Terminal Naps

It used to be that airlines would give you a hotel voucher if a cancelled flight were their fault, but — news flash — not anymore, reports Sharon McDonnell in the New York Times (7/15/08). Joe Brancatelli, editor of a business-travel site called JoeSentMe.com, says not to waste energy arguing with the airlines about it. His best advice is to buy a day pass to an airline club where you can get “a comfortable armchair with free snacks, beverages and a television.” The only problem with that is “most airline clubs close by 10 p.m.”

Frank Giotti came up with his own solution after he spent the night at an airport in Germany. He created the “Mini Motel, a one-person tent complete with air mattress, pillow, reading light, alarm clock and pillow (which he now sells for $49.95). He thinks the airports shouldn’t have a problem with pitched tents in their common areas. “People sleeping in chairs don’t seem to bother them,” he says. “We could be forcing the airports to come up with a solution to respond to the tremendous need.” Actually, one airport has addressed the issue.

The Singapore Changi Airport “has dimly lighted napping areas, where comfortable leather chairs have leg rests and headrests. Some are even fitted with alarm clocks. There are also cheap sleeping cubicles available for travelers.” It was voted the best airport for sleeping (link here). But Ron Flavin thinks doing a little for stranded passengers could do a lot for the airlines. “I’m not a greedy guy,” he says, “but there was no gesture of any kind … I didn’t even have a toothbrush.” And then there’s Jonathan Miles, who managed to channel his layover frustrations into creative energy, and a novel called, “Dear American Airlines.” ~ Tim Manners, editor