Airline Seat Innovation Assessment: A Look at Air New Zealand's Skycouch
Air New Zealand's innovative Skycouch is transforming economy class travel, providing passengers with a more comfortable and spacious option on long-haul flights. The Skycouch, available on certain routes such as NZ175 and NZ176 between Perth and Auckland, is a unique feature that sets Air New Zealand apart as the only airline in the world to offer this product.
The Skycouch works by converting a row of three economy seats into a flat surface, effectively creating a couch-like area where one or two passengers can lie down and stretch out during the flight. Each of the three seats in the row has a full leg rest that lifts up to form a flat surface extending across all three seats.
Passengers book a normal economy fare for each traveler and then add the Skycouch option on top, which increases the cost since you are effectively paying for three seats to create the couch space. For instance, a single economy fare from Auckland to Shanghai might cost around $811 NZD, but adding the Skycouch option can raise the total price to about $2021 NZD for the three seats.
While the Skycouch is an added expense, it offers increased comfort and a unique option compared to standard economy or premium economy. It provides an alternative to premium economy seating, with the key difference being that Skycouch users still receive economy-class meals and service, whereas premium economy includes upgraded meals and amenities.
Air New Zealand provides seat extenders, quilts, large pillows, and blankets to enhance the Skycouch experience. These additional items help passengers make the most of their Skycouch and create a cozy and comfortable environment during their flight.
The Skycouch is ideal for solo travelers, couples, or families who want extra space. A couple can book an entire row for $150 each, providing a spare seat between them. On the overnight flight, however, there is no in-flight amenity kit, and on flights under seven hours, no kids' activity packs are provided.
The reviewer flew the Skycouch on February 20, 2025, and found it to be superior to Premium Economy. The reviewer also noted that kids' headphones are available upon request on Air New Zealand flights.
The crew on the Air New Zealand flight from Auckland to Perth went above and beyond to help a traveler with a child. This act of kindness further enhances the airline's reputation for customer-focused design.
In summary, the Skycouch provides a flat, couch-like surface by folding three seats leg rests flat, space for one or two passengers to lie down, economy fare with an added charge for the three-seat couch use, increased comfort, and a unique option compared to standard economy or premium economy. This setup is especially popular for families or couples traveling together who want more space to relax on long flights.
The Skycouch offered by Air New Zealand, a unique lifestyle feature, transforms economy class travel by providing a comfortable and spacious couch-like area for passengers on long-haul flights. On certain routes such as NZ175 and NZ176 between Perth and Auckland, this innovative product sets Air New Zealand apart from other airlines.
