This economy class seating hack has blown the internet’s collective mind

Image credit: Instagram.com/chelle1975

We’ve all been there once… The moment of realisation that there’s no one sitting in the seat across on a long haul flight. Better yet, the moment it dawns that there’s no one sitting in the entire row. Pure joy and happiness are two emotions that come to mind. Now, one airline has made that feeling optional, with Air New Zealand’s ‘Skycouch’. 

Meant to help customers relax during coach class flights, the Skycouch includes reserving an entire row of economy class seats with built in seat extenders which then rise to form a bed where a passenger’s feet would usually go. Confused? The photos sum it up. 

The Skycouch is nothing new. In fact, it’s been around for years, but outside of New Zealand seems to have been kept quite under-the-radar and virtually hidden — classic Kiwi move. Now, the internet has picked up on New Zealand’s secret travel hack, spotlighting the smart seat onto the global travel stage. 

Designed to be used with one or two people, the idea stands that a passenger purchases the second or third remaining seat for a discounted rate, thus reserving the entire row. The Skycouch is assembled, extra linen and a bottom sheet is supplied and a passenger is able to travel long haul while stretching out. 

While the cost of the Skycouch varies depending on the flight, our research revealed it was anything from AU$200 extra per person to AU$500 for a flight from Auckland to Los Angeles. Not bad considering the cost of a business class seat, which is almost always double or triple the price of a standard economy ticket. Located on a select number of rows per plane, not everyone is able to opt for the Skycouch, although early booking would make it easy to secure one for yourself or a family. 

Right now it seems Air New Zealand is the only airline offering the Skycouch service — or anything similar — but thanks to the seemingly genius concept (lying flat in economy!? Revolutionary!), we’re sure it won’t be long before other airlines follow suit. 

Visit: AirNewZealand.com 

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