Economy air travel need no longer be referred to as “cattle class,” and passengers don’t have to squeeze into tight seats.
Beginning next year, money-conscious long-haul travelers can take “cuddle class” and book a row of seats that convert into a couch or bed.
Planned by Air New Zealand for trans-Pacific flights, the “Skycouch” is a row of three regular seats redesigned to create a space for children to play or a flat surface for adults to relax and sleep.
“Cuddle class” is Air New Zealand’s new offering on some of its planes. The upgraded seating configuration, to be fitted in the carrier’s new fleet of Boeing 777-300 aircraft, will cost the price of two standard economy seats plus half-price for the third seat in the row.
They will be big enough to accommodate a couple or a family with a small child.
“For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone,” Air New Zealand CEO Rob Fyfe said.
Air New Zealand, which is 75 percent owned by the South Pacific country’s government, will formally debut the aircraft in April but is scheduling an inaugural flight for December.
Proposed routes include long-haul flights between Los Angeles and Auckland and London and Auckland.
