There is a drop-in service for lay-flat seats in business class.
After dinner, the flight attendants stopped at each seat to turn him into a bed.
Monica Humphries/Insider
Our flight was on a red eye. We left Los Angeles in the evening and were scheduled to land in Auckland in the early morning.
After dinner was cleared, the passengers slowly retreated to the bathroom to freshen up before bed. I headed to the bathroom to brush my teeth and wash my face. By the time I was done, a flight attendant had turned my seat into a bed.
One of the main benefits of business class on long-haul Air New Zealand flights is that the seats convert into flat beds.
During the landing service, a flight attendant presses several buttons, which turn the upright seat into a horizontal bed. Then, they add a mattress topper, as well as a blanket and pillow. Finally, they tighten their seat belts for safety and check with each passenger to see if they want any final drinks, snacks or items before dimming the cabin lights.
I thought the transition from dinner to sleep was easy for the passengers. As I grabbed the eye mask, I knew the chances of falling asleep were high. I rarely have that confidence when I’m sitting upright on a plane in economy.
And of course, I slept for about five hours in the comfortable bed. I woke up to the smell of hot coffee and breakfast.
Before eating, I retreated back to the bathroom. When I came out, my bed turned into one place. It felt like magic, although I knew it was the result of the flight attendants working hard.
