Comments on: Air New Zealand Premium Economy v Skycouch Review

By: Diane

Diane — Mon, 28 Jul 2025 06:12:42 +0000

Hi Megan. We recently travelled from London by Virgin Atlantic through LAX and Air New Zealand to Auckland Premium Economy. As we don’t travel Long-haul often, it was great to be on Air NZ and a delight to receive the welcome package with a decent pillow, water, and the socks etc. Those who travel more regularly and may be jaded by the now boring experience, may discount the effect of the free gifts but we thought it was great. Not so on Virgin Atlantic. When we asked if we were missing something, we were told that flights from London to Los Angeles don’t offer anything except a bigger seat but flights Los Angeles to London have a substantial care package. To be honest, although the cabin crew were attentive, it felt like economy with a bigger seat but not substantially more comfortable, however definitely more expensive. I’ll fly a different airline next time. And by the way, there were very few socks left behind.

By: Megan Singleton

Megan Singleton — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 07:08:08 +0000

In reply to Debbie. I did too, but they slept like lambs. And I also had my earplugs in ;D

By: Debbie

Debbie — Mon, 07 Jul 2025 06:44:56 +0000

Hi..I’ve experienced both..P/E & Skycouch..prefer skycouch. .but odds were that both times I had skycouch i had upset toddlers & kids both in front of my row & behind- on both flights !

By: Megan Singleton

Megan Singleton — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 05:12:07 +0000

In reply to deb. Hi Deb, you can indeed Skycouch. It comes up as an option at the time of making your online booking - providing the aircraft has those seats. Prices start from NZ$525 per seat in the Skycouch rows.

By: deb

deb — Mon, 30 Jun 2025 03:43:01 +0000

My husband and I flew Air NZ from Auckland to Taipei last year and we got the Sky Couch on the way out and did premium economy on the way back. We usually fly business everywhere but decided to try these two options since it was a short(ish) flight. My husband is a big guy, so he stayed mostly seated upright on the Sky Couch we shared, but I got to lie down (head on his lap with feet towards the aisle). I was quite comfy!

On the way back, we got premium economy, and it just wasn’t as comfortable for me. I really need to lie pretty flat to sleep comfortably. Although honestly, I’ve been known to sleep for 6+ hours in economy if I’m tired! I’m not usually fussed about the meals and don’t drink alcohol so I didn’t see a huge bump up there.

The biggest problem with the Sky Couch is that you can’t actually book it. We had to bid on it and wait to see if we got it. If we hadn’t, we would have been in straight economy.

By: Megan Singleton

Megan Singleton — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:45:27 +0000

In reply to Anna. You will go to the Premium/Business Class check in area for Air NZ, and have priority boarding. I don't think you get a lounge pass with Premium though.

By: Anna

Anna — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:34:14 +0000

good to know this as I have booked premium economy to Japan and i wouldnt
have even comtemplated travelling in economy because of the agony I get in my legs after 8 hours or so. I’d like to know about the preferential check in……

By: Alison

Alison — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 04:13:47 +0000

Thanks for that! I’m not sure how many long haul flights I have left in me at my age, lol, but I had been wondering about this very thing. Food for thought – thanks again.

By: Penny

Penny — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 03:43:45 +0000

I have flown to Houston using the Sky couch and was told you are not allowed to have your head at the aisle end. My feet went through the arm rest every time I fell asleep and they got knocked constantly by people walking past. It was still better than being wedged in an economy seat in the middle of three!

By: Juliet Dewes

Juliet Dewes — Fri, 27 Jun 2025 03:24:08 +0000

So informative and can apply the pros and cons of both, ie being stuck getting to the loo from window in Prem Ecy with a large person in the aisle: and Skycouch restrictions if you are tall. As a now retired Flight Attendant your head is not permitted on the aisle side of Skycouch (too dangerous). Love your Blogs ❤️ Juliet