Sky-high pitch: New ways airlines upsell seats

The dream of a comfortable flight is often dashed by the reality of a cramped economy seat. For many, the allure of business class, with its lie-flat beds and premium service, remains out of reach. Now, some airlines are trying to bridge that gap by offering a middle ground.

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Skynest is what can only be described as two sets of triple bunk beds that the airline is putting in the middle of the economy section of some of its new planes.

Air New Zealand is pioneering a new concept called 'Skynest,' essentially a set of triple bunk beds installed within the economy cabin on its Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners. These pods, measuring about 2 meters long and narrowing to just over 40cm at the foot, will be available on select routes, including the New York to Auckland service, by the end of the year. Passengers can climb to the upper bunks, and each pod comes with a privacy curtain, charging facilities, and amenities like earplugs and a sleep mask.

Initially, the Skynest will cost just under NZ$500 (around €246) on top of the ticket price, which can range from NZ$1,500-2,000 (€750-1,000). While not inexpensive, it offers a significantly more affordable option than the €4,100-€6,200 typically charged for business class.

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But for that bit of effort you get a privacy curtain, a spot to charge your phone, a few amenities like ear plugs and a sleep mask, and a promise of fresh sheets wrap yourself up in.

The practice of charging for enhanced comfort has a long history in air travel. Trans World Airlines, under Howard Hughes, is credited with introducing the first distinct classes on a plane in 1955. Over the decades, airlines have continuously innovated with amenities like better meals, lounge access, and eventually lie-flat beds in business and first class. Even as budget airlines have shrunk seat space, the demand for premium options has persisted, leading to innovations like extra legroom seats on Ryanair.

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Initially, this will only be available to Air New Zealand’s economy passengers on select flights between New York and Auckland – at a cost of just under NZ$500 (roughly €246).