Airline's New Economy Seats Let Parents And Babies Lie Down Together

An airline is hoping to make flying with children a little bit easier by allowing parents and babies to lie down together during their flight.

Air New Zealand announced earlier this month some enhancements to its Skycouch, a row of three economy seats that turns into a completely flat surface.

The wide surface will allow passengers to lie down during the entire duration of the flight, both domestic and international.

Air New Zealand

The Skycouch was first introduced in 2011 and was designed to let parents and their children relax and play, in a way which is usually not possible because of the limited space of economy cabins.

However, later this year anyone travelling with children can look forward to even more comfort.

Economy Skycouch customers will be able to have their babies lay down next to them for the entirety of the flight, due to a complimentary harness and belt.

Air New Zealand

Previously, babies and infants had to be seated on a guardians lap when the seatbelt sign was on.

The harness will come in small, medium and large and the airline will provide free Skycouch pods as additional protection for toddlers under a certain size.

The Skycouch Cuddle Belt has also been updated, rather than just allowing a maximum of two adults or a guardian and child to lie side by side it has now been adjusted to let two children lie side by side.

Air New Zealand

Air New Zealand General Manager Customer Experience Anita Hawthorne expects the changes to be popular with family groups.

"The Skycouch has proven to be a real game changer in the Economy cabin. While we initially marketed it to couples, we quickly found the product suited parents with young families especially well. Parents can relax while their children are able to have their own space and flat area to play without interrupting other passengers.

"Through this process, we've spoken to many customers who have travelled on the Skycouch and their feedback has helped to inform the updates and refinements we're introducing this year."

Twitter users have been praising the new introduction. One user wrote: "Just seen the #skycouch by @AirNZMedia - amazing stuff - I will be planning my next family holiday around their routes!"

Another added: "Good on @FlyAirNZ my fave airline their #skycouch is brilliant on my long haul flights when economy #Airline's #genius add-on could transform the pain of #flying with kids."

However, some users also expressed their concerns. One said on Instagram: "That is most definitely not safe, especially in the air."

Topics: Life News, Real, travel

Mark Cunliffe

Mark is a writer at LADbible with a creative writing background and a history working at some of Manchester's biggest agencies. He loves football and music that screams a lot.

@mark_cunliffe