Canadians could fly on world's first economy bunk beds with major airline
A major airline is set to launch economy class bunk beds, and Canadians could get a chance to sleep in them depending on where they book a flight.
Earlier this week, Air New Zealand announced what it calls the “future of long haul travel” ā the world’s first Economy Skynest. It will be available to book on flights from May 18, 2026, and will be offered on the airline’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, which are set to take off in November.
The Economy Skynest features “six lie-flat pods in a bunk-style layout” between the economy and premium economy cabins, giving passengers an option to lie down properly and get a few hours’ restful sleep in the air.
Air New Zealand
Air New Zealand CEO Nikhil Ravishankar noted in a news release that investing in innovations for long-haul flights is important for a country as remote as New Zealand.
“Tourism is a $46 billion NZD industry, but growth depends on travellers’ willingness to spend long hours in the air to get here. Skynest is designed to help make that easier,” he explained. “By giving more people the chance to properly rest on ultra-long-haul flights, it helps make travel to and from New Zealand more manageable.”
Air New Zealand
For now, the Economy Skynest will only be available on select ultra-long-haul flights between New York and Auckland. The airline hasn’t said if it will expand to other routes.
Air New Zealand only operates direct flights in Canada from Vancouver to Auckland, which take about 14 hours.
There are no direct flights from any cities in Eastern Canada to Auckland, so Canadians travelling from there typically need to connect through Vancouver or other cities on the West Coast, like Los Angeles and San Francisco. But now, they do have the option to fly from New York and book Economy Skynest beds, if that’s more convenient.
The flight from New York to Auckland is usually 20 hours long.
Economy Skynest features and how to book it with the airline
Air New Zealand
According to Air New Zealand, the bunk beds were developed over several years and tested with more than 200 customers.
“Each Skynest pod provides a quiet, private space with a full-length mattress, bedding, ambient lighting, ventilation and charging ports,” stated the airline.
Travellers who book an economy or premium economy seat will have the option to add on a four-hour session in the Economy Skynest. The carrier noted that the sessions have been designed around natural sleep cycles to “allow time to settle, sleep and wake gradually.” Initially, only two sessions will be offered on each flight.
Air New Zealand
You can book one of the six individual pods starting at NZD$495 (C$400) per session. The airline said fresh bedding, including a pillow, sheets, and a blanket, will be changed between sessions, and the pods also have a privacy curtain.
If you do treat yourself to a pod, you’ll get a “Nestcessities” kit, which includes an eye mask, earplugs, socks, and Aotea skincare.
Air New Zealand isn’t the only major carrier making big upgrades. Air Canada recently unveiled its redesigned cabins with first-of-its-kind seats.