Austin Airport's Sleeping Pods: A Traveler's Comfort

If you're looking for a place to rest at Austin–Bergstrom International Airport, you may be wondering if the airport offers sleeping pods. Unfortunately, the airport does not currently have traditional sleeping pods for passengers. However, there are a few alternatives to consider if you need a place to rest or relax.

Firstly, the airport features Escape Pods, which are compact workspaces designed for travellers seeking a quiet and efficient environment to work or make phone calls. These pods offer amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, adjustable lighting, and a desk. While they are not intended for sleeping, they can provide a practical solution for travellers who need a functional space to be productive.

Secondly, the airport has various lounges that offer a tranquil environment for relaxation, such as the American Airlines Admirals Club, Delta Sky Club, and United Club. These lounges provide comfortable seating, refreshments, Wi-Fi, and business facilities, making them a good option for travellers seeking a brief respite.

In addition, there are some relatively comfortable spots within the airport terminal where travellers can stretch out and rest. These include Terminal 7 near Delta, which has long and wide benches, and Terminal D, Gate 8, which is known for being quiet, especially after midnight.

Finally, if you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are several nearby hotels that provide convenient accommodations and offer free shuttle services to and from the airport. These include the Hilton Austin Airport, Hyatt Place Austin Airport, and Courtyard by Marriott Austin Airport, among others.

So, while Austin–Bergstrom International Airport may not have traditional sleeping pods, travellers have several alternatives to consider for rest and relaxation during their layover or delay.

Escape Pods are not for sleeping

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport does offer Escape Pods, but these are not designed for sleeping. They are compact workspaces, intended to provide a quiet and efficient environment for travellers to work or make phone calls.

Each pod is equipped with a table, adjustable lighting, a digital lock, and a range of connectivity features, including Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and Bluetooth capabilities. However, they do not have beds or reclining chairs, and their compact size means that an average-sized person cannot lie down in them.

The Escape Pods are available to rent for 15-minute intervals, with rates starting at $10 for the first 15 minutes. They can be booked in advance or on-site, and are accessible 24 hours a day.

While the Escape Pods offer a practical solution for travellers who need a functional space to work or relax, they are not suitable for those seeking a place to sleep. If you need a place to rest, you will need to explore other options within the airport or consider nearby accommodation.

Nearby hotels with shuttle services

Hyatt Place Hotel Airport Austin

Hyatt Place Hotel Airport Austin is an upscale, smoke-free hotel located just 0.3 miles from Austin Airport. It offers a free shuttle to the airport, along with an outdoor swimming pool and a 24-hour exercise room. The hotel also has a 24-hour self-serve restaurant and lounge, and it allows pets.

Courtyard by Marriott Hotel Airport Austin

The Courtyard by Marriott Hotel is another option located 1.6 miles from Austin Airport. It offers a free shuttle service to and from the airport. The hotel has an on-site restaurant that serves breakfast and dinner. Each room is equipped with a microwave and refrigerator, and the hotel welcomes pets.

Aloft Hotel Airport Austin

Aloft Hotel Airport Austin is an upscale, smoke-free airport hotel situated 1.7 miles from Austin Airport. It provides a complimentary shuttle service to the airport and features an outdoor swimming pool and an exercise room. Aloft also welcomes pets, with some restrictions.

Hampton Inn & Suites Airport Austin

Hampton Inn & Suites is located 1.7 miles from Austin Airport and offers a free shuttle service. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, an exercise room, and a free hot breakfast buffet. It is pet-friendly and allows up to two pets per room.

Tru by Hilton Hotel Airport Austin

Tru by Hilton is a midscale, smoke-free airport hotel located 1.7 miles from Austin Airport. It provides a complimentary shuttle or hotel-paid taxi service to the airport. The hotel offers a free continental breakfast, and pets are not allowed.

Cambria Hotel Airport Austin

Cambria Hotel is an upscale, smoke-free hotel just 1.8 miles from Austin Airport. It features a free shuttle to the airport, an outdoor swimming pool, and a 24-hour exercise room. The hotel is pet-friendly and charges a fee of $75 per stay.

Staybridge Suites Airport Austin

Staybridge Suites is an upscale, smoke-free, all-suite hotel located 1.8 miles from Austin Airport. It offers a free shuttle service to the airport and other attractions within a 3-mile radius. The hotel has an outdoor swimming pool, an exercise room, and a free hot breakfast buffet. It is pet-friendly and allows up to two pets per room.

La Quinta Inn & Suites Airport Austin

La Quinta Inn & Suites is a midscale, smoke-free hotel located 1.9 miles from Austin Airport. It offers a free shuttle to the airport, an outdoor swimming pool, and a free continental breakfast. The hotel is pet-friendly and allows up to two pets per room, with a maximum weight of 75 pounds.

Holiday Inn Express Airport Austin

Holiday Inn Express is an upper-midscale, smoke-free hotel situated 1.9 miles from Austin Airport. It provides a complimentary shuttle service to the airport. The hotel features an outdoor swimming pool, an exercise room, and a free hot breakfast buffet. It is pet-friendly and allows small dogs only.

Best Western Plus Austin Airport Inn & Suites

Best Western Plus is an upper-midscale, smoke-free hotel located 1.9 miles from Austin Airport. It offers a free shuttle service and provides an outdoor swimming pool and an exercise room. The hotel serves a free hot breakfast buffet and welcomes pets, with a maximum of two dogs per room.

Airport lounges for relaxation

Austin-Bergstrom International Airport offers various amenities to enhance passenger comfort, although traditional sleep pods are not among them. However, the airport does have lounges that offer tranquil spaces for relaxation. Additionally, there are several hotels near the airport that provide comfortable accommodations and convenient shuttle services.

Airport Lounges

The airport's innovative Escape Pods are designed as compact workspaces rather than sleeping areas. These private workspaces are tailored to meet the needs of travellers seeking a quiet and efficient environment. They offer essential amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, adjustable lighting, and a desk. While not ideal for sleeping, the Escape Pods can be booked for 15-minute intervals, with rates starting at $10 for the first 15 minutes.

For those seeking a more restful space, the airport has several airline lounges that offer comfortable seating and a tranquil environment. These include:

• American Airlines Admirals Club – Located across from Gate 22 in the Barbara Jordan Terminal, Airside, on the Mezzanine Level. Access is available for First or Business Class ticket holders, Elite Status members, or through a day pass.
• Delta Sky Club – Positioned near Gate 4 in the Barbara Jordan Terminal, Airside. Access is obtainable through lounge membership programs or for eligible passengers.
• United Club – Located in the Barbara Jordan Terminal, Airside, on the Mezzanine Level, across from Gate 22. Access is available for United Airlines ticket holders or through a United Club membership.

These lounges offer a range of amenities, including complimentary snacks and beverages, Wi-Fi, and business facilities. While they may not provide dedicated sleep pod arrangements, they can still offer a restful retreat within the bustling airport environment.

Nearby Hotels

For travellers who require more comprehensive rest, there are several nearby hotels that provide comfortable accommodations and convenient shuttle services. These include:

• Hyatt Place Austin Airport – Located just 1.2-1.5 miles from the airport, this hotel offers spacious, modern rooms and complimentary Wi-Fi.
• Hilton Austin Airport – Situated just 1.3-1.6 miles from the airport, this hotel offers modern, comfortable rooms and premium services.
• Courtyard by Marriott Austin Airport – Located 2.7 miles from the airport, this hotel provides a free shuttle service from 4:00 AM to 12:00 AM, with shuttles running every 30 minutes.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport – A budget-friendly hotel located approximately 6 miles from the airport, offering a free airport shuttle service and a complimentary breakfast.
• Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport – A cost-effective accommodation option located adjacent to La Quinta Inn & Suites, offering basic yet comfortable rooms and a complimentary continental breakfast.

These hotels offer unique features and amenities tailored to meet the varying needs of travellers, providing convenient and comfortable alternatives to sleep pods within the airport.

Make-shift resting areas

If you're looking for a place to rest at Austin-Bergstrom International Airport, you may need to get creative as the airport does not offer traditional sleep pods or dedicated sleeping areas. However, there are still some make-shift resting areas that you can take advantage of. Here are some tips to help you find a comfortable spot for a quick nap or an extended layover:

• Mezzanine Level: The mezzanine level is mentioned by several travellers as a good place to rest. It offers some peace and quiet away from the bustling terminal areas. However, do be prepared for occasional announcements and cleaning activities.
• Terminal 7, Near Delta: This area features two long and wide benches, making it a practical spot for stretching out. It can get noisy around 4:30 am as the airport starts to get busy.
• Terminal D, Gate 8: This spot is described as a quiet zone, especially after midnight. The seats near the windows provide a secluded place to lay down and come with good Wi-Fi connectivity.
• Main Terminal, Ground Floor Near Gate 1: This gate is currently unused, so it can be quiet. However, there may be occasional disturbances from maintenance workers or loud announcements.
• Barbara Jordan Terminal, Second Level Near "Fara Cafe": This spot is ideal for solo travellers as it offers just enough space for one person. It provides a discrete view from the entrance level, making it a hidden gem.
• Benches Near Check-in Counters: These areas tend to be quieter at night after the counters close. They are often overlooked, making them ideal for setting up a sleeping spot with less foot traffic.
• Baggage Claim Area: The baggage claim area usually has benches without armrests, which are more conducive to laying down. It can be less crowded, especially near the corners and along the walls.
• Arrivals Hall: The seating areas in the arrivals hall are generally less occupied at night, offering a quieter place to rest.
• Behind Art Installations or Large Planters: Airports often have large art installations or planters that can provide a bit of privacy. Setting up behind these obstacles can give you a more private space to rest.
• Pre-Security Food Court: While the food court closes at night, the seating area may remain accessible. You can take advantage of the tables and chairs to lay down.

Remember to bring items like earplugs and eye masks to improve your sleep quality, as the airport's facilities for comfortable resting are limited. Additionally, if you prefer a more traditional sleeping arrangement, there are hotels near the airport that provide free shuttle services, such as the Hilton Austin Airport and the Hyatt Place Austin Airport.

No dedicated sleeping areas

Austin Airport does not have any dedicated sleeping areas, quiet rest zones, or sleep pods. This can be disappointing for passengers with long layovers or flight delays who are looking for a convenient place to rest. The airport ranks among the busiest in America, but it does not score well for sleep quality. It has limited investments in sleep amenities, such as sleep pods offered by brands like GoSleep or Minute Suites.

However, passengers can still manage to stay overnight under certain conditions. Those with late connecting flights are allowed to sleep airside in the Barbara Jordan Terminal. Once the security checkpoints close, other travellers must move to the landside areas of the terminal. While there are no designated sleeping spots, travellers have found makeshift resting areas using benches near check-in counters, behind barriers, or in quieter spots near the baggage claim area.

Alternative options

If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are several hotels near Austin Airport that provide free airport shuttles. These include:

• Aloft Austin Airport
• Comfort Suites Austin Airport
• Courtyard by Marriott Austin Airport
• Hampton Inn & Suites Austin-Airport
• Hilton Austin Airport
• Hilton Garden Inn Austin Airport
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Austin Airport, an IHG Hotel
• Hyatt Place Austin Airport
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport
• Microtel Inn and Suites by Wyndham Austin Airport
• Tru by Hilton Austin Airport

Additionally, there are airline lounges that offer comfortable spaces for relaxation and rejuvenation. While these lounges are not specifically designed for sleeping, they provide a tranquil environment for travellers to unwind. These include:

• American Airlines Admirals Club
• Delta Sky Club
• United Club

For those seeking a productive environment rather than a place to sleep, the airport's innovative Escape Pods offer a quiet and private workspace with essential amenities such as Wi-Fi, USB charging ports, and adjustable lighting. However, it's important to note that these pods are not designed for sleeping and do not have beds.

Frequently asked questions