What It's Like to Fly 17 Hours in Air New Zealand's Economy Skycouch
Earlier this summer, I flew the direct, 17-hour route from New York (JFK) to Auckland (AKL) sprawled out on the Skycouch, and I can confirm that this option is excellent and economical. You don't get any of the frills you'll find in Business Premiere (my review of Air New Zealand's more extravagant business class offering can be read here) save for a sheet to spread across the row, plus extra pillows (two) and blankets (three), but it hardly matters because you'll have a likely be sleeping much more of the way than you would in a regular economy seat.
A lone traveler enjoys Air New Zealand's Skycouch—booking the upgrade for one passenger is the most comfortable although the least cost-efficient.
Courtesy Air New Zealand
What is Skycouch, and how much does it cost?
Skycouch is a booking option in economy class that you can add during seat selection for an added fee. Skycouch seats occupy certain rows sprinkled across the Economy cabin of Air New Zealand's 777-300ER and 787-9 aircraft. For a flight between New York and Auckland where Skycouch is available, the fee sits in the realm of $750.
The exact price varies based on the route and demand. For example, an October flight from Los Angeles to Auckland currently costs $1,200 to add Skycouch (while a business class seat is around $6,000), and a flight from Houston to Auckland in the same month costs $1,400 (compared to a business class fare of $6,500).
Selecting Skycouch gives your party a row of three seats to yourselves. The fee, whatever it lands at according to the dynamic pricing, is for your party rather than per ticket, meaning that it is especially cost-effective for parties of two (or three, if the third is a lap child). If you're flying with infants under two years old, the airline provides a Skycouch kit with a harness and "cuddle belt' or an optional infant pod, subject to availability.
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