Would you pay $500 for 4 hours in a bunk bed?

The biggest travel headline this week has been Air New Zealand’s announcement of its new Economy Skynest bunk beds. The idea of lie-flat beds for rent for Economy passengers on long-haul flights is revolutionary and exciting. But, will people actually pay $500 for 4 hours in these Skynest bunk beds?

Air New Zealand’s Economy Skynest Bunk Beds

The rollout of this new product will start on flights between New York City and Auckland this fall. Economy Skynest is a set of six bunk beds in the Economy cabin.

• Beds are bookable for a 4-hour increment starting at $495.
• Only Economy and Premium Economy passengers ages 15+ are eligible.
• The first session takes place immediately after meal service. Bedding is changed before the second session.
• Each bed is 80 inches long and 25 inches wide (at the shoulders).
• Beds have a seatbelt, privacy curtain, light, ventilation and USB charging outlets.
• No food is allowed (water only).
• Passengers receive an amenity kit with socks, eye mask, earplugs, hand lotion and toothbrush.

Note that for passengers who are ineligible for Economy Skynest, these planes also feature Economy Skycouch. This feature turns a regular economy row of 3 seats into a shorter lie-flat space.

Is 4 hours in a Bunk Bed Worth $500?

Well, we will have to wait until November to see some reviews of the actual experience. But personally, if I were flying on one of these 17-hour flight in Economy, I’d book it. Especially if I had saved money by booking my flight on points.

Seventeen hours is a LONG time to be stuck in an airplane seat. Booking a Skynest bed would give me something to look forward to and a change of scenery to break up the long flight.

Of course, $500 can add up for large families. But if I were flying by myself or with just my husband, I’d be tempted to book it. Would you?