Affordable Third Seat Option on Air New Zealand

Posted on Thursday, February 11, 2010

Air New Zealand is consistently recognized as the leading airline for the South Pacific by receiving many awards from the travel industry. And why do they strive to be even better?  It’s all about the customer experience. Air New Zealand’s goal is to create an in-flight experience unlike any other airline for all passengers.

We are particularly excited about the new economy skycouch and premium economy spaceseat.  The concept of the sky couch is for a couple to purchase all three seats in a row. The leg rests come all the way up to extend the width of the seat, allowing two people to lie down side by side.  A thin mattress is place on top of the seats and a full size pillow is provided. The length is only 5 feet across so you may not be able to stretch out completely, but keep in mind this is economy class – big difference from only being able to tilt your seat back.  Couples  or families would pay regular price for the first two seats, and then 1/2 price for the 3rd seat. Prices begin around $1,400 for that extra seat.  There will 22 Skycouches in the first 11 rows of economy class.

You can’t book until April, so I researched some prices base on travel this June from LAX to Auckland, and found that the same trip in economy class for 2 people purchasing the middle seat would be around $7,800 total.

When will all these upgrades be available?  On the new 777-300ER’s that begin service in November, 2010 between Auckland and Los Angeles.  Upgrades to their current 777-200 aircrafts will begin in 2011. You can begin booking these Skycouches in April of this year.

Start exploring an Australia and New Zealand vacation today.