Air New Zealand’s Economy Skynest has been named one of Condé Nast Traveller’s Bright Ideas in Travel for 2026, selected from more than 200 global submissions as one of 25 winners.
Lie-flat pods debut on Auckland-New York route
Skynest features six individual lie-flat sleeping pods arranged in a bunk-style layout, positioned between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins on Air New Zealand’s new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner. The product will debut on services between Auckland and New York from mid-December 2026, with two four-hour sessions available per flight initially, priced from $495 per session.
Each session includes a full-length mattress with fresh bedding, a privacy curtain, individual air vents, personal stowage with USB-A and USB-C charging, a reading light and a “Nestcessities” kit containing an eye mask, ear plugs, socks and Aotea skincare.
Air New Zealand chief customer officer Jeremy O’Brien said the product addressed a specific gap in long-haul comfort.
“Skynest started with a simple challenge to make some of the world’s longest journeys better for as many of our customers as possible,” O’Brien said.
“We set about to see what was possible in our Economy cabin to create a new opportunity for customers to lie flat and rest properly.”
Condé Nast cites accessibility of comfort
Condé Nast Traveller described Skynest as helping to “democratise passenger comfort,” recognising the product’s aim of extending lie-flat rest to Economy and Premium Economy travellers rather than restricting it to premium cabins.
