Air New Zealand reveals pricing for new extra-legroom economy seats, Economy Stretch

Air New Zealand is set to launch its new extra-legroom economy seats, the first in a swag of new features the airline is rolling out. The seats, dubbed Economy Stretch, are now available to book on the airline’s Auckland to Los Angeles route for travel from February 27. The new seats will see the first four rows of the economy cabin turned into a “dedicated stretch zone”, with an 89cm seat pitch – what the airline says is up to 39% more legroom than a standard economy seat. To compare, standard economy seats on Air New Zealand’s widebody fleet have a seat pitch starting at 79cm, while premium economy seats have a seat pitch of 104cm. The seats would also come with premium entertainment headsets and pillows. There would be 42 Economy Stretch seats available on the airline’s Boeing 777s, which would start from an additional $175 each way. Standard economy seats and the Skycouch – where a row of seats can be made into a bed – would still be on offer. Air New Zealand chief customer and sales officer Leanne Geraghty said customers had been wanting more room to relax, at a competitive price. “The introduction of Economy Stretch means we are providing more choice for customers at an Economy price point that will meet the needs of families, solo travellers, as well as those just looking for that little bit extra of extra comfort.”<br/>