Air New Zealand “Cuddle Class” Debuts Skycouch For Flights

By: Mary Smith
04/12/2011 07:23 AM ET

Air New Zealand “Cuddle Class”. The skycouch is a “cuddle class” onboard the first Air New Zealand Boeing 777-300ER. It travels a long, non-stop flight from the small island nation to Los Angeles where people actually lie down.

The airplane has an interesting seating arrangement, which most people thought it was an April Fool’s joke. It’s a new idea by the carrier and it’s being tested by passengers. But not only has Air New Zealand put the new seating class into operation, it says more than 30 other airlines are interested in licensing the seating concept for their own airplanes.

Air New Zealand’s Ed Sims said the majority of the company’s long-haul flights are overnight, “that’s why we set out to overcome the seemingly impossible challenge of finding a way for people to lie down in economy without compromising affordability.”

The Skycouches are in the economy class sections of the airplane and require two passengers to purchase normal fare tickets and they can then purchase the third seat at about half price.

A reporter with the New Zealand Herald was on the delivery flight from the Boeing factory near Seattle to Auckland and says the Skycouch is “comfortable, but cozy.” Pictures from the flight show something a lot better than economy seats, but definitely a couch and not a bed. The Toronto Star says while creative positions may be needed, it is a step up for families or couples looking for something comfortable that isn’t first class priced.

The airplane also features induction ovens on board allowing food to be cooked to a passenger’s own taste as well as the latest in in-flight entertainment.