Some airlines are now offering coach class travelers the option to book entire rows of economy seats to create a more comfortable sleeping arrangement on long-haul flights. This allows passengers to experience a more restful sleep at a fraction of the cost of flying in first class. The seats are converted into couch-like seating with bedding, providing more personal space and comfort for passengers.
One of the carriers offering this perk is Air New Zealand, which has been selling this option as the Skycouch for over a decade. They have recently introduced bunk beds for even more comfort in September. The Skycouch includes an extra economy seat for sitting and comes with footrests that can be pulled up and locked, making the sleeping arrangement more spacious than expected. Passengers are provided with pillows, blankets, and a comforter that can also double as a mattress pad for added comfort during the flight.
Lufthansa has also started offering a cost-effective “Sleeper’s Row” option for flights lasting 11 hours or more. This option includes a thin mattress, a Business Class-quality blanket, and a pillow for passengers to lie down and stretch out during the entire flight. While booking in advance is not available, passengers can reserve the Sleeper’s Row when they check-in or shortly before departure at the gate, subject to availability.
All Nippon Airways in Japan offers specially designed “Couchii” seats for flights from Tokyo to Honolulu that can be converted into a couch-style row with raised footrests. This option comes with two large pillows, a special comforter, and a custom seatbelt designed for laying down. Prices for the Couchii seats vary greatly depending on the season, with peak travel times costing more than off-season travel.
While the reserved row option for coach class is currently only available on a limited number of airlines, it provides passengers with the opportunity to experience a more comfortable sleep during long-haul flights. These options allow for more personal space and comfort at a lower cost compared to flying in first class. Passengers can enjoy the convenience of plumping up a few pillows and raising the armrests to create a bed-like sleeping arrangement for a more restful flight experience.
Overall, the trend of allowing coach class travelers to book entire rows of economy seats for long-haul flights is gaining popularity with airlines such as Air New Zealand, Lufthansa, and All Nippon Airways offering these comfortable sleeping options. While pricing and availability vary, these options provide passengers with the chance to experience a more luxurious sleep during their travels without the hefty price tag of first class accommodations. Hopefully, more airlines will start offering similar perks to cater to passengers looking for a restful flight experience.
