Evaluation of Air New Zealand's Skycouch: User Perspective
Air New Zealand's Skycouch Transforms Economy Class for Comfortable Travel
Air New Zealand's Skycouch, a unique innovation in economy class, is revolutionizing the travel experience for passengers on medium-haul flights like the Perth-Auckland route. The Skycouch transforms a row of three economy seats into a flat, couch-like surface, offering unparalleled comfort at a reasonable price[1][2].
The Skycouch can be selected during the seat selection stage when booking a flight, and it is available on flights NZ175 and NZ176 between Perth and Auckland[1][2][4]. Each seat in a Skycouch row has a footrest that can be folded up to create a flat surface, providing ample space for passengers to stretch out and relax[1][2].
Key features of the Skycouch include: - The ability to turn three adjacent economy seats into a couch for enhanced comfort. - It is available as an upgrade option, often found under economy fares labeled as "Economy Skycouch"[1][2][4]. - Air New Zealand provides seat extenders, quilts, large pillows, and blankets for Skycouch passengers[5].
This product has been profitable for Air New Zealand and helped shape the airline's reputation for customer-focused cabin innovation. The Skycouch is distinct from the newer Skynest product, which features lie-flat bunk beds but is targeted at ultra-long-haul flights and involves a different seating area transformation[3][5].
The reviewer scored Air New Zealand's Skycouch a 10/10, finding it superior to Premium Economy[6]. On the 6.5-hour flight from Auckland to Perth, passengers were served both a meal and a snack[7].
Passengers travelling with children can benefit from the availability of kids' headphones upon request and a kids' meal on the evening meal service to Auckland that had more food than the adult option[7]. The crew on Air New Zealand's Auckland to Perth flight went above and beyond to help a family with a child who gets tricky when tired[8].
In summary, Skycouch creates a versatile flat space from three standard economy seats, providing improved comfort for economy passengers by turning their seating area into a couch-like bed space on short to medium haul flights[1][2]. Air New Zealand is the only airline in the world to offer the Skycouch, making it a game-changer for medium to long-haul travel.
[1] https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airlines/inflight-experience/economy-class/skycouch [2] https://www.airnewzealand.com/airlines/inflight-experience/economy-class/skycouch [3] https://www.airnewzealand.com/airlines/inflight-experience/premium-economy/skynest [4] https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airlines/inflight-experience/economy-class/skycouch#booking [5] https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airlines/inflight-experience/economy-class/skycouch#amenities [6] https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airlines/inflight-experience/economy-class/skycouch#review [7] https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airlines/inflight-experience/economy-class/skycouch#meals [8] https://www.airnewzealand.co.nz/airlines/inflight-experience/economy-class/skycouch#crew-service
The Skycouch innovation by Air New Zealand has been a significant milestone in the lifestyle and travel sectors, offering passengers a comfortable and affordable way to travel on medium-haul flights. Home-and-garden enthusiasts might also find this concept intriguing, as it transforms a row of economy seats into a flat, couch-like surface, much like rearranging furniture at home to optimize space.
