Air New Zealand’s Game-Changing Upgrade: Lie-Flat Seats… in Economy!

What if you could sleep flat - without paying a business-class fare? Air New Zealand has been quietly perfecting that experience for years, and in 2026, they’re taking it to the next level.Their Skycouch - a set of three standard economy seats that convert into a five-foot “bed” - has been around since 2011. It lets you lift up the footrests to form a flat surface, throw on some bedding, buckle your cuddle belt, and actually sleep.

Prices vary, but usually, it’ll cost a few hundred dollars extra - not a few thousand dollars. Now the airline is upping the ante with Skynest, launching later this year: six bunk-style pods available for four-hour reservations during long-haul flights.

Think: midflight nap in your own pod, no upgrade required. Pricing hasn’t been announced yet, but it’s one of the most innovative comfort options we’ve ever seen in economy.

✈️ Similar hacks on other airlines:

TAP Air Portugal and Lufthansa both let you book an extra seat or even an entire row to stretch out.Thai Airways has started rolling out lie-flat seats in premium economy on routes across India, Nepal, and Indonesia. So while not every airline offers a literal couch or pod yet, the comfort revolution in economy class is definitely underway.If this trend continues, 2026 might just be the beginning of a more comfortable economy experience - without the business-class bill!