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Comments (17)
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Save/ShareAir New Zealand has introduced a new couch-style seating arrangement, with cushions that flip up to make for comfortable and easy lounging. Most innovative of all: The Skycouch is in economy class.
[+] Enlarge photo
With the Skycouch design, there are three seats in a row, just like in a typical coach section. But each of the Skycouch seats has a futon-like cushion that folds up from beneath, and all of the arm rests can be tucked away, creating a flat mini-mattress that should allow you to snooze in comfort.
The space seems ideal for two adults and a child. If two adults are interested in a Skycouch, they must purchase all three seats, though it's expected that Air New Zealand will throw in the third seat for half-price.
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Best economy-class seats yet?
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This skycouch idea is terrific and we wish you the best success with it.
Posted By Guy J Giordano on February 1, 2010, 1:31 PM
Air traveling is a pain when you travel in economy class. But something like skycouch would be a good option to make the air travel exciting. It looks comfy and good space. Cushioning is very important when you travel far.
Posted By Croatian villas on February 1, 2010, 10:19 PM
About time someone came up with good ideas like this for long flights, not ecstatic about having to pay for an extra seat though.
Posted By Plumber Richmond on February 3, 2010, 9:30 AM
Have you ever slept with a child in a normal size bed? That "couch" can barely handle two, nestled together, adults (who squirm around a lot less than a child.) Bed for three? No way
Posted By Ann on February 3, 2010, 8:49 PM
Have you ever slept with a child in a normal size bed? That "couch" can barely handle two, nestled together, adults (who squirm around a lot less than a child.) Bed for three? No way
Posted By Ann on February 3, 2010, 8:50 PM
I traveled on Air New Zealand and found it pretty comfortable as a single, but it would have to be longer seating - front to back when it lays down. No way it would be comfortable for 2 the way you have it set up for "skycouch" - way too small in width!
Posted By Kay on February 4, 2010, 11:02 AM
Do you have to snuggle like that with your seatmates if you've never met before?
Posted By Erica on February 4, 2010, 11:15 AM
Your picture makes the fit look pretty tight for two thin adults laying down, so I'm thinking this feature won't have any benefit to the single traveler who would have to buy 3 seats to enjoy this, or even a couple where one or two of them are heavier. I don't see anyway you'll fit a 3rd in - child or otherwise.
Posted By Neverwill on February 4, 2010, 11:24 AM
Their seats are reclined; the seats in front of them are not. If the people in front recline their seats, you would then be part of a "sky sandwich".
Posted By Gail on February 4, 2010, 2:23 PM
Most airlines require that you have your seat belts fastened at all times during the flight. This clearly violates this regulation. Doesn't seem like this will "fly."
Posted By Erin on February 4, 2010, 2:49 PM
On a train a small adult can barely curl in on 2 seats but it does work and at no extra charge. I suggest that only when you have a vacant seat on a side x side will it work or a personal companion on a 3 seat.. Another idea would be to have a bunk that would fold out but again only for a double or tripple seat and you'd lose some seating to make room to get up (Have the seats face the isle and then you could have sleeping compartments for trips to Australia etc.. Over all the most reasonable is to have foot/leg extensions on the seats and designed like a true wall hugger lounge chair with better padding throughout for all passengers. Padding on the window wall would be helpful too and without the arm rest on the right would add more space.
Posted By Deb Gillis on February 4, 2010, 4:10 PM
Hey, let's quit quibbling, this seat config. is at least another option. It definitely could work for some.
Posted By juju on February 4, 2010, 4:19 PM
Looks like this will only be available in Pacific Premium Economy class. If you flown this class you would know the seats are wider and deeper with more recline. This is a great class in itself if you fly their 747's upper cabin. Well worth the fare on it but a real waste of money on their 777.
Posted By E. Charles Potts on February 4, 2010, 8:34 PM
Props to Air NZ for at least trying to come up with something to make long-haul flights in cattle class (plus) more tolerable, but the Skycouch is good news only for couples or really, really close friends.
Posted By Marion on February 4, 2010, 9:01 PM
While this doesn't look like a perfect way to travel, the fact that someone is at least trying something new is a good thing. Most airlines still use seatbelts that were invented in the early 1960's, and haven't thought of any new ways to make the consumer more comfortable....only ways to make people more crowded and miserable! Have you even tried to take a small child to the rest room lately on an airplane?
With all the added fees, flying has become our last choice in travel the past few years. Most airlines no longer serve food, but the TSA take away any food you carry with you. It's a no win way to travel, except in time saved. Even then, if the airlines keep canceling the return flights to small markets, you never get home with the airline anyway!
Augusta, Georgia has ads to try and convince people to travel from Augusta, rather than driving to Columbia, Atlanta, Charlotte, etc. Their motto is: Fly There, Fly Home! The irony is, we've never made it home, getting stuck in Atlanta on nearly every trip, and the rental car companies will charge you nearly $300 to rent a car for the 3 hour drive back to the Augusta airport. Our bags make it back, but we don't. The motto stinks!!
You can say that with all of these cuts in service, you're saving money (as an airline), but if you've chased away your best customers, how much did that help the bottom line of the airline?
I hope this new seating works well, and even if it doesn't, kudos for at least trying something new and innovative! What we have right now is a miserable way to travel!
Posted By GA Mom of 5 on February 4, 2010, 9:19 PM
It is a great idea but I don't think it is good for two healthy people or if you have a child.
Posted By Tilak on February 4, 2010, 10:16 PM
Some might like this but I think more travelers would prefer economy seats that gave you more leg room and could recline without annoying the person behind you.
Posted By Rob on February 5, 2010, 2:02 PM