Review: Sleeping in the Clouds with Air NZ Skynest
The dream of lying flat in economy is finally a reality. We hopped on the 16-hour haul from Auckland to New York to test out Air New Zealand's Skynest—the world's first economy sleep pods.
How It Works
The Skynest consists of six bunk beds located between the Premium Economy and Economy cabins. You book a 4-hour session in addition to your regular seat.
For our flight, a 4-hour slot cost roughly $400 NZD. Is it worth the price tag?
The Experience
Climbing into the pod feels surprisingly private. You get a full-size pillow, fresh bedding, and earplugs. The lighting dims automatically, and there's a gentle ventilation breeze.
Being able to stretch out fully flat after 6 hours of sitting upright was a game-changer. I managed to get 3 solid hours of deep sleep, which made the arrival in JFK much more bearable.
Pros: True lie-flat comfort, privacy, USB charging inside.
Cons: 4 hours goes by fast, and waking up to go back to your economy seat is heartbreaking.
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Track Travel CostsFinal Verdict
If you can afford the splurge, the Skynest is absolutely worth it for ultra-long-haul flights. It bridges the gap between Economy and Business class perfectly.