Air New Zealand Unveils Revolutionary New Cabins – Lie Down in Coach!

"I Can't Believe We're in Coach"

Air New Zealand – the ever innovative airline from New Zealand has just announced changes to their cabin layouts that are going to be a game changer in the transpacific travel industry.

They’ve introduced lie down seats in coach.

Yes, you read that right.

They’ve developed the SkyCouch – where 3 seats can turn into a space big enough to stretch out. The cost of being able to lie flat will be about $200 more than the lowest economy seat, along with the cost of the third seat at half price.

The new SkyCouches will be added to their newer planes as a new feature. By far one of the most daunting aspects of travelling to a place like New Zealand is the 12+ hours you spend on a plane. By spending just a little more on your economy seats, you’ll be able stretch out, lay down and enjoy some of the comforts generally reserved for the ridiculously priced business class seats.

It’s awesome, innovative and I hope one day I can check it out for myself.

The first route is planned for December, on selected NZ5 and NZ6 services between Auckland and Los Angeles (and NZ1 and NZ2 return), followed by services on to London in April 2011.

Boeing 777-200 aircraft are also in line for a re-fit from mid 2011, with flights to Asia, North America and the UK operating with the new seats by 2012.

Great job AirNZ. Great job.

Author Info - Jonathan is a consummate Anglophile with an obsession for Britain that borders on psychosis. He keeps Anglotopia running in his spare time, always dreaming of his next trip to England, wishing he lived there - specifically Dorset - and is always trying to figure out a way to move to England. It will happen one day. Keep up with him on Twitter here. Read more from this author