Market Update: This Airline Has Lie-flat Seats In Economy – Full Analysis

It’s true, flying in a lie-flat business-class seat will enhance your travel experience, allowing you to completely recline so you can arrive at your destination feeling as fresh as possible. However, those tickets often come with a massive price tag. That is, except for one lie-flat experience in economy class on Air New Zealand.

Air New Zealand’s lie-flat seats are changing the way people travel

In 2022, Air New Zealand launched a revolutionary new product, the Skycouch, which it explained is a set of three seats “just like standard economy seats, except each has an adjustable leg rest that can be raised or lowered individually. Lift the leg rests halfway up for a perfect recline, or all the way up to a 90-degree angle to create a lie-flat couch space.”

The Skycouch measures just over five feet long and 29 inches wide, which is certainly a squeeze for any tall travellers out there, but it’s better than nothing. “We provide extra bedding, a seat liner, and a Skycouch kit with an adult/child loop and cuddle belt so you can stretch out safely and enjoy your space in comfort,” the airline’s website added.

While the price for Skycouch can vary by day and route, it can usually be booked for a few hundred dollars on top of your regular seat ticket. Soon, Air New Zealand travellers will also have another option: bunk beds. As Travel + Leisure previously reported, starting in 2026, the airline will offer economy passengers the option to book time in Skynest, a set of six sleeping pods available for four-hour reservations for an additional fee (no word on the exact cost yet).

And while Air New Zealand may have started the trend, others are following suit. Thai Airways launched lie-flat seats in premium economy this year, though they’re currently only available on flights to and from destinations in India, Nepal, and Indonesia.

There are other ways to get a similar experience on other airlines. While you won’t get the fancy footrest that turns your seat into a couch, TAP Airlines allows travellers to book an entire row to stretch out, or just the seat next to them for added space. You can also do the same on long-haul flights with Lufthansa. But, again, you’ll have to pack your own blanket and pillow, which feels like a fair deal.

This story first appeared on www.travelandleisure.com

Feature image credit: Air New Zealand

Related: Choose Airlines With The Best Cabin Kits In Premium Economy For Extra Comfort

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The information in this article is accurate as of the date of publication.

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