Air New Zealand will soon offer BEDS to economy travelers. You’ll pre-book a four-hour slot for a nap for around $300 . . . and the bedroom has rules: No snacks, no strong-smelling perfume, no cuddling, and no shoes.
FULL STORY: If you want to go to New Zealand, but aren’t sure if you can handle a 16- to 18-hour flight while sitting upright . . . next to an obnoxious eight-year-old . . . just book a flight with a BEDROOM.
Air New Zealand will soon offer BEDS to economy travelers. They’re three-tier bunk beds or “sleep pods,” and they’ll be available starting in November on their Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft. It’s only for long-haul flights . . . like a direct flight from New York to New Zealand.
But for better or worse . . . (mostly BETTER, actually) . . . there are RULES:
1. You have to pre-book a four-hour time slot. It costs about $300 extra . . . above the cost of the fare. There are only six beds, arranged in two stacks of three between cabins . . . so it’s tight.
There’s no headroom for sitting up, and getting in requires, “bending, kneeling, crawling, or climbing into the space.” You also have to wear a seatbelt
2. No food or drinks are allowed. So no snacking in bed.
3. No kids are allowed. So maybe you can actually get some Zs.
4. No additional guests are allowed. So no cuddling, or . . . you know.
5. No shoes. Fliers are required to change into special socks, which will be provided.
6. No smells. You aren’t allowed to go in if you’re doused in any smelly “perfumes or potions.”
7. No sleeping in. When your turn is up, you will be awakened “by a gentle change in lighting” or, if that doesn’t work, by a flight attendant . . . possibly less gently.
Air New Zealand insists the beds WILL be clean. The pillows, blankets, and sheets “are all refreshed” between four-hour naps.
