Each of the three seats in the Skycouch row has a leg rest that can extend to the seat back in front of you, and when those of all three seats are flipped fully up you’re left with a platform, or couch, that makes use of your legroom as well as the seat. It’s like a deep couch, or a daybed. You do not have to extend all three leg rests, and can configure the situation according to your needs. The aforementioned bedding (the sheet, two large pillows, and three blankets) are in addition to the standard travel pillows that come with any economy seat.
What is it like, and how comfortable is it?
Sitting in Skycouch is for you if you’re in need of utilitarian space conducive to moderate rest. I was on a red-eye flight taking off from JFK at 9:55 p.m. on the evening of Monday, June 2 and arriving at 7:55 a.m. on Wednesday, June 4. My desire to sleep was of the utmost. As someone who has had the pleasure of having a row to myself by chance, I knew that Skycouch would give me what I needed to get some proper shut eye.
After boarding, a flight attendant made the rounds to Skycouch passengers to break down the bedding (“Lay the sheet flat across the seats and sleep atop it”). Because I am alone, I am advised to leave the aisle seat upright until after meal service for tray table purposes, after which I could recline it to meet the middle and window seats as a full couch. Economy meal service in Air New Zealand is perfectly nice: rice, lamb, vegetables.
As a single traveler who is only 5 feet, 5 inches, the Skycouch meant that I had all the width I needed whether I was laying flat or on my side or in the fetal position (my preference). In the fetal position, with my legs bent, I also had all the length I needed not to spill my feet out into the aisle. The couch measures 5 feet, 1 inch long, so only those shorter than that can lay out fully extended, and anyone taller should be prepared to bend their legs. In terms of width, you’ve got 29 inches—enough, I’d say, for two people on their sides to rest relatively comfortably. I certainly do, at least, and knock out for eight hours or so after meal service, waking only occasionally. That’s better than what I normally get at home. When I’m up for good, I choose a screen and watch Whale Rider.
Which brings me to my conclusion, which is that Air New Zealand’s Skycouch is a great way to approach lie-flat in economy, at a fraction of the cost of a business class ticket. It is most comfortable but least economical for a single traveler, and while each added traveler lowers the price, such additions also reduce the potential comfort. Grown adults should consider getting a row to themselves, while children can comfortably share.