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How many times have you had a stopover after a long-haul flight and all you’ve wanted to do was curl up in a warm, cozy bed to get some shut-eye before jumping on your next flight?
While many people often find solace in lying across a row of empty seats, or creating a makeshift bed on the floor in a random corner of their gate – you can’t really relax out of fear someone will steal your belongings.
But TikTok may have helped unearth the solution. The platform is currently abuzz with passengers showing off various sleeping pods from airports around the world, allowing travellers to snag a few hours of sleep or rest.
A travel YouTuber and content creator who goes by the handle ‘Lounge Guru’ has racked up millions of views on his clip showing off Istanbul Airport’s unique sleeping pods.
“My flight was delayed for four hours. I found these pods for €12 per hour,” he wrote.
“I was exhausted and really needed a nap.”
The content creator paid €24 for two hours of sleep – equivalent to about $27 (AUD $40).
However, since his shared the now viral clip, the pods have increased to €14 per hour – $16 (AUD $22).
He said “friendly staff” brought him a fresh pillow and blanket for an additional $6 (€5).
“I caught some sleep but it was a little hot inside,” he said, adding, “but for 24 Euro, it wasn’t bad.”
The 44 sleeping pods are designed as semi-enclosed capsules located at Gate D in the international airport. Each pod also offers storage space for your bags underneath the mattress.
“Each pod has a USB port, regular socket, a luggage compartment, and comes with a disposable blanket,” the Lounge Guru said.
“Some pods are larger than others. It’s a solid nap option, but not fully enclosed — light and noise from the terminal can creep in, and it can get warm during the day. No wake-up service, so don’t forget to set your alarm.”
He said overall, you’re still able to get some decent rest.
In Australia, Perth Airport is the only airport that offers sleeping pods called Smarte Carte, featuring flat beds, USB/GPO charging and privacy shades. It’s located in Terminal 1 International and T1/T2 Domestic near baggage claim.
Prices start from $50 for four hours and $90 for eight hours. Included in the booking is a disposable sheet, pillow with a disposable cover, and standard blanket. Longer bookings offer an eye mask and earplugs.
Other major hubs with sleeping pods include Singapore Changi, which has Snooze Lounge areas across all terminals, Incheon International in South Korea, with around 60 free NapZone chairs across both terminals, as well as Abu Dhabi, Amsterdam Schiphol, Dubai, Helsinki and Munich.
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