

The debut route is deliberate. The New York service clocks in at more than 17 hours, making it one of the longest and most physically punishing nonstop city pairings. For American travelers heading to New Zealand — or Kiwis making the reverse journey — fatigue on arrival has long been part of the bargain. The Skynest is a direct attempt to change that.

It’s been a long haul just getting to this pre-launch stage. Air New Zealand unveiled the Skynest concept in February 2020, weeks before the pandemic froze the aviation industry. When travel