Little-known airlines where you can sleep in a lie-flat bed… in economy
SEVERAL little-known airlines are now offering the chance to sleep in lie-flat beds — even in economy class.
Once a luxury reserved for business and first-class passengers, the future of lie-flat beds in economy seating is now here, and it’s changing the way we think about air travel.
This innovation could make long-haul flights far more comfortable for economy travellers by transforming three-row sections into adaptable sleep zones.
Surprisingly, the idea of lie-flat beds in economy isn’t entirely new.
It all started in 2010 when Air New Zealand introduced its revolutionary “Skycouch” model.
The Skycouch is still in service today, using special panels to bridge the space between seats, effectively creating a lie-flat bed across a row.
At 35,000 feet, passengers can stretch out in what amounts to their own mini-bed, a game-changer for economy flyers.
But Air New Zealand isn’t stopping there.
The airline is now pioneering an even more radical solution: economy-class bunk beds.
Known as “SkyNests,” these pods, available on flights between New York and Chicago, offer a new level of comfort.
The SkyNest could set a trend, and other airlines may soon follow suit.
While Air New Zealand may have sparked the movement, other smaller airlines have also embraced this concept, providing similar options for budget-conscious travellers who want a good night’s sleep at cruising altitude.
Here are five airlines that offer economy lie-flat beds as of 2024:
Air New Zealand
As the trailblazer of the lie-flat economy experience, Air New Zealand’s Skycouch continues to impress.
This feature turns a row of seats into a 5’1″ sleeping space, providing enough width for two adults to comfortably lie down.
The “cuddle belt,” a special seatbelt designed for use while lying flat, ensures passengers are safely secured, even during turbulence.
For those looking to sleep during a long-haul flight, Air New Zealand remains the gold standard.
Azul Brazilian Airlines
Brazil’s Azul Airlines quickly followed Air New Zealand’s lead with its “Skysofa” option.
Unique to Azul, its planes have a two-four-two seat arrangement, giving passengers in Skysofa sections even more room.
This is especially beneficial for families, as it provides ample space for kids to stretch out or even nap comfortably during a long flight.
Skysofa isn’t just about sleeping — it’s a family-friendly solution that adds flexibility to travel.
Air Astana
Kazakhstan’s Air Astana has created a different approach with its Economy Sleeper cabin. Unlike the Skycouch or Skysofa, the Economy Sleeper is a dedicated cabin offering solo travelers their own lie-flat bed.
While narrower than some of the other options, it offers a flat sleeping surface that’s ideal for individual passengers.
Air Astana sweetens the deal with extra perks like separate boarding and in-flight entertainment for Economy Sleeper passengers.
All Nippon Airways (ANA)
Japan’s All Nippon Airways (ANA) offers its own version of a lie-flat bed with the “Sky Couchii.”
Like Air New Zealand’s Skycouch, leg inserts fold out to create a spacious and comfortable bed, making it ideal for couples or families traveling together.
Some of ANA’s aircraft also feature a four-row layout, providing extra room for passengers, a key advantage for those flying with children on long-haul routes.
Lufthansa
Germany’s Lufthansa takes a different approach with its “Sleeper’s Row” model.
While it doesn’t feature special panels or pop-out sections like the others, Lufthansa allows passengers to book an entire row for themselves on certain flights.
While simpler than the Skycouch or Skysofa, the Sleeper’s Row still provides a spacious, lie-flat option for those looking to maximize their comfort without upgrading to business class.
It’s offered according to availability and while that means they aren’t always bookable, it also means that Sleeper’s Rows are more affordable.
You can add on this option for between $180-250 on a long-haul flight.
These innovations mark a significant shift in air travel, making long-haul economy flights more comfortable than ever.
With airlines constantly seeking to improve the passenger experience, the future of lie-flat beds in economy looks promising.
Whether you’re a solo traveler, a couple, or a family, these airlines offer unique options that could make your next long flight a restful one.