The Air New Zealand Skycouch: affordable luxury in the sky

We’re all familiar with the sensation of feeling squeezed in on a long-haul flight, struggling to sleep, and counting down the minutes. And, if you've travelled with kids, the odds are that you've sacrificed your own comfort so that they can sleep across your lap, at your feet, or draped over two seats.

What is the Air New Zealand Skycouch? 

Basically, the Air New Zealand Skycouch is your sofa the sky. It’s essentially a row of three Economy seats that can be converted into a couch after take-off, giving you the chance to get some proper rest. The seats feature extra footrests, which you can lift up to create a large sofa, which is slightly smaller than a single bed. Brilliant! 

The Skycouch can be shared by up to three people. However, whether you book it for one, two, or three people, you get the whole row of seats. This means that you won’t share your Skycouch with any strangers. It’s perfect for solo travellers that want to spread out, couples hoping to grab some private space, or families looking for extra comfort. 

When you book a Skycouch, you get everything that economy has to offer, as well as pillows, bedding and a handy Skycouch kit. The Skycouch kit consists of an adult/child loop belt and a cuddle belt so you can stretch out or lie down.

Why choose an Air New Zealand Skycouch? 

If you’re purely after a bit of extra space but don’t need the added frills of premium economy or business class, the Skycouch is the answer. The service is exactly the same as economy, but you get the luxury of lying flat. It’s cheaper than premium economy and business, but a little more expensive than a regular economy seat. This makes it perfect for travellers looking to prioritise sleep. 

The Skycouch is particularly handy if you’re travelling with young children, as you can cuddle up and settle down to a cosy sleep. You’ll get your own private row, so you are free to make the Skycouch configuration work for you. It’s a brilliant way to wave goodbye to grumpy, tired kids on long-haul flights.

Is it cost-effective? 

The Skycouch can be a wonderful way to add a touch of luxury to long-haul Economy flights, especially for families with young kids. You don’t pay the full price for all three seats, but you get all the cosy advantages of a three-seat sofa. The overall cost depends on how many people are sharing the Skycouch, and the availability on the flight. For the best price, try to book your flights well ahead of your departure date.

Is the Air New Zealand Skycouch available on all routes? 

The Economy Skycouch is available on all of Air New Zealand’s 777-300 long-haul services, and 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. This includes routes between Auckland and Los Angeles, Houston, Singapore, Perth, Brisbane, Sydney, Shanghai and Tokyo. There are only a few Skycouches available on each flight, so it’s best to book well in advance to avoid disappointment.

Ready to plan a trip that includes the Air New Zealand Skycouch? 

We’ve been building personalised holidays to New Zealand for over 20 years, so you can trust us to know our craft. Our friendly experts will listen carefully to your hopes and help you plan the trip of a lifetime. It’s easy to add stopovers and extra destinations to any holiday to New Zealand, so why not spend some time in the South Pacific or turn your trip into a round the world adventure? To get started, simply give us a call on 1273 320 580 or send us a quote request by email. The world is waiting! 

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