Air New Zealand offers a unique option for economy class passengers on its long-haul flights: the Economy Skycouch. This feature allows travelers to convert a row of standard economy seats into a couch-like space, providing extra comfort for solo travelers, families, and couples. According to Air New Zealand, “Skycouch seats are just like standard Economy seats, except each has an adjustable leg rest that can be raised or lowered individually.”
The Auckland-based airline introduced the Skycouch in 2011 as part of its efforts to enhance passenger comfort on lengthy journeys. The Skycouch is available on all Boeing 787-9 Dreamliners and select Boeing 777-300ER aircraft within their fleet.
Passengers interested in the Skycouch must book through Air New Zealand’s website and ensure their flight is labeled ‘Skycouch available.’ Prices start with a standard economy seat fare, with additional costs applied for selecting the Skycouch. For example, a round trip from Los Angeles to Auckland in May 2025 would cost $2,963 with the Skycouch compared to $963 in standard economy class.
The cabin layouts vary across different aircraft models. On the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner, the Business Premier class offers fully flat beds with separate memory foam mattresses and pillows. Premium Economy provides luxury leather seats with significant recline and pitch. The Economy Class features standard seating amenities along with Skycouches in specific rows.
The Boeing 777-300ER configured with Business Premier includes full flat beds in spacious leather armchairs. Premium Economy offers similar features to those on the Dreamliner but with more seating capacity for this configuration.
Air New Zealand’s ongoing upgrades include retrofitting seven Boeing 787-9s by the end of 2025 as part of a $2.06 billion brand refresh investment. The new cabins will reduce passenger numbers slightly to allow for more premium seating options.
While other options like Premium Economy and Business Class offer varying levels of comfort at higher prices, the Skycouch presents an economical way to add some luxury without upgrading entirely out of economy class.
For travelers planning long-haul flights with Air New Zealand, especially families or those seeking extra space during their journey, choosing a flight equipped with a Skycouch could be beneficial.
