We Tried Air New Zealand's Skynest Bunk Beds: It's Better Than We Expected

Air New Zealand is just months away from launching its long-awaited Skynest, a product that could reshape long-haul Economy travel. Skynest is essentially bunk beds in Economy Class, offering passengers the chance to sleep in a lie-flat bed without a hefty Business Class price tag.

On paper, Skynest is possibly the most innovative Economy product we've ever seen, and I'll admit that I have always been sceptical. While slapping a few bunk beds in Economy is a great headline, it's hard to know if that will translate into a good experience. What's more, this is a challenging product to photograph, but having now climbed into Air New Zealand Skynest myself, I've completely changed my mind.

Air New Zealand invited Flight Hacks behind the curtain for a hands-on look at Skynest before it launches in December 2026 on flights between Auckland and New York.

At the airline's innovation hub in Auckland, a full production-ready mockup is on display, meaning we could explore everything from comfort and privacy, to fart and snoring suppression.

First Look At Air New Zealand Economy Skynest

Skynest consists of six sleeping pods, three bunks high on either side, and will be located between Economy and Premium Economy cabins on the Boeing 787-9. It sits between doors 3, directly behind the wing.

One downside for the location is that Skynest sits behind four toilets. However, it backs onto a toilet wall rather than the bathroom doors themselves. In theory, foot traffic should be limited to people crossing the aisle rather than a steady stream of passengers using the bathroom.

At first glance, Skynest looks like a capsule hotel that's wandered onto a plane. While the stacked layout doesn't scream comfort from the outside, that changes the moment you're actually lying down inside one of the pods.

Each nest is roughly 2 metres (80") in length and 64cm (25") wide at the shoulder, tapering to 41cm (16") at the feet. In terms of length, this is on par with most lie-flat Business Class seats.

Skynest is tight to climb into, and of course it’s strictly one passenger per bunk. Once inside, I was pleasantly surprised. It’s a perfectly flat surface without any grooves that a lie-flat seat has, and the mattress is plush.

Each Skynest pod comes with a full-size pillow, fitted sheet, and a blanket, which are all refreshed between each session. Passengers also get a Nestcessities amenity kit with an eye mask, ear plugs, socks, toothbrush and toothpaste, and hand cream.

In terms of privacy, Skynest is clearly better than being in an open Economy cabin, but it’s not your own space. There is a mesh curtain on each individual pod, plus another fitted to the Skynest entrance. These are partially see-through for safety regulations, including so the cabin crew can check passengers' seatbelts. On the topic of seatbelts, Skynest is certified to be occupied during periods of turbulence.

Within each nest you will find USB-A and USB-C charging ports, a reading light, and an air vent. There is a storage compartment, but Air New Zealand only allows small items in the Skynest, and water is the only drink allowed. Snacks aren't permitted.

Choosing A Bunk

Every Skynest bunk is exactly the same length and width. There's no good bunk or bad bunk in terms of actual size, so the choice comes down to ease of access and what's available when you book.

• Bottom nests sit right at floor level. Getting in means bending down and more or less crawling. We were told these are currently the first to sell out.
• Middle nests were the easiest of the three to access, roughly at standing height.
• Top nests require use of a small central ladder and a bit more commitment. But once you're up there, it feels the most tucked away and private of the three, and would be my preference.

Skynest Pricing & How To Book

Skynest is on sale now, launching on Air New Zealand flights between Auckland and New York from December 2026. Travellers can book a dedicated Skynest sleep session for $495, giving them a four-hour window of uninterrupted rest before returning to their assigned seat.

Interestingly, the price is $495 regardless of currency. This means you'll pay $495 whether you're booking in AUD, USD, or NZD - all of which are rather different. For example, booking for $495 USD is approximately $700 AUD.

Skynest can be easily added when booking your flight, or you can contact Air New Zealand directly to add it to an existing booking. Skynest is open to Economy and Premium Economy passengers aged 15 and over.

Bottom Line

I walked in sceptical and walked out having genuinely changed my mind. Getting in is snug, but once you're lying down with that length to stretch out, it beats a vertical Economy seat by a mile.

Let’s be honest, even if Skynest turns out to be a flop, it’s wonderful to see Air New Zealand push the boundaries of Economy Class travel. They have created a product that’s genuinely revolutionary, and something I would be happy to pay for during a long Economy flight.