Fly Away Cafe - Where travel is a way of life

Vancouver Airport: MetroNap Sleep Pods

by Mary Jo Manzanares on June 27th, 2006

Flight Attendants hate delays just as much as passengers.  We, too, like to get home, or to our destination, on time every bit as much as everyone else.  But if you travel often enough, you realize that it just isn’t going to happen all the time.

Unfortunately, delays are an inevitable part of travel.  Whatever the reason (mechanical, weather, ATC holds, etc.), it means extra time spent at an airport.  Rarely is than fun or relaxing.

Since delays are going to happen, however, it’s always preferable to be at an airport with amenities to help make your wait as pain-free as possible.  Even better, if a bad situation can be made a little bit more enjoyable.

What makes delay time more enjoyable is, of course, a personal decision.  In serious delays (translation:  lengthy), however, people frequently want a place to stretch out and rest, maybe even to sleep.

One a recent layover in Vancouver, I had a chance to check out the MetroNaps Pods.

The space age looking pods are located near Gate 82 on the concourse for U.S. departures.

The pods are sitting out on the concourse, in plain view, but when in use, they are partially enclosed to allow for privacy without inducing claustrophobia.  The enclosure keeps the user visually removed from the public.  Noise canceling headphones keep the user removed from the noise of the airport.  Attendants are available to keep bags secure.

The cost is quite reasonably priced at $15 (Canadian dollars) for up to two hours.

If you’re delayed at the Vancouver airport (YVR), give the pods a try.  They may be your sanctuary in the eye of a storm.

Photo credit:  MetroNaps

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