Air New Zealand is introducing innovative SkyNest sleeping pods in economy class on its ultra-long-haul flights between Auckland and New York’s JFK airport, starting in December.

The wedge-shaped pods, installed at the rear of retrofitted Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners, contain six individual lie-flat bunks arranged in triple stacks.Each bunk measures 203 cm in length, comparable to a king-size bed, and tapers from 64 cm at the shoulders to 41 cm at the footwell.

Passengers aged 15 and older can book these as an add-on to economy or premium economy tickets for four-hour slots at a starting price of £215, with the option for two sessions per flight.Each session includes a pillow, blanket, and an amenity kit with hand and body balm, eye mask, earplugs, and striped socks.

The pods feature privacy curtains that are slightly transparent for safety monitoring by crew, individual air vents, reading lights, charging points, and safety belts.Snacks are not permitted, but water is allowed.

A Daily Mail journalist tested the pods at a travel conference in Auckland and found the lower bunk most comfortable due to easier access and better privacy partitioning.The middle bunk is easiest to access but feels more exposed, while the top requires climbing steps.The setup aims to provide better rest on 16- to 17.5-hour flights, with beds remade between sessions.This offers a novel solution for long-haul economy travelers seeking more comfortable sleep without upgrading to premium cabins.