Starting September 2024, Air New Zealand introduces its new Skynest full-length sleeping pods on its ultra-long-haul routes. The new feature will begin on routes between New York and Chicago.

“We’re still working through the exact details of how the booking process will work, and we have yet to determine the price,” said Leanne Geraghty, CCO and sales officer, Air New Zealand. “At this stage [we] are looking at around $400 to $600 for the four-hour period.”

Skynest features a six-pod-configured sleep zone situated between premium economy and economy. In addition to a full-sized pillow, sheets and a blanket, each Skynest also includes ear plugs, a separate reading light and a USB outlet. Each passenger is limited to one four-hour session, in which the lights gradually turn on at the end of each session to wake passengers. Crew will also be available to wake any sleeping passengers who sleep through the lights. Between sessions, each pod receives new bedding with a turnover time of around 30 minutes.

The carrier’s Skynest announcement coincides with plants to invest $3.5 billion in fleet, which includes the purchase of eight new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft, the interior refurbishment of 14 Boeing 787 aircraft and the purchase of five Airbus A320neo aircraft.