The (Kiwi) truth about United Airlines’ new Relax Row

There has been plenty of media attention for United Airlines’ new Relax Row.

It has been reported as a “game-changer”, as three economy seats transform into a couch thanks to a lie-flat mattress.

But here’s the truth . . .

Relax Row is actually Air New Zealand’s Skycouch, with a few changes.

Air New Zealand licenses Skycouch to other airlines — as is the case with United Airlines (and, as another example, China Airlines).

We have continually reported on Skycouch, since our first reveal of it on January 27, 2010.

And an insider at Air New Zealand confirms: “Air New Zealand developed Skycouch in 2011 in response to a clear customer need: giving people more comfort and choice when flying long haul in Economy.

“It was a smart, practical rethink of the onboard experience, and United’s decision to license the product for it reflects both the strength of our long-standing partnership and the appeal of offering customers a better way to travel.”