Airline adds bunk beds for economy travelers but bans snacks, smells and cuddles

5 hours ago

Air New Zealand will offer Skynest sleep pods for economy and premium economy travelers on long-haul flights, starting from November on Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft.
The pods are triple-tier bunk beds with lie-flat beds, available for pre-booked four-hour sessions at an additional cost starting from NZ$495 on top of economy tickets.
Etiquette rules include no snacks, no sharing beds, no strong perfumes, and solo use only; children and visitors are not allowed.
Passengers must wear special socks, fasten seatbelts over blankets, and will be woken by lighting changes or flight attendants after four hours.
The bunks are 80 inches long but narrow, requiring bending or climbing to enter, with limited headroom; cleanliness is maintained by refreshing bedding between uses.
This offering is a world-first for economy travelers, part of airlines' trend to sell upgrades, and responds to the demand for sleep on ultra-long routes like Auckland to New York.
The airline has faced challenges like increased fuel costs, leading to fare hikes and route adjustments, but aims to improve comfort for economy passengers.

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