A new look for cross-Pacific economy flights

We would all love the opportunity to fly the incredibly posh first class sections of today's airlines. Two years ago, when flying to China on a frequent flyer award ticket, I flew first class - but that particular airline (I won't name names) had nothing on how mind-blowingly luxurious some first class cabins are. Some airlines first-class seats turn into little private cabins, even.

Air New Zealand has come up with a new concept for their economy class seats on the long hauls called a "Skycouch". The arm rests lie fully flush with the backs of the seat, and the seat back reclines and the seats slide forward enough to create a fully flat couch/bed. (see video below)

According to an article on ABC.com, there will be 22 Skycouches per plane, and passengers will be required to buy a block of three seats - "paying standard rates for two of the seats, and approximately half the price of the third seat".

As ticket prices between New Zealand and the west coast of the U.S. are around $800 each, this means a couple or a family of three could pay about $2,000 for flexible seating that is more comfortable. A single business-class ticket for the same route can easily run several thousand dollars, so this is an extremely clever design choice on ANZ's part.

Hopefully other airlines will follow their lead, and find more ways to make long-haul flying (5+ hours) much more comfortable for the economy-class passengers.