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

Sleep pods, also known as sleep cabins, boxes, or booths, are compact private spaces for passengers to rest in. They are becoming increasingly popular in airports as they offer a peaceful and comfortable environment for travellers. LAX Airport in Los Angeles does not currently have dedicated sleep pods within its terminals. However, there are alternative options for passengers to sleep and relax, including seating areas, nearby hotels, and lounges.

LAX sleeping pods: fact or fiction?

Sleeping pods have become increasingly popular in airports worldwide, providing passengers with a tranquil and comfortable resting space. However, their availability at the Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) remains uncertain.

Sleeping Pods at LAX: Fact or Fiction?

As of July 2024, LAX does not have dedicated sleep pods within its terminals. This means that passengers cannot reserve or use sleeping pods as a resting option during layovers or early morning flights. Instead, the airport offers various alternative options for passengers to relax and sleep, including seating areas, lounges, and nearby hotels.

Alternative Options at LAX

While LAX may not have dedicated sleep pods, it provides several other facilities for passengers seeking comfort and privacy. These alternatives include:

• Seating areas: LAX has designated rest zones throughout the airport, offering quiet spaces with seating for rest. These areas generally have armrests, but passengers can also opt to sprawl out on the carpeted floor.
• Lounges: The airport provides several airline-dedicated lounges across all terminals, specifically designed for passengers to relax before their flights or during long layovers. Some lounges, like the American Admirals Club, offer comfortable amenities, including reclining chairs and, occasionally, sleeping accommodations.
• Nearby hotels: For those seeking more privacy and comfort, there are several comfortable hotels near LAX Airport, such as the Hyatt Regency and Sheraton Gateway, which offer convenient shuttle services.

Future Possibilities

While there are no dedicated sleep pods at LAX as of now, this may change in the future. A reader of 'Sleeping in Airports' sent a link to an article in March 2024, stating that there were sleep pods and cabins at LAX, along with their locations and rates. However, the website has been unable to confirm this information.

So, for now, passengers connecting through LAX will have to rely on the available alternatives for rest and relaxation until dedicated sleep pods become a reality.

Alternative resting spots at LAX

Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) does not have specific sleep pods. However, there are various alternative resting spots at LAX, including:

Airline-dedicated lounges

LAX provides several airline-dedicated lounges across all terminals. These restful spots are free of charge and are designed for passengers to relax before their flights or during long layovers. Some premium airline lounges have sleep pods, but access may require a membership or additional charges.

Rest Zones

LAX has designated rest zones scattered throughout the airport. These areas are generally quiet and provide seating space for rest. Some recommended spots include:

• Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) near Gate 148, which has armrest-free benches and is quieter post-midnight.
• Terminal 3 near Gate 31, which has nearby Delta Sky Club lounge seating.
• Terminal 7 near Gate 71B, which has padded seats and is less trafficked.

Terminal Seating Areas

Some terminals offer more comfortable seating options for resting. For example:

• Terminal 6 has armrest-free benches, ideal for longer stays or quick naps.
• The Connector Hallway between Terminals 6 and 7 is known for its quiet environment, offering a serene place to relax away from the main terminals.

Nearby Hotels

If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are several nearby hotels that provide accommodations, and many offer free airport shuttles. Some options include:

• Courtyard Los Angeles LAX/Century Boulevard
• Embassy Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport North
• Hyatt Regency Los Angeles Airport, which is the closest hotel accessible by foot or a 5-minute free airport shuttle.

Remember to plan ahead and check the latest information, as the availability and accessibility of these resting spots may change.

Nearby hotels

Unfortunately, LAX does not have any sleep pods or on-site hotels. However, there are several hotels located near the airport that provide free airport shuttles. Here are some options for nearby hotels:

Hyatt Regency Los Angeles Airport

This hotel is the closest to the airport and is accessible by foot or via a 5-minute free airport shuttle. It offers comfortable rooms, an outdoor pool, and easy access to car rentals and the airport.

H Hotel Los Angeles, Curio Collection by Hilton

Located just 0.2 miles from LAX, this hotel provides a complimentary airport shuttle service. It features an outdoor pool, tight security, and comfortable beds with amazing views.

Homewood Suites by Hilton Los Angeles International Airport

Also located 0.2 miles from LAX, this hotel offers a complimentary 24-hour shuttle service. It provides spacious rooms, a common laundry room, and an on-site Starbucks and hotel cafe.

Residence Inn by Marriott Los Angeles LAX/Century Boulevard

Just 0.6 miles from LAX, this hotel offers a free 24-hour shuttle service to and from the airport. It provides comfortable accommodations, free WiFi access, and easy access to nearby attractions.

The Westin Los Angeles Airport

This hotel, located near LAX, offers a free airport shuttle service. It features newly renovated rooms and suites with refined comforts, signature bath products, spacious workspaces, and plush beds. It also has a stylish restaurant and bar, a fitness centre, and a tranquil space for wellness and sustainability initiatives.

These are just a few options for hotels near LAX Airport. You can find more choices and details on booking websites or travel guides, where you can sort and filter accommodations based on your preferences and requirements.

Airport lounges

While Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) does not have any sleeping pods, there are airport lounges that you can access. Lounges are quiet, connected spaces where you can relax, work, and enjoy complimentary pre-flight food and drinks.

Some lounges are operated by specific airlines and are exclusively for their eligible passengers. However, there are also independent lounges that you can access by purchasing a lounge pass, through a lounge membership program, or by paying at the door.

For example, the American Airlines Admirals Club lounge is located airside, across from Gate 40, and offers shower facilities. To access this lounge, you can pay at the door, or you may be able to use a lounge membership program such as Priority Pass, which offers access to over 1,700 lounges worldwide.

Another option is to use a credit card that provides lounge access. For example, the Amex Platinum card provides access to lounges at LAX for $695 per year. Alternatively, the Bob Hope USO offers similar facilities if you qualify to use them.

It is always a good idea to check the specific lounge access policies, as these may vary. For example, the oneworld lounge access policy offers exclusive access to premium airport lounges worldwide with oneworld Emerald or Sapphire frequent flyer tier status. With this status, you can access lounges when departing on any flight marketed and operated by a oneworld member airline, regardless of the cabin class.

Rest zones

While LAX does not have dedicated sleep pods, there are designated rest zones throughout the airport. These areas are generally quiet and provide seating space for passengers to relax. The modern and large Tom Bradley International Terminal (TBIT) is a popular choice for frequent travellers, as it offers a wider range of amenities and dining options compared to the other terminals.

In addition to the rest zones, there are also airline-dedicated lounges across all terminals. These restful spots are free of charge and designed for passengers to relax before their flights or during long layovers. The American Admirals Club and United Polaris Lounge offer comfortable amenities, including reclining chairs and, sometimes, sleeping accommodations.

If you prefer more privacy and comfort, there are several comfortable hotels near LAX Airport. The Hyatt Regency Los Angeles Airport is the closest hotel to the airport and is accessible by foot or a 5-minute free airport shuttle. Other nearby hotels, such as the Sheraton Gateway, also offer convenient shuttle services.

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