Thomas Cook Airlines’ Weird Sleeper Seats
Joe Cortez April 01, 2019
A smaller airline is offering a niche product that wants to encourage better rest on long-haul flights. Called “Sleeper Seats,” this economy offering doesn’t recline back, but allows passengers to instead lay across the three-across seating to find relaxation.
You might have heard of Air New Zealand’s “Cuddle Class,” but Thomas Cook Airlines is taking the economy product to a completely new level. Aboard their Airbus A330 aircraft, the carrier is introducing the “Sleeper Seat” for flyers who want to catch up on sleep but don’t want to pay for a full-reclining business class seat.
The Sleeper Seat is not a premium economy offering with wider or reclining seats, but instead a mattress that extends across three standard economy seats. Those who book the seating option will get the entire row to themselves. After mealtime, flyers can ask the crew to setup their bed, which comes with a pillow, blanket, fitted sheet and headrest. To make sure flyers stay safe, the bed also comes with a safety belt extender to keep buckled in while laying down.
During the flight, the sleeping passenger won’t be disturbed by the cabin crew, meaning food or beverage won’t be served while in use. However, the flight attendants will wake flyers up when it’s time to land.
As with all products, the Sleeper Seat comes with restrictions. Travelers who use the bed must be at least 12 years old and must be able to get on and off the mattress on their own. Those who need assistance must travel with a companion. Travelers who require medical equipment during sleep, including a portable oxygen concentrator or nebuliser, may not use the Sleeper Seat. Finally, the seat is recommended for passengers under 5’11” and only one person at a time can lie on the mattress.
The new seating option is subject to availability and not available in Economy Light. Additionally, the new “lie-flat” seating will not be available on flights to or from the island of Cuba.
[Image Source: Thomas Cook]
I see business class all the time for 3x the price of economy or less, especially to holiday destinations, unless Thomas Cook is making these available at a discount, first come first serve on planes booked at far less than capacity I don't see how it is a big money saver.
A 1.4 metre long bed at the back of the plane next to the queue of inebriated holidaymakers queuing for the toilets. What could possibly go wrong
On average I would say that business is usually more than 3x the price of an economy seat. Thomas cook mainly flies direct to Holiday destinations so there are rarely any direct competitors with a proper business class. The majority of their flights are also sold as package holidays so it is seems like a good opportunity for it's customers who want extra comfort to get a flat bed for an extra 200% of their fare.
Interesting idea, but if you have to buy all 3 seats (at presumably 3x the price of one), you might as well just spring for proper business class.