How to reserve an entire ‘sleeping row’ in economy on your next flight — and at a discount, too
It’s like sleeping on a cloud — literally.
Airlines are now offering coach class travelers a game-changing perk that allows a restful sleep on long-haul flights — for a fraction of what it might cost to do the same in first class.
Savvy shut-eye lovers can book entire rows of economy seats at a considerable discount, allowing for more personal space, not to mention a good night’s snooze, once the row is converted into couch-like seating, complete with bedding.
All the flight attendants have to do, pretty much, is raise the arm rests, plump a couple of pillows and you’re ready for rest. The only drawback? This coveted comfort upgrade is currently only available on a handful of carriers — with more, let’s hope, to follow.
And while you can still take your chances and hope for an open row on just about any airline, these three are willing to make it official. Here’s what you need to know.
Air New Zealand
The Kiwi carrier practically pioneered the reserved row — after more than a decade of selling sweet dreams to standard class scrimpers, the long-hauler is taking things one step further, introducing introducing bunk beds in September.
As for the current offering, sold as Skycouch, travelers can not only book a row, but the airline will throw in an extra economy seat for sitting, Conde Nast Traveler reported.
Because these seats come with footrests that can be pulled up and locked at 90 degrees, this makes the actual sleeping arrangement more spacious than you might expect — when in “couch mode,” the bed comes in at 29 inches wide.
That’s narrower than a twin, which runs to 38 inches — and shorter too, by about a foot, but you’re lying flat on an airplane, and that’s priceless.
Your bed comes with several pillows, blankets, and even a thick comforter for the long-haul flight that doubles as a mattress pad, if you prefer.
There is also an “infant pod” that can connect a bassinet to the row.
The cost can range from a couple hundred dollars’ upcharge to over $1,000, depending on when and how many people are booking and sharing the space, according to The Points Guy.
Lufthansa
More recently in 2021, Lufthansa rolled out their own, cost efficent “Sleeper’s Row” for flights of 11 or more hours. It only costs individual passengers between $179 and $249 per leg of their flight.
Included is “a thin mattress plus a Business Class-quality blanket and pillow,” according to the airline.
“You can lie down, stretch out and enjoy the extra space for the entire duration of your flight.”
The only snafu — you cannot book in advance, but instead only “when you check-in or shortly before departure at the gate, subject to availability.”
All Nippon Airways
All Nippon Airways in Japan utilizes specially designed “Couchii” seats with footrests that can be raised 90 degrees and lock into place to make a couch-style row even more spacious.
Only available for travel from Tokyo to Honolulu, it comes with two large pillow and a special comforter along with a custom seatbelt designed for laying down.
Prices vary greatly in high or low season. It can cost a single traveler $2,580 during peak travel times during Fall and Winter.
During the off-season, there’s a much more reasonable upcharge.
