Chicago Airport's Sleeping Pods: A Comfortable Nap Spot?

Chicago is home to two major airports, O'Hare International Airport and Midway International Airport. While both airports offer a range of amenities and services for travellers, the availability of sleeping pods differs between the two. O'Hare Airport, the larger of the two, has been reported to have a growing homeless population as of February 2023, which may impact the comfort and safety of sleeping in public areas. However, the airport does offer a variety of resting options, including couches, lounge chairs, and circular sofas. Additionally, travellers can pay for access to first-class lounges or book a room in the on-site hotel. On the other hand, Midway Airport provides limited amenities and comfort for overnight sleepers due to a lack of comfortable seating, noise, and bright lights in the landside/public zones. While there are no dedicated sleeping pods, travellers can find suitable spots for resting in the airside areas, such as couches in Concourse A and metal benches in Concourse C. Both airports offer nearby hotels with free shuttle services for those seeking more comfortable and private sleeping arrangements. Additionally, O'Hare Airport now offers Escape Pods, which provide a private space for napping, working, or taking calls. These pods feature mood lighting, charging ports, and independent Wi-Fi.

Chicago O'Hare Airport has no sleep pods but offers alternative resting spots

Chicago O'Hare Airport does not have dedicated sleeping pods, but there are alternative resting spots available for travellers. The airport is open 24 hours, but most seating has armrests, making it challenging for those looking to lie down. Travellers have reported a few armrest-free chairs, but these are limited. If you don't mind sleeping on the floor, you can find a quiet spot, but it's recommended to bring a sleep mat or bag as the floors are mostly concrete or thinly carpeted.

There are some specific spots that travellers have found suitable for resting:

• Couches just after security/airside in Concourse K
• Airside lounge chairs in Terminal 3, Gates H
• Circular sofas just inside the security checkpoint in Terminal 5
• Gate C20, which has quiet nooks for those prepared to sleep on the floor
• Couches around Terminal 1, Gates C24-C26, near Brioche Dorée

If you prefer comfort and privacy, there is a hotel outside Terminal 2, and many nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles. Additionally, you can pay to access one of the first-class lounges, some of which have showers.

For those seeking a private workspace or a quiet space to take a nap, there are Escape Pods available at Chicago O'Hare Airport. These pods feature mood lighting, charging ports, and independent Wi-Fi.

Escape Pods in Chicago O'Hare Airport offer a private space to work or relax

Chicago O'Hare Airport now offers Escape Pods for travellers seeking a private space to work or relax. These pods are equipped with various features to enhance your airport experience, whether you need a quiet space to take a meeting or a nap, or simply want to play video games in privacy.

Each Escape Pod includes a table for work or food, a USB charging station, and private and secure Wi-Fi. You can also personalise your environment by controlling the temperature, brightness, and even the colour of the built-in mood lighting. This feature ensures you can create the perfect atmosphere to suit your needs.

The Escape Pods are conveniently located within the airport terminals, providing easy access for travellers. With the addition of these pods, Chicago O'Hare Airport now offers a range of options for travellers looking to rest and relax during their time at the airport.

While the airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas or quiet zones, travellers can find spots to rest in various areas, such as couches and lounge chairs. Additionally, there are nearby hotels that offer a free airport shuttle service for those seeking a more comfortable sleeping environment.

Chicago Midway Airport has no sleep pods but offers alternative resting spots

Chicago Midway Airport does not have sleep pods, which can be inconvenient for travellers looking for a quick and comfortable rest during long layovers or unexpected delays. However, the airport offers alternative resting spots and other amenities to make your wait more bearable.

Concourse A Near the Food Court

Concourse A has a few couches available near the food court, which are favoured by travellers as they allow for a more comfortable sleeping option compared to standard airport seating.

Airside Areas

Airside areas are generally more comfortable than the landside/public zones, although the seating mostly has armrests, which can make it difficult to sleep. These areas are described as quieter and cleaner, especially at night when there are fewer passengers.

Concourse C

Concourse C is considered the quietest and cleanest of the three concourses, but it does not have benches, so you may have to sleep on the floor. Travellers have found this concourse peaceful and suitable for sleeping, especially if you come prepared with a sleep mat or sleeping bag.

Metal Benches Behind TSA Security Checkpoint

There are a few metal benches located at the midpoint of the three concourses, behind the TSA security checkpoint. These benches can be used for lying down at night once security operations are reduced, offering a flat surface compared to other seating options.

Hotels Near Midway Airport

If you prefer more comfort and privacy, there are several hotels near Midway Airport that offer free shuttle services, although they are outside the airport premises. Here are some options:

• Hyatt Place Chicago/Midway Airport
• DoubleTree by Hilton Chicago Midway Airport
• Hilton Garden Inn Chicago/Midway Airport
• Hampton Inn Chicago-Midway Airport
• Chicago Marriott Midway
• Carlton Inn Midway
• Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago-Midway Airport
• Fairfield Inn & Suites Chicago Midway Airport

Chicago O'Hare Airport's homeless population has been growing

Chicago O'Hare Airport does not have sleeping pods, but there have been reports of a growing homeless population at the airport. The airport has been described as loud, busy, crowded, and in need of a makeover, with complaints of filthy restrooms.

As of February 2023, there has been a growing number of homeless and migrant people taking refuge in the airport. This has resulted in concerns and negative perceptions of Mayor Lori Lightfoot's leadership. In response, Lightfoot stated that homeless people would not be allowed to sleep at the airport, and that the necessary steps would be taken to move them out.

The increase in the homeless population at O'Hare Airport can be attributed to various factors. Firstly, the winter weather drives people to seek warm and safe places to sleep. Secondly, the number of beds in homeless shelters was reduced during the COVID-19 pandemic and has not been restored. Additionally, migrants who have recently arrived in the city are using homeless shelters, overwhelming the system. Furthermore, the relocation of Delta to Terminal 5 has left Terminal 2 empty, providing more space for homeless individuals.

The Haymarket Center, a non-profit organization, has been conducting outreach operations at the airport to address homelessness. They provide resources such as food, water, clothing, and hygiene products. They also offer assessments and referrals to health care, mental health care, substance use treatment, and housing programs.

Despite these efforts, the presence of a growing homeless population at O'Hare Airport highlights the broader challenges of homelessness in Chicago and the need for more comprehensive solutions.

Chicago O'Hare Airport's facilities and cleanliness

Chicago O'Hare International Airport (ORD) is a major international airport serving Chicago, Illinois, United States. It is the fourth busiest airport in the US and the seventh largest airport. It is also considered the most connected airport in the US and the fifth most connected airport in the world.

O'Hare has four terminals (Terminals 1, 2, 3 and 5) and nine concourses (B, C, E, F, G, H, K, L and M). Terminals 1, 2 and 3 are in the same building, while Terminal 5 is across a taxiway. An automated train connects all four terminals.

The airport offers free unlimited WiFi, mobile charging points near the gates, and "Power Stations" throughout the airport. There are several affordable eateries, including a Dunkin' Donuts in Terminal 3 that is open 24/7. There are also vending machines located throughout the airport that are available 24 hours a day.

Unique amenities at O'Hare include a yoga room and an urban garden. There are also art installations, sculptures, murals, and exhibits displayed throughout the airport.

For travellers seeking added comfort, first-class lounges are available for a fee, and some of these lounges have showers. There is also a hotel located outside of Terminal 2, and many nearby hotels offer a free airport shuttle.

Regarding cleanliness, reviews of O'Hare are mixed. While some sources claim that the airport is loud, busy, crowded, and in need of a makeover, others state that there are many complaints about filthy restrooms.

In terms of sleeping accommodations, O'Hare does not have dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Most gate seating has armrests, making it challenging for travellers to lie down and rest. However, there are some armrest-free chairs and couches available in various areas of the airport.

Additionally, there have been reports of a growing homeless population residing in the public/landside area of the airport, so travellers who need to sleep in this area may want to consider staying at a hotel instead.

Frequently asked questions