The question I get asked all the time is, “How does it work?”

When booking your flight, you can select the Skycouch option at the seat selection stage. It offers a row of three seats and is perfect for solo travelers, couples, or families who want extra space.

For example, a couple can book an entire row for just $150 each, giving them a spare seat between them and the option to transform the row into a comfortable couch. Honestly, I think it’s the best value proposition in commercial aviation!

So looking deeper at the product itself…

Each seat has a footrest that folds up to create a flat surface, turning your row into a comfortable couch-like bed ( check out the video below to see how it works).

Air New Zealand also provides seat extenders, a quilt, large pillows, and blankets to enhance the experience, making it the coziest way to fly in economy.

Honestly, I expected nothing less from Air New Zealand, but their customer service truly went above and beyond. I was traveling with my family, and one of my kids can get pretty tricky when they’re tired. The crew—especially on the flight from Auckland to Perth—were absolute legends. They went out of their way to help, offering extra snacks, bringing snacks early, and even promising my little one a visit to the cockpit if they managed to get some sleep. It made such a difference and really showed how much they care.

While the catering was delicious, I was surprised to find that on the evening meal service to Auckland, the kids’ meal actually had more food on the tray than the adult option. Over the past ten years, serving sizes have definitely become smaller and simpler. For me, the portion was more than enough on an overnight 5.5-hour flight, but for an adult male, it might not be quite sufficient. On the 6.5-hour flight from Auckland to Perth, we were served both a meal and a snack, which was a welcome addition since the meals themselves aren’t particularly large and the trays even smaller!

There’s a great selection of choices on board, along with Wi-Fi and in-seat power for your convenience. However, on the overnight flight, there was no in-flight amenity kit, and for flights under seven hours, like these, there were no kids' activity packs either. The crew mentioned that these amenities are only available on long-haul flights, as the Perth–Auckland route is classified as medium-haul. Kids’ headphones are available upon request, and I’d recommend asking for them as soon as you board.

Air New Zealand is the only airline in the world to offer the Skycouch, making it a truly exclusive and game-changing travel experience. While the airline may not fly everywhere, if Air New Zealand is an option on your route and you have the chance to book a Skycouch—do it! Being able to lie down, stretch out, and elevate your legs transforms your flight experience, providing unmatched comfort. Whether you're a solo traveler looking to stretch out like a VIP, a couple wanting to get cozy, or a family hoping to let the little ones nap while you relax, the Skycouch delivers.

It transforms a row of economy seats into a comfy bed, offering more space, more comfort, and ultimately, more happiness. It’s the closest thing to Business Class without the hefty price tag and really is incredible value.

If you’re looking for the best way to fly economy, the Skycouch is it! ✈️💙

Editor's Note: Sharon traveled as a guest of Air New Zealand. All other passengers featured in this review paid for their own travel.