When it comes to long-haul flights, comfort is key. After all, nobody wants to spend hours cramped in a tiny seat, struggling to find a comfortable sleeping position. That’s where the Air Astana Economy Sleeper comes in. This innovative new option allows passengers to stretch out and get some shut-eye, even in the crowded confines of an economy-class cabin. But how does it work, and is it worth the cost?
Table of contents
What is an Economy Sleeper Row
An Economy Sleeper is a seating option that allows passengers to convert multiple economy seats into a flat, makeshift bed. This option effectively provides a more comfortable experience for passengers during long-haul flights, allowing them to get some rest while avoiding the extra cost of a business or first-class ticket.
For Air Astana Economy Sleeper, the sleeper rows are located in a partitioned section at the front of the economy; with the carrier also providing additional amenities, such as a mattress layer and a luxurious duvet and pillow set.
Launched in 2015 it is the carrier’s way of offering a “premium economy” experience without actually providing the traditional benefits of premium economy.
Economy Sleeper is only available on the Almaty to London Heathrow, Almaty to Frankfurt, and Almaty to Beijing routes, with up to 12 seats available on each flight.
The Benefits of Flying in the Air Astana Economy Sleeper
When it comes to flying in the Air Astana Economy Sleeper, there are a number of benefits that passengers can enjoy.
The Air Astana Economy Sleeper offers various benefits to its passengers, including:
- Access to a Business Class lounge
- 2 x 23 kg of check-in baggage
- Priority check-in, boarding, and disembarkation
- Pre-assigned seating
- Nomad Club accrual of 125% flight points from ticketed point mileage
- Business Class amenity kit
- Fully changeable and refundable ticket
What Makes the Air Astana Economy Sleeper Different
Of course, the sleeper row is far from the only option for in-flight sleeping. Other airlines, such as Air New Zealand’s SkyCouch, ANA’s Sky Couchii, and Lufthansa’s Sleeper’s Row offering similar options.
The Seat Itself
Air Astana’s three 18-inch seats (plus extra inches for armrests) provide a little over 4.5 feet of space for economy passengers to stretch out into. While wider than Air New Zealand’s seat (at 17.2 inches each), this means that most passengers measuring over 5 feet will have to sleep in a foetal position to avoid their feet being knocked by cabin crew or other passengers frequenting the aisle.
To make matters worse, Air Astana’s Economy Sleeper differs from Air New Zealand’s Sky Couch (which is arguably the industry leader) in that Air Astana’s seat lacks a leg rest, which means that passengers effectively have less bed width to support them. Those in the foetal position will be additionally hindered as a result with no leg rest to support the passenger’s knees.
While not perfect, ANA at least uses a row of 4 seats, to provide some 5 and a half feet of width per SkyCouchii row.
Family-Oriented vs. Solo Traveler-Oriented
One key difference between the Air Astana Economy Sleeper and other in-flight sleeping options is the target audience. While options like Air New Zealand’s SkyCouch and ANA’s Couchii are marketed as family-oriented products, the Air Astana option is geared more towards solo travellers. This is because the Economy Sleeper is located in a separate cabin at the front of the plane, and is arguably not big enough for 2 people.
Advanced Booking Options
Another feature that sets the Air Astana Economy Sleeper apart from other in-flight sleeping options is the ability to book it in advance. Unlike Lufthansa’s Sleepers Row option, which can only be booked at the airport, Air Astana option can be booked in advance like any other ticket.
Location of Seats
The location of the seats is also a key difference between the Air Astana Economy Sleeper and other in-flight sleeping options. The Economy Sleeper is in a cabin separate from business and economy class, with the carrier using Priority Boarding and Disembarkation as a selling point. This is different from ANA’s Couchii, which is located at the back of the plane so parents have easier access to bring children to the toilets.
Is the Air Astana Economy Sleeper Worth the Cost?
The Air Astana Economy Sleeper can be a significant additional cost to your airfare, which begs the question: is it really worth it?
While the Economy Sleeper is more expensive than a standard economy class ticket, priced just “a little more” than a full economy class ticket, it’s often significantly less expensive than a business class ticket. In practice, Economy Sleeper Class costs £1,489 for the three seats, compared to £897 per seat for a full-fare economy ticket and £3,618 for a seat in full-fare Business Class.
Without going into the “unbundled” territory, for many travellers, Air Astana’s Economy Sleeper provides a bridge between economy and business class, offering the comfort and convenience of a lie-flat bed without inflating the cost.
In fact, aside from the onboard products, Economy Sleeper has many of the benefits associated with business class, including lounge access, priority check-in and boarding, business class amenity kits and 2pc of luggage.
Air Astana Economy Sleeper is therefore unsurprisingly positioned for passengers who want to sleep comfortably during a long flight, but who don’t necessarily need or want (to pay for) the additional amenities and services that come with a business class ticket.
Conclusion: Is the Air Astana Economy Sleeper Right for You?
In conclusion, Air Astana’s Economy Sleeper offers a unique option for those looking for a more comfortable and restful journey without the expense of a business-class ticket. With additional benefits such as priority check-in, access to a business class lounge, and the ability to accrue higher flight points, it’s no surprise that the Economy Sleeper has received positive reviews from passengers. However, it’s important to note that the Air Astana Economy Sleeper may not be the ideal option for every traveller, as individual needs and preferences can vary greatly. Overall, it is worth considering for those who prioritize comfort and rest on long-haul flights, and it remains an attractive option for those travelling on select routes.
