One of the most exciting moments when taking a long-haul flight in Economy is knowing that you get that extra space when the seat next to you is free as the plane begins to move and there are no more passengers to take the spot.
And you feel extra lucky and excited when you get a whole row just for you. Getting enough room to sleep horizontally and stretch your legs during the whole flight? Yes, please!
The thing is that more airlines are aware of this joyful moment and are offering travelers the possibility to guarantee that experience for an extra price. While this is not new, and many travelers have been taking advantage of this option for years, the service has been getting more popular now.
According to a recent article shared by the New York Times, multiple airlines are offering the possibility of getting a sleeper seat in an economy cabin.
This might not be as comfortable as a business class or first class, of course, but it’s cheaper, more practical, and better than regular economy seats.
The perks and options vary depending on each airline. Here’s what certain airlines are currently offering and the advantages of this service.
Airlines Offering Sky Couch Option
Even though there are airlines offering passengers comfortable economy seats, having more than just one seat for you can be very attractive.
Getting some good sleep during a long-haul flight is usually a great way to survive the annoying jet lag and enjoy more of your trip.
These are a few of the options currently available in the market and more details about this service:
Air New Zealand: Economy Skycouch
Getting to New Zealand usually takes more than 10 hours from the United States. The fastest direct flight is from Honolulu, Hawaii at 9 hours, but from Chicago, for example, the flight time is 16 hours.
Comfortable seats are crucial.
Air New Zealand allows travelers to get an entire row for a more private and comfortable travel experience.
The seats don’t change, but the carrier adds special footrests on each seat to make it more bed-like and provides a Skycouch kit, bedding, and pillows.
Passengers can also combine multiple seats and sky couch options and get special alternatives when traveling with babies. They don’t pay for each seat at full price, but prices vary depending on availability and occupied seats.
Lufthansa: Sleeper’s Row
Germany’s flag carrier also has a great sky couch option for its customers. Travelers can get a Sleeper’s Row set of three or four seats.
Besides a private row for themselves, customers also get a “thin mattress,” a pillow, and a comfortable blanket.
This extra service costs between $179 and $249 each way. This option is available on flights for 11 hours or more and can be booked during the check-in process or at the gate before departure.
Vietnam Airlines: Sky Sofa
American travelers are eager to visit Vietnam in 2023, and Vietnam Airlines offers an optimized travel experience in Economy class.
The Sky Sofa is an alternative available for passengers traveling from San Francisco to Ho Chi Minh City and other specific routes from Europe.
As other airlines do, Vietnam Airlines offers two extra seats to get a full row in the Economy cabin.
This extra service costs $500 for those who purchased the Flex Economy Class and $600 for those who bought the Classic Economy Class ticket.
Is It Worth It?
While this is not an ideal option for everyone, many travelers agree that paying a little extra to travel more comfortably is definitely worth it.
Having more room to stretch the legs and even sleep across four seats —as certain airlines allow— could make a huge difference for many passengers.
It also has health benefits, as being able to lay out and keep the feet elevated can reduce the risk of getting blood clots.
Travelers with special needs or with babies and toddlers can also rely on this service to have a better travel experience.
