Air New Zealand recently revealed upcoming enhancements to its Skycouch, a row of three economy seats that turns into a couch.

Come mid-2018, infants flying economy Skycouch will be able to lie down next to their parents for the entire duration of a flight, thanks to a complimentary new harness, belt, and pod.

Previously, Air New Zealand required infants to be seated on a guardian's lap when the seat belt sign was on.

The Skycouch Cuddle Belt, which was previously certified to allow a maximum of two adults or a guardian and child to sleep side-by-side, has also been updated to allow two children to lie down together.

Air New Zealand is hoping to make flying a bit more comfortable for parents of infants or young children, even in economy class.

Earlier this month, the airline revealed upcoming enhancements to its innovative Skycouch, a row of three economy seats that turns into a couch. The wide surface of the Skycouch, which looks similar to a futon, allows passengers to lie down during the entire duration of a flight, domestic or international.

First introduced in 2011, Skycouch was designed to let parents and their kids rest, relax, and play on airplanes in a way they usually can't, given the limited space of most economy cabins.

Air New Zealand's Skycouch. Courtesy of Air New Zealand

But, later this year, adults traveling with children can look forward to more. Come mid-2018, economy Skycouch customers will be able to take advantage of a complimentary new harness and belt, which will allow infants to lie down next to their parents for the entirety of a flight. Previously, Air New Zealand required infants to be seated on a guardian's lap when the seat belt sign was on.

The new Skycouch harness and belt for infants. Courtesy of Air New Zealand

These harnesses will come in three sizes — small, medium, and large — and the airline will also provide free Skycouch Pods for additional protection to infants under a certain size.

The Skycouch Cuddle Belt, which was previously certified to allow a maximum of two adults or a guardian and child to sleep side-by-side, has also been updated to allow two children to lie down together.

These updates provide more flexibility for families. Courtesy of Air New Zealand

In a press release from March 6, Air New Zealand's general manager of customer experience, Anita Hawthorne, revealed that these updates were informed by customer feedback. Hawthorne also said she expected the enhancements would be popular with families.

"Parents can relax while their children are able to have their own space and flat area to play without interrupting other passengers," she explained.

The updated Skycouch won't be available to the public until later this year, but people online have already expressed their interest in the product, with some Twitter users praising the airline for its creation.

On Instagram, Air New Zealand's announcement about the Skycouch enhancements has also racked up over 11,800 likes since March 9. So far, many users have responded enthusiastically to the news. "Finally an airline that treats parents and kids like human beings!" one person wrote.

That said, some people have expressed their reservations about the new infant harness. "That is most definitely not safe, especially in the air," one person commented on Instagram. Another Instagram user said they'd rather just fly business class.

Travelling overseas with little ones? Soon you'll be able to access new enhancements to our award-winning Economy Skycouch. We're introducing a dedicated infant harness and belt, so infants can remain lying down throughout the cruise phase of a flight (instead of having to be seated on a guardian’s lap when the seatbelt sign is on). A new Skycouch infant pod also provides additional protection. A post shared by Air New Zealand (@airnz) on Mar 9, 2018 at 6:27pm PST Mar 9, 2018 at 6:27pm PST

Curious parents might have to wait a bit longer to try these seats out. Air New Zealand plans to make these enhancements available aboard its Boeing 777 and 787-9 Dreamliner fleets in the coming months, pending certification and regulatory approvals.

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