Airlines are leaning in to helping passengers lie down, with major carriers launching new designs that prioritize proper rest for long-haul flights.
Air New Zealand announced its new Economy Skynest pods on Tuesday, which will debut on new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft this November for select flights between New York and Auckland.
The pods will be available to book starting May 18, 2026, according to Air New Zealand.
The concept gives travelers an opportunity to enjoy lie-flat rest without booking a premium cabin seat.
At launch, the services will operate between New York City's John F. Kennedy Airport and Auckland Airport -- a more than 17 hour flight.
"New Zealand's unique location means we understand long haul travel better than anyone," CEO Nikhil Ravishankar said in a statement.
The plane will feature six lie-flat pods in a bunk-style layout, located between the Economy and Premium Economy cabins, giving customers the ability to stretch out, lie flat and get proper rest in the air.
The pods will be available in four-hour sessions, with two sessions per flight available initially, at a cost of $495 per session.
Each Skynest pod provides a quiet, private space complete with a full-length mattress, bedding, personal comfort controls, ambient lighting, ventilation, charging ports and a privacy curtain.
Last month, United Airlines announced its new Relax Row seat option that's slated to start in 2027. The option dedicates a row of three economy seats that transform into a lie-flat space.
Travelers will be able to enjoy the comfort of premium cabin seating thanks to the individually adjustable leg rests that fold up at a 90-degree angle and create a spacious lie-flat sleeping area.
United said the new option is perfect for families with kids, couples or solo travelers who want a little extra comfort.
United passengers who purchase this seat option will get a custom-fitted mattress pad, plush blankets, two pillows, and a travel kit for kids, complete with a plush toy.
"As a leading premium airline, we're committed to delivering new, industry-leading experiences for all of our customers -- and the United Relax Row is the perfect example of that," United's executive vice president and chief commercial officer Andrew Nocella said in a statement. "United is the only North American airline offering a product like the United Relax Row and is one of the many reasons why we're continuing to win brand loyal customers."
United's new seat option mirrors a similar setup offered by its Star Alliance partner Air New Zealand, which offers the same lie-flat features through its Economy Skycouch option.
United said Relax Row will be outfitted on all of its Boeing 787 and 777 widebody aircraft, with 90 planes at launch in 2027 and more than 200 planes by 2030.
There will be up to 12 Relax Rows on each plane, located between United Economy and United Premium Plus, the airline said.
This story was originally published on March 25, 2026.
