Dulles Airport Sleeping Pods: A Comfortable Nap?

Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) is a busy airport with a main terminal and two concourses. While the airport is open 24 hours, the security checkpoints close at around 10 pm, and travellers who arrive after this time will need to stay in the public landside areas until checkpoints reopen at 4 am. There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones, and travellers are advised to head to Concourses C and D for the most armrest-free seating and quiet.

Previously, travellers could rent out sleep pods at the airport, provided by a company called SleepBox. However, these closed in January 2020. SleepBox offered 16 pods that could be rented in 30-minute increments, with two room sizes available, and features such as adjustable lighting and temperature, charging stations, and privacy controls. The pods were located in Concourse A.

While there are no longer any sleep pods available at the airport, travellers can still pay to access lounges with comfortable seating that can be used for sleeping. The Polaris Lounge offers day-use sleeping rooms with privacy and comfort, but these are only available until 10 pm and are not intended for overnight sleep.

SleepBox pods closed in 2020

SleepBox, an innovative sleep pod company, offered travellers a convenient resting option at Washington Dulles Airport (IAD) in the form of 16 sleep pods. These pods were located in Concourse A and could be rented in 30-minute increments. The company unveiled these sleep pods in December 2018, providing travellers with a private and comfortable place to rest during layovers or delays.

However, in January 2020, SleepBox permanently closed its doors at Dulles Airport. The reason for the closure was not disclosed but was likely unrelated to the COVID-19 pandemic, as the spread of the virus began later, in the summer of 2020. The SleepBox app also appears to have been removed from the App Store and Google Play Store.

The closure of SleepBox left travellers at Dulles Airport with limited paid sleep options within the terminal. While there are nearby airport hotels, the in-terminal options are restricted. The Polaris Lounge offers comfortable seating that can be used for sleeping, but it is exclusive to First or Business Class travellers and closes at 10 pm.

With the absence of SleepBox, travellers seeking uninterrupted sleep may opt for the nearby airport hotels, which offer free shuttle services. These include the Hampton Inn Dulles-Cascades and the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott.

Alternatives to SleepBox pods

As of January 2020, the SleepBox pods at Dulles Airport are no longer in service. Here are some alternatives for travellers looking for a place to rest during layovers or delays:

• Free in-terminal options: Travellers recommend armrest-free benches in Concourses C and D for makeshift beds, specifically near Gates C20 and D1. These spots are quieter and offer more privacy.
• Paid in-terminal options: The Polaris Lounge offers comfortable seating that can be used for sleeping. However, it is exclusive to First or Business Class travellers and closes at 10 pm.
• Nearby airport hotels: If you're willing to pay for more comfort, there are several hotels located within a short drive of the airport, including the Hampton Inn Dulles-Cascades and the Washington Dulles Airport Marriott. These hotels often provide free shuttle services.
• Rest Lounges for daytime layovers: Several lounges at Dulles offer the option to purchase day passes, but they do not offer dedicated sleep facilities like beds. The Polaris Lounge has cubicle-style rooms with privacy and comfort features, but they are not intended for overnight sleep and are only available to First or Business Class United Airlines passengers.
• Day-use rooms in nearby hotels: Starting from around $100, you can book day-use rooms at nearby hotels such as Marriott or Hilton from 8 am to 6 pm.

Sleep spots in the airport

If you're looking for a place to sleep at Dulles Airport, you have a few options to choose from, both free in-terminal and paid options. Here are some suggestions for sleep spots within the airport:

• Concourses C and D: These areas offer the most armrest-free seating and plenty of quiet, unused gates. Gates C20 and D1 are particularly quiet at night and recommended by travellers.
• Cafes: Try accessing the seats and benches inside cafes that are closed for the night.
• Baggage Claim Areas: While not the most comfortable due to chairs with armrests, the baggage claim areas are open 24 hours and have nearby shops, including a Starbucks for refreshments.
• Near the 24/7 Dunkin' Donuts in Terminal A: There are massive benches with no rails perfect for sleeping near this dining option.
• Behind the "rainbow glass wall" art sculpture near Gate C28: This secluded area is quiet with reduced foot traffic and the motion-sensor lighting dims at night.

If you're looking for more comfort and willing to pay, there are also paid options available:

• Polaris Lounge: This lounge offers comfortable seating that can be used for sleeping, but it is exclusive to First or Business Class travellers and closes at 10 pm.
• SleepBox: Previously, travellers could rent out one of 16 sleep pods in 30-minute increments, but this service is no longer available.

Additionally, there are several hotels located within a short drive of the airport, some of which provide free airport shuttle services.

Nearby airport hotels

There are several hotels within a 12-minute drive of Dulles Airport, and many offer a free airport shuttle service. Here are some options:

Washington Dulles Airport Marriott

Located on the airport grounds, this hotel offers a free airport shuttle every 15 minutes, soundproof windows, free Wi-Fi, flat-screen TVs, and Revive® bedding. The hotel also features an indoor pool, a 24-hour fitness centre, and a restaurant with award-winning chefs.

The Westin Washington Dulles Airport

Just 1.1 miles from the airport, this hotel offers a free airport shuttle and an on-site restaurant. The beds are very comfortable, and the breakfast is varied and satisfying.

Candlewood Suites Washington-Dulles Herndon

This all-suite hotel is located minutes from the airport and features suites with fully equipped kitchens and free high-speed internet access.

Sonesta ES Suites Dulles Airport

This hotel provides a free shuttle service to and from the airport. It offers friendly service, great value for money, and clean rooms.

Hyatt Regency Dulles

This hotel is located directly across from the airport and features an indoor pool and a hot tub. The rooms are clean and spacious.

Hilton Washington Dulles Airport

This hotel offers a free airport transfer service and is within 5 miles of the airport. The staff are very helpful, and the hotel is spotless and beautiful.

Homewood Suites Dulles-International Airport

Located 23 miles from the Air Force Memorial, this hotel provides a shuttle service to and from the airport. The staff are great, and the shuttle drivers are fantastic.

Rest lounges for daytime sleep

If you're looking for a place to nap during the day at Dulles Airport, there are several lounges where you can purchase a day pass for access. However, it's important to note that these lounges do not offer dedicated sleep facilities like beds, and are primarily equipped with lounge chairs that may not be ideal for sleeping. Additionally, none of these lounges remain open overnight, so you won't be able to stay there for a full night's rest.

• Concourse A: Air France – KLM Lounge opposite Gate A22; Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse near Gate A32; Etihad Lounge adjacent to A14 Gate.
• Concourse B: British Airways Galleries Lounge; Lufthansa Business Lounge near Gates B49-B51; Turkish Airlines Lounge next to B43 Gate.
• Concourse C and D: Polaris and United Club – Near gates C4, C7, C17 and D8.

The Polaris Lounge, introduced in October 2021 near Gate C18, offers day-use sleeping rooms with cubicle-style rooms that provide privacy and comfort. These rooms include amenities such as a mini-table and charging outlets. However, they are only available until 10:00 PM and are not intended for overnight sleep. Additionally, these rooms are exclusive to First or Business Class travellers.

Another option for daytime sleep is the SleepBox Lounge, which offers soundproof rooms with Wi-Fi, mood lighting, privacy window tint, and charging ports. The SleepBox Lounge is located near the AeroTrain in Concourse A on the Mezzanine level. While it is open 24/7, it can be pricey for an extended stay, with rates of $24-25 per hour for Priority Pass members and $150 for a flat rate overnight stay.

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