A godsend for transit passengers: Helsinki Airport pioneers Europe’s “sleeping pods”

By Rita

At home, you can just flop onto a sofa or bed when you want to sleep, but many people suddenly realize abroad that getting some shut-eye isn’t exactly cheap. This is especially true at airports — after finally checking in your luggage and dragging another suitcase, you look for a quiet, comfortable spot to rest, only to find it nearly impossible. But now, if you’re traveling in Europe, one country has come up with a solution. According tothe UK’s Daily Mail, Helsinki-Vantaa Airport in Finland offers “GoSleep” sleeping pods where passengers can take a short nap while waiting for their flights or during layovers.

▲ Helsinki Airport sleeping pods (Photo /Helsinki Airport fan page, same below)

Helsinki-Vantaa Airport is the first in Europe to install 19 sleeping pods at two gate areas, offering passengers a place to rest briefly. Like Thumbelina sleeping inside a flower bud, the chairs are ergonomically designed and can be adjusted into beds. Extendable covers help block out light and noise, and passengers can stow their luggage in the space beneath the seat. However, the service isn’t cheap — it costs TWD 350 per hour.

The “sleeping pods” were developed by Finnish tech company Finnish Short Rest Solutions Ltd, aiming to meet travelers’ needs for short rest periods. “We want to give passengers the chance to relax between flights,” said Deputy CEO Heikki Koski.