Anyone who has flown internationally is familiar with the stress and fatigue that often comes with layovers and missed connecting flights; rushing through a terminal or trying to stretch out in tiny chairs for a few hours by the gate usually isn’t the most peaceful rest a traveler can get. If you have ever had a layover in Asia or Europe, however, you may have been lucky enough to rent a room for a few hours in the airport, catching up on some Z’s or preparing for an important business meeting.
Years after its overseas debut, these airport sleeping facilities, known in Asia and Europe as pods or rental capsules, may be landing in U.S. airports.
Pods or rental capsules, small rooms complete with bed and bath, are located within airport terminals and are available for a price to weary travelers. Europe’s “Yotel” chain has rooms located in London’s Gatwick and Heathrow airports, and in AmsterdamSchiphol.
A standard room in the Amsterdam airport for a four hour stay usually costs around 40 euros, or about 53 U.S. dollars. The room is equipped with a large single bed, fold-out desk, chair, flat-screen TV, power cords, free internet access, unpacking space and overhead luggage stowage. The bathroom includes a shower, body wash, a heated mirror and towels. Food and drink can also be ordered from a cabin service menu 24 hours a day. Sounds like a great deal to me if you’ve got time and cash to spend.
These comfortable sleeping amenities may now become available in the U.S., starting in San Francisco. SFO is now considering building
“sleep units” in its international terminal, similar to pods or rental capsules.
While close-by airport hotels have always been available to travelers flying through U.S. airports, I suspect most international travelers will likely appreciate the option of rest on site. I know that if I'm ever in Europe or Asia, I'll probably get to the airport extra early just to check one of these things out.
Would you ever use a pod or rental capsule during a layover? Do you think it’s about time the U.S. started offering them?
Comments (43)
Sure.
America will catch on when it sees fit, as always.
Definitely.
eh sure. its just for a night or so
yeah!
that would be so nice, i just recently flew home for my sister's wedding and had a 4 hour layover at the chicago ohara airport, that would have been wonderful because i took a red eye flight.
I've slept in one. Honestly... I wasn't excited about it at first, but then I grew to love it. I kind of wish I had one nearby now. It is SO completely unique.
sounds good, but i rarely have layovers so it wouldn't be necessary for me.... also since we usually fly first class we get access to the vip lounge which means big comfy couches and complimentary food and drinks!
Nice. I am Asian and am used to small spaces so it would be no problem.
HELL YES.
yes! yes! and yes!
sure...it is better than sleeping in a chair or staying awake until you get on the next flight...
Sounds like a good idea to me!
SUCH a good idea.
surprised it hadn't been done sooner. . .
Sign me up!
about time they have it in the U.S.! people need rest after being crammed on plane for hours.
@black_lie@xanga - lucky you!
DEFINITELY. Though, I've rarely had layovers in my flying experiences, but in the event that I did, you can bet I'd be checking these out.
YES......................
If I had the extra money I would stay in one. It is a good idea!
It's brilliant and I would definitely use one if I had the money. Based on the rate structure, it's not really intended for overnight use as much as for lengthy layovers. I've had several hour layovers on red-eye flights that left me sleeping in the gate area, feet wrapped through luggage straps, hoping I and my stuff was safe. This would be a far superior rest in a secure location.
Those are nice than any place I've slept ...
Yes, I would.
yeah I would, hopefully they rent it out for longer periods of time though.
Sure.
yeahh they actually look nice