Baltimore Airport: Sleeping Pods Available For Travelers?

Sleep pods have become a sought-after amenity in major airports worldwide, offering a private and comfortable space to rest during layovers or long waits. As of 2021, Baltimore Airport did not have dedicated sleeping pods within the terminal. However, the airport has since installed 5 sleep pods by Minute Suites, providing a convenient and comfortable option for travellers facing layovers or delayed flights. These suites feature a daybed couch, workstation, entertainment options, and soundproofing. They can be rented by the hour or overnight and offer a welcome alternative to the airport benches, which are mostly wooden or metal and often have armrests.

Baltimore Airport (BWI) Sleep Pods

Baltimore/Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI) is a major transportation hub located between Baltimore and Washington, D.C. The airport features several terminals, with Concourses A, B, C, and D serving as gateways to various domestic and international destinations.

Sleeping Pods at BWI

As of 2021, BWI did not have dedicated sleeping pods within the terminal. However, the airport has since installed sleep pods by Minute Suites. As of 2024, there are five sleep pods available, located in Concourse C near Gate C3.

Features of the Sleep Pods

The sleep pods by Minute Suites offer a private room with a daybed couch, a workstation, and entertainment options such as TV channels and internet access. The suites can be rented by the hour or overnight, with the cost starting at $55 for the first hour and $13.75 for each additional 15 minutes.

Alternative Resting Options at BWI

While BWI does not have traditional sleeping pods, travellers have noted various spots within the airport that offer some level of comfort for resting. These include:

• Concourse C: Some armrest-free seating is available.
• Concourses D and E: Padded benches, narrow couches, and quieter corners for privacy.
• Observation deck: This area is not as bright as others, making it suitable for those sensitive to light.

Nearby Hotels

For those seeking more comfort and privacy, there are several hotels located near the airport, some of which offer complimentary shuttle services. Here are some options:

• Aloft BWI Baltimore Washington International Airport
• BWI Airport Marriott
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, BWI Airport
• Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore BWI Airport
• Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
• Holiday Inn Baltimore BWI Airport
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport
• Red Roof PLUS+ Baltimore – Washington DC/BWI Airport
• Wingate by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport

Where to Sleep in BWI Airport

Sleeping in the BWI Airport is possible, but it's essential to know what to expect. Here's a comprehensive guide to help you navigate your sleeping arrangements at the airport.

Sleep Pods and Cabins

BWI Airport does have sleep pods, specifically five units installed by Minute Suites, located near Gate C3 in Concourse C. These innovative sleep pods offer a private room with a daybed couch, workstation, and entertainment options such as TV and internet. They can be rented by the hour or overnight, starting at $55 for the first hour and $13.75 for each additional 15-minute increment.

Airport Lounges

If you're looking for a comfortable seat to relax in before your flight, BWI Airport has lounges that you can pay to access. The Club BWI lounge is available to all passengers, regardless of class or airline, and is located airside near Gate D10.

Seating in Concourses

When it comes to finding a place to sleep within the concourses, travellers report plenty of seating, but much of it has armrests. Most benches are wooden or metal, so bringing a layer of softness like a sleep mat or sleeping bag is recommended. Here are some specific areas that travellers have recommended:

• Concourse C: This concourse offers some armrest-free seating options.
• Concourses D and E: These concourses feature padded benches, narrow couches, and quieter corners that provide a bit more privacy.
• Observation Deck: The observation deck is not as bright as other areas, making it a potentially better spot for sleep.

Nearby Hotels

If you're looking for more comfort and privacy, there are no hotels directly at the airport, but several nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles. Here are some options:

• Aloft BWI Baltimore Washington International Airport
• BWI Airport Marriott
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, BWI Airport
• Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore BWI Airport
• Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport
• Holiday Inn Baltimore BWI Airport
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport
• Red Roof PLUS+ Baltimore – Washington DC/BWI Airport
• Wingate by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport

Tips for Sleeping in the Airport

If you plan to sleep in the public/landside area of the airport, keep the following in mind:

• Temperature: The airport tends to get cooler at night due to air conditioning and fewer people inside.
• Noise: Even with fewer overnight flights, the airport may still have announcements and cleaning crews working, creating some noise.
• Lighting: The airport may remain brightly lit throughout the night, but certain corners may be dimmer.
• Safety: While there are no specific reports of safety issues at BWI Airport, sleeping in any airport can pose risks, especially when travelling alone. Stay in well-lit areas, keep your valuables secure, and consider using earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to aid sleep.

BWI Airport Hotels

Baltimore Airport, also known as Baltimore-Washington International Thurgood Marshall Airport (BWI), does not have any hotels within the airport itself. However, there are several hotels located near the airport that offer complimentary shuttle services to and from the airport. Here is a list of some highly-rated hotels near BWI Airport:

• Aloft BWI Baltimore Washington International Airport: This hotel offers a modern and youthful vibe with vibrant social spaces. It features a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and a free airport shuttle service.
• BWI Airport Marriott: This hotel provides upscale accommodations and dining options on-site. It includes a fitness centre, a pool, and meeting/event spaces. They offer a complimentary shuttle service to and from BWI Airport.
• Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, BWI Airport: With a cozy and welcoming atmosphere, this hotel is ideal for families and business travellers. It offers free Wi-Fi, hot breakfast, a fitness centre, and shuttle service. Located just 0.7 miles from the airport, it is a convenient option for travellers.
• Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore BWI Airport: Featuring contemporary rooms with workspaces, this hotel caters to business travellers. It provides a fitness centre, on-site dining, and a free airport shuttle. Spacious rooms and Starbucks coffee are available.
• Hilton Baltimore BWI Airport: Offering upscale amenities and elegant rooms, this hotel has a fitness centre, an indoor pool, and dining options. They provide a shuttle service to and from BWI Airport for added convenience.
• Holiday Inn Baltimore BWI Airport: This hotel focuses on comfort and relaxation. It includes a fitness centre, on-site dining, and free parking. The complimentary shuttle service to the airport makes it a convenient choice for travellers.
• La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport: With affordable rates and comfortable accommodations, this hotel offers free breakfast, Wi-Fi, and an airport shuttle. It is also pet-friendly, welcoming travellers with pets at no extra charge.
• Red Roof PLUS+ Baltimore – Washington DC/BWI Airport: This budget-friendly hotel offers basic, clean rooms at great prices. It provides free Wi-Fi and pet-friendly policies. The free airport shuttle and close proximity to BWI Airport make it a convenient option.
• Wingate by Wyndham Baltimore BWI Airport: With ample workspace and free Wi-Fi, this hotel is ideal for business travellers. It offers complimentary breakfast, a fitness centre, and shuttle service to BWI Airport. The spacious rooms are designed for relaxation and work.

BWI Airport Lounges

BWI Airport has a few lounges that travellers can use for a fee. Here is some information about them:

The Club BWI

The Club BWI is a shared-use lounge that offers a tailored experience at an affordable price to all guests, regardless of their ticket type, airline, or affinity membership. It is located in Concourse D, near Gate 10. Guests can enjoy complimentary premium alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, snacks, Wi-Fi, and an array of reading materials. The lounge provides seating for 50 and is divided into zones to accommodate different traveller needs, including a Relaxing Zone, a Resting Zone, a Productivity Zone, and a Replenish Zone.

Chesapeake Club Lounge

The Chesapeake Club Lounge is located in Concourse E on the upper level and is open daily from 6 pm to 9 pm. Passengers with a same-day boarding pass on a flight operated and marketed by a Oneworld airline can access the lounge. Oneworld Emerald or Sapphire members can also invite one guest to join them. The lounge offers newspapers, magazines, snacks, soups, and salads.

The Club at BWI Lounge

The Club at BWI Lounge is located near Gate D10 in Concourse D and is open daily from 4:15 am to 10:30 pm. It offers alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages, digital newspapers and magazines, self-serve soft drinks, tea, coffee, and snacks. Access is permitted 3 hours prior to the scheduled departure, and children under 2 can enter for free. A day pass costs $50, subject to availability.

Minute Suites

Minute Suites offers private rooms with daybeds, workstations, and entertainment options such as TV channels and internet. They are located in Concourse C, near Gate C3, and can be rented by the hour or overnight. The cost starts at $55 for the first hour, with additional 15-minute increments at $13.75 each. An 8-hour block costs $380.

ROAM Fitness

ROAM Fitness is located in Concourse D, near Gate D1, and is open Sunday to Friday from 6 am to 6 pm. It offers entertainment tablets, exercise clothing and footwear for rent or purchase, and showers with towels and toiletries. A day pass costs $25 and is valid for 24 hours.

USO Lounge

The USO Lounge is a free lounge for active-duty, guard, reserve, and retired military personnel and their dependents. It is located in the Main Terminal on the lower level and is open daily from 6 am to 10 pm. The lounge provides snacks and refreshments.

Tips for Sleeping in BWI Airport

Sleeping in airports can be challenging, and BWI is no exception. Here are some tips to help you get some rest while waiting for your flight.

Where to Sleep:

• BWI Airport has sleep pods called Minute Suites located in Concourse C near Gate C3. Each suite offers a private room with a daybed couch, workstation, TV channels, and internet access. They can be rented by the hour or overnight, starting at $55 for the first hour.
• If you're looking for a free option, Concourse C has some armrest-free seating.
• Concourses D and E have padded benches, narrow couches, and quieter corners for added privacy.
• The observation deck is less brightly lit compared to other areas of the airport.
• For uninterrupted sleep, consider the nearby hotels that provide free airport shuttles. Some options include Aloft BWI Baltimore Washington International Airport, BWI Airport Marriott, Country Inn & Suites by Radisson, and Courtyard by Marriott Baltimore BWI Airport.

What to Bring:

• A layer of softness, such as a sleep mat or sleeping bag, will make the wooden or metal benches more comfortable.
• It can get cold at night due to air conditioning, so bring an extra layer to stay warm.
• Earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones to block out announcements and noise from cleaning crews.
• An eye mask or something to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel, to block out the lights.

Safety Tips:

• Know where the security office is and look for video cameras near your chosen sleeping spot.
• Stay in areas with other travellers or close to security to deter potential thieves.
• Keep your valuables hidden and out of plain sight. If you're a deep sleeper, consider padlocking your bag to something or sleeping with your bag against a wall.
• Stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe. You can always catch up on sleep during your flight.

Other Considerations:

• Once security checkpoints close for the night, you won't be able to move between the landside and airside areas until morning. Plan accordingly and arrive early if you need to check in or go through security.
• If you plan to use the gym or shower facilities, be aware that Roam Fitness in Concourse D is temporarily closed as of February 2024.
• There are no luggage storage facilities at BWI Airport.

Frequently asked questions