Cuddle Class....Couches In Coach

" 22 "Skycouches" will take up the first 11 rows in the economy cabin of the carrier's new Boeing 777-300 planes, and will be formed out of three economy seats abreast that fold out to create a lie-flat space (complete with full size pillows) stretching right up to the seats in front. The increased space could also provide a valuable play and sleep area for those traveling with small children. For two adults traveling, purchasing the Skycouch will be based on buying two seats at standard prices with the third seat at approximately half price. Full airfare details will be announced when it goes on sale in late April.

"For those who choose, the days of sitting in economy and yearning to lie down and sleep are gone," Chief Executive Officer Rob Fyfe told reporters. "The dream is now a reality, one that you can even share with a traveling companion – just keep your clothes on, thanks." The first routes to offer travelers the Skycouch will be between Auckland and Los Angeles from December 2010 and Auckland and London from April 2011. All other services will feature the seats by around 2012. The airline's Premium Economy Cabin will also be getting an upgrade and will feature "Spaceseats," set two abreast (it is currently three abreast) and designed so that the center aisle seats can angle together to allow couples to dine at a shared table."

{images and language courtesy of Guardian.co.uk and Air NK's New SkyCouch in Action}