WELLINGTON — For many travelers, getting a good night's sleep on a long-haul economy flight has always seemed like a distant dream.

Air New Zealand is set to change that by introducing a unique solution that allows passengers to climb into triple-tier bunk beds while wearing special socks.

The airline will soon begin accepting bookings for four-hour sessions in the Skynest sleep pods, which are touted as the first lie-flat beds available to budget travelers.

While these cozy pods will provide a place to sleep, travelers will have to share the space with fellow passengers, leading to a ban on snacks, strong fragrances, and bed-sharing.

The curtained sleeping berths will be accessible to both economy and premium economy passengers on the airline's new Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner aircraft starting in November.

This aircraft will operate on the Auckland to New York route, one of the longest commercial flights in the world, which typically requires economy passengers to sit upright for a grueling 16 to 18 hours.

Instead, travelers can reserve a four-hour spot in a pod for an additional cost starting at 495 New Zealand dollars (approximately S$370.59) on top of their economy ticket price.

The six pods, arranged in a triple-bunk style between cabins, will bring passengers close together, prompting the airline to issue etiquette guidelines.

Passengers are advised not to eat in the pods, and children or extra visitors are not permitted to use them.

"That means solo snoozes only please, no musical nests or tag-teaming," states Air New Zealand's website.

For those concerned about hygiene, the airline reassures travelers that pillows, blankets, and sheets will be refreshed between four-hour naps.

Fliers must also change into specially provided socks before entering the pod, secure their seatbelts over their blankets, and avoid strong "perfumes or potions."

At the end of their four-hour sleep period, passengers will be gently awakened by a change in lighting or, if necessary, by a flight attendant.

Each sleeping pod measures approximately 80 inches (203 cm) in length, but they do not allow for sitting up, requiring passengers to bend, kneel, crawl, or climb to enter the space, according to the aircraft's website.

The bunks are 64 cm wide at shoulder height, tapering to 41 cm at the foot of the beds.

While seats that convert into beds are not new for business and first-class travelers, Air New Zealand believes that its lie-flat bunks for economy travelers will be a world first.

This initiative from New Zealand's national carrier is part of a broader trend among airlines seeking to offer seat upgrades and additional amenities to economy passengers.

Air New Zealand initially announced the development of these economy beds in 2020.

In response to rising jet fuel costs due to the conflict in the Middle East, the airline has increased fares and reduced some domestic flights from its schedule.

In March, it paused its earnings outlook due to fuel price fluctuations and indicated that further route changes might be necessary.

However, on one of its longest flights, travelers may finally find a chance to catch some sleep, though they should be prepared for the possibility of snoring, for which earplugs will be provided.

"Statistically, someone's going to do it," reads Air New Zealand's website. "It might be you."