Summary

• Replacing overhead bins with beds on long-haul flights may seem appealing, but it would require significant retooling of aircraft space and could be costly.
• Implementing overhead beds would likely reduce cabin space, tighter sleeping quarters, and fewer storage options.
• Air New Zealand has an upcoming bunk-bed style product called 'Skynest.'

Long-haul flying comes in many different flavors. On the one hand, some airlines offer excellent first and business class products. On the other, economy class can be a grueling experience. But what if airlines removed overhead bins and instead added mounted beds for passengers?

Beds in place of overhead bins?

If given the choice, most passengers would jump at the chance to fly long-haul in a bed rather than in an upright seat (particularly in economy). So, what if airlines reconfigured the aircraft's interior to accommodate more beds?

This could be achieved by placing beds where the overhead bins are, similar to bunk-style beds you might find on a sleeper train or in a capsule hotel. Instead of removing cabin storage entirely, the bin space could occupy room underneath the seat or in closets throughout the cabin.

Airlines could then let passengers book the overhead bed space at an additional price. There would not be enough space for every passenger to have their own bed, of course. However, this could work out for families or those willing to shell out for a good night's sleep.

One such concept is the 'Economy Sky-Dream,' which reached the Crystal Cabin Awards 2021 finals. This would involve a redesigned middle-row section to accommodate bunk beds where the overhead bins would usually be. Designer ASDE claims its concept can easily be retrofitted to widebodies like the Airbus A350 and Boeing 777/787, but it has yet to achieve certification.

The closest thing we have to overhead beds is Air New Zealand's upcoming 'Skynest' product. This will involve six bunk-bed pods positioned between economy and premium economy - the pods would be bookable for up to four hours and are coming in September 2024. There have been bunk-style beds on aircraft in the past, too, notably the Boeing 377 Stratocruiser from the 1940s and 50s. Pan Am's 377s had beds where overhead bins are located on modern aircraft, featuring privacy curtains and a 'breakfast in bed' service.

How many airlines would implement this?

It seems unlikely for most airlines to replace overhead bins with beds for several reasons. On the one hand, this would mean significantly retooling aircraft space, decreasing usable cabin space, or removing belly cargo space. Both of these could be incredibly costly for airlines, and the added revenue from bed sales simply wouldn't make up for it.

Furthermore, the beds would either reduce overhead headroom or else the beds would be incredibly tight. Whether or not this would improve the passenger experience is a different story. It is easy to imagine a reduced sense of privacy and, in the case of severe turbulence, potentially more injuries. Passengers may also not appreciate reduced under-seat storage for personal belongings. This could require airlines to further restrict the amount of hand luggage allowed onboard.

There would also be safety issues with the beds during takeoff and landing, meaning passengers would have first to be seated before climbing up into the beds when the plane has reached altitude. This would mean adding temporary seats in the cabin for 'sleeper' passengers during takeoff and landing, which are then unoccupied for the remained of the trip, taking up valuable cabin real estate.

Bottom line

Although it is an interesting idea to replace overhead bins with beds, it is unlikely that airlines will jump at the opportunity to implement this. Whether or not many passengers would want this change is a different story. While some may want a bed onboard, overhead bin space and headroom may be more valuable – especially since not every passenger would be guaranteed room to stretch out.

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The pricing of such beds would also be a conundrum for airlines and passengers. Just how much of a premium would you pay for the luxury of a bed? Would it instead be worth paying for business class and the extra perks you get there?

Would you want airlines to replace overhead bins with beds? Let us know in the comments!