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Double-decker bed now in the sky, economy class will sleep comfortably during the 17-hour flight
Sandy Verma | April 19, 2026 12:24 AM CST

The fatigue of the long flight will be reduced. No more waiting for expensive business class tickets to connect in mid-air. Air New Zealand has introduced ‘bunk beds’ or two-story beds in aircraft for ordinary passengers. The Auckland-based airline recently unveiled the curtain of this innovative ‘Skynest’ pod or sleeping pod at an event in New York.

Photo: Collected

Generally, economy class passengers on long-haul international flights have to spend the night from their seats. This special system is to remove that discomfort. The New Zealand-based company had earlier introduced the ‘Sky Couch’ concept, where three seats could be combined to form a flat bed. This time they directly brought the bunk bed. Adorned in bluish-purple light, these pods resemble train sleeper berths. One above the other, thus a total of six beds are arranged in each block.

According to company sources, this facility will be available on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. Starting next November, the service will be launched between New York and Auckland with a long 17-hour flight. Passengers can book a four-hour slot on this journey of about nine thousand miles. Each pod has soft mattresses, pillows, blankets and long curtains for privacy. There is even a USB plug for charging mobiles or gadgets.

Photo: Collected

However, to get this benefit, you have to pay a little more! In addition to the economy class ticket price, four hours of sleep will cost an additional $495. In Indian currency which is around 46 thousand rupees. Passengers have to book this pod in advance. The light will automatically turn on when the four-hour period is over. If no one wakes up, the flight attendants will come and call. Then it will take half an hour to clear the bed for the next passenger.

Inspired by Air New Zealand’s success, other companies are following suit. United Airlines plans to introduce ‘Relax Row’ by 2027. Vietnam Airlines and Azul Airlines have also already introduced such comfortable seating arrangements. Mid-air sleeping arrangements are redefining air travel. Now ordinary people will also get a chance to rest comfortably on long flights.


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