Jfk Airport: Sleeping Pods For Tired Travelers

John F. Kennedy International Airport, also known as JFK, is North America's busiest international passenger gateway. The airport has six terminals and serves more than 90 airlines flying to around 149 destinations worldwide.

JFK offers various options for travellers seeking a comfortable place to rest during layovers or flight delays, including sleep pods, nearby hotels, and rest spots within the terminals.

Sleep pods are available in Terminals 4, 5, and 7. Terminal 4 houses Minute Suites, which offer private mini-suites with daybeds, workstations, Wi-Fi, and other amenities. Terminal 5 previously featured JetBlue's sleep pods, but these have been discontinued. Terminal 7 offers Escape Pods, which are work booths that can be used for naps.

In addition to sleep pods, travellers can also opt for nearby hotels, such as the TWA Hotel in Terminal 5, which provides day rooms and overnight rates. Several other hotels in the vicinity of the airport offer free shuttle services as well.

For those who don't mind resting in the terminal, there are some good spots in Terminals 1, 4, 5, 7, and 8. These include carpeted floors, benches, and high-back chairs. However, it's important to note that the airport is generally noisy, brightly lit, and cold, so travellers may want to bring earplugs, eye masks, and warm clothing for a more comfortable rest.

JFK Terminal 5's GoSleep pods

JFK International Airport in New York City has sleep pods in Terminal 5, operated by JetBlue. These GoSleep pods are private retreats, each with a long leather mattress and a lockable, breathable screen for privacy and comfort. They are equipped with essentials such as pillows, blankets, reading lights, and electrical outlets. They also have storage space for luggage, quick-charging for devices, and cleaning supplies to maintain hygiene.

The GoSleep pods offer a complimentary 20-minute trial, followed by a rate of $10 to $15 per hour, accommodating various layover lengths.

History of Sleep Pods at JFK Terminal 5

The history of sleep pods at JFK Terminal 5 can be traced back to 2016 when JetBlue introduced the MetroNaps sleep pods, branded as JetNap EnergyPods, for their Business Lounge guests. However, due to negative feedback regarding privacy and sanitation concerns, JetBlue discontinued the service in 2020.

In 2017, JetBlue introduced the GoSleep pods, developed by a Finnish company, to address the privacy concerns associated with the MetroNaps design. These new pods offered more privacy, with a comfortable leather mattress and a lockable sliding screen.

Unfortunately, as of 2024, JetBlue no longer offers sleep pods in Terminal 5. The discontinuation may be attributed to challenges with maintaining the cleanliness of the pods, as customers were responsible for cleaning them using provided supplies.

Alternatives to GoSleep Pods at JFK Terminal 5

While the GoSleep pods are no longer available at JFK Terminal 5, there are alternative options for travellers seeking a comfortable place to rest. Terminal 4 houses Minute Suites, which offer mini-suite pods with daybeds, soundproofing, and various amenities. Terminal 8 features Escape Pods, which are work booths that can be used for quick naps, and the TWA Hotel provides luxurious accommodations and amenities. Additionally, there are nearby hotels, such as the Hampton Inn, Comfort Inn, and Fairfield Inn, that offer free shuttle services to and from the airport.

JetBlue's MetroNaps

The MetroNaps pods featured a semi-private sleeping experience with ambient music and gentle vibrations. Each pod was designed as a private retreat, offering a long leather mattress and a lockable, breathable screen for privacy and comfort. These pods were equipped with essentials such as a pillow, blanket, reading light, and electrical outlets. They also included a storage area for luggage beneath the mattress and a device quick-charger.

The pricing for the MetroNaps pods started with a complimentary 20-minute use, followed by a rate of $10 to $15 per hour. This flexible pricing structure accommodated various layover lengths and provided options for those seeking a short rest or a more extended relaxation period.

Unfortunately, the JetBlue MetroNaps pods were discontinued in 2020, and as of 2024, JetBlue no longer offers sleep pods in Terminal 5. The discontinuation was attributed to negative customer feedback and concerns about sanitation, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic.

While the MetroNaps pods are no longer available, JFK Airport has introduced other sleep pod options, such as the Minute Suites in Terminal 4, to enhance the comfort and convenience of travellers during layovers or extended stays.

Minute Suites

Each suite has a daybed where two people can comfortably rest, a workstation, a charging station, a smart TV, free Wi-Fi, and an Amazon Alexa to provide a sound-masking system. The location also has a bathroom with a shower.

The pricing for Minute Suites is flexible, with a minimum stay of one hour and additional 15-minute increments available for purchase. The hourly rate is $55, and the overnight flat rate for eight hours is $195. Showers are available for $20 for 30 minutes when added to a minimum one-hour stay or $30 for 30 minutes without a suite rental. Discounted rates are offered for military/first responder, crew, and more.

Escape Pods

There are five Escape Pods at JFK Airport, distributed between Terminal 4 and Terminal 8. In Terminal 8, the Escape Pods are located at the Departures Level Concourse B, specifically at B2 and B3, nestled between Gate 8 and 10. The precise location of the Escape Pods in Terminal 4 is unclear.

The Escape Pods can be reserved for various durations at affordable rates. Pricing starts at $10 for 15 minutes, $15 for 30 minutes, $25 for 45 minutes, $30 for 60 minutes, $45 for 90 minutes, and $60 for 120 minutes.

Comparison to Other Sleep Pods at JFK Airport

Minute Suites, located in Terminal 4, offers a unique and comfortable sleep solution for travellers in the form of mini-suite pods. There are seven of these suites located near Gate B39 at Concourse B in Terminal 4. Each suite is designed to provide a private, quiet, and relaxing environment, making it ideal for catching up on sleep during a layover or before a long flight.

The suites feature soundproofing, sound masking technology, and fully private spaces. They include a convertible daybed sofa that turns into a full-size bed, fresh pillows, blankets, and sheets, a workstation with a desk and ergonomic chair, high-speed internet, multiple outlets, a flat-screen TV, and a spacious area for luggage storage.

The first hour in a Minute Suite costs $55, with an additional $13.75 for each additional 15 minutes up to the second hour, and $11.25 for each 15-minute increment from the third hour up to eight hours. An overnight flat rate of $195 is available for bookings between 9 PM and midnight, extending up to 8 AM.

Previously, JetBlue offered sleep pods called JetNaps in Terminal 5, but these have been discontinued. These pods were designed by MetroNaps and offered a semi-private sleeping experience with ambient music and gentle vibrations. They were smaller than the Minute Suites and included a convenient storage space beneath the mattress. The first 20 minutes were free, and an additional $15 fee applied for each hour.

TWA Hotel

The TWA Hotel is located in Terminal 5 of JFK Airport and is the only on-airport hotel. It is accessible via the AirTrain, but it is outside the secure area, so you must pass through immigration and security to access it. The hotel has no guided tours, but visitors are welcome to tour the property independently. The hotel features an infinity pool, a 1958 Lockheed Constellation "Connie" airplane that serves cocktails, ballrooms, meeting rooms, terraces, a gym, and a salon.

The hotel offers day rooms available at different times of the day and night, with rates of $149 + taxes for 4-6 hours or $209 + taxes for 12 hours.

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