Air New Zealand’s Skynest ‘nestiquette’

Air New Zealand’s innovative Economy Skynest sleep pods will go on sale on May 18 for select Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner flights between Auckland and New York JFK from November.

Skynest will be available for passengers aged over 15 as an add-on to an economy or premium economy fare for four-hour sessions, from $495 per session, with an initial two sessions available per flight between meal services.

The novel product, which has been under development for five years and has undergone testing with more than 200 customers, will give economy and premium economy passengers the opportunity to stretch out and lie flat — a luxury no other airline can claim.

The aircraft will feature six lie-flat pods in bunk style between the economy and premium economy cabins. Each pod is a quiet, private space, featuring a full-length mattress, bedding (changed by crew between uses), ambient lighting, ventilation, charging ports, in-pod seatbelt, crew call button and a privacy curtain. Passengers will receive a complimentary “Nestcessities” amenity kit featuring an eye mask, socks, ear plugs, dental kit and Aotea skincare products.

The airline has released its own “nesting” guide or “nestiquette” — “like etiquette, but fluffier” — covering how to prepare for your session, what to take, and how to behave to make the most of your session.

+ The airline advises that passengers pack light for the experience, noting “it’s a Skynest, not a studio apartment” .

+ Snacks must stay outside the nest as “crumbs in bed are the fastest way to ruin a good nap”.

+ Skynest access does require bending, kneeling, crawling or climbing into the space, says the airline.

+ Passengers are encouraged to “climb ladders with grace rather than gymnastics”, although manoeuvring into the top bunks looks like it will require some flexibility to achieve gracefully.

+ Users are also encouraged to enter and exit the Skynest quietly as “your fellow nesters may be dreaming, let’s not wake them mid-plot”.

+ It’s also best to “go easy on perfumes and potions”, suggests the airline, as “not everyone dreams in vanilla-sandalwood-cloud-musk”.

+ Nesters should also be prepared for snorers, Air New Zealand warns. “Statistically, someone’s going to do it. It might be you. That’s OK. Earplugs are provided for everyone, just in case,” it says.

In addition to Skynest, the 787-9s will feature the airline’s latest cabin products, including business premier and business premier luxe, the latter featuring fully closing doors for privacy and a versatile ottoman which can be used as a guest seat for companion dining.

New premium economy seats feature a fixed outer shell, which means passengers can recline without affecting the traveller behind them.

Economy passengers will benefit from “thoughtful stowage” and a 13.3-inch in-flight entertainment screen.

Premium economy and economy passengers will be able to visit the Sky Pantry, a self-service area for snacks and hydration, throughout their flight.

+ Auckland is about a 6½-hour direct flight from Perth. From Auckland, WA travellers can fly directly to North America, including New York, and Vancouver in Canada. The flight to New York has Skynest.