Have you ever slept at an Airport? Being cramped in between hundreds of people rushing by, or merely trying to kill (lots of) time? This can be super uncomfortable and having absolutely no privacy can be annoying over time. An answer to this is the napcabs Sleeping Boxes I found at Berlin Tegel Airport TXL. napcabs is providing these boxes that can be rented on an hourly basis. Recently I had to kill lots of time at Berlin Tegel Airport TXL, was tired and had no plans on what to do in Berlin, with all my luggage and stuff. Renting out a napcabs Sleep Box at Berlin Tegel Airport TXL was an absolutely right decision.
Located on the third floor in Terminal B (close to Terminal C) it’s entirely possible to run by without noticing, so it’s recommended to look after the SkyConference Center and the three elevators. There is no possibility to pre-book the Cabins; neither is there actually someone who watches them. In total, there are two napcabs located on the public floor next to the Conference Area, next to all the Toilets. And here is the downside of the Sleeping Boxes. If there is currently a Conference or in general larger masses of people, it’s very noisy. Definitely not comparable to the (not existing) sounds at BER Airport Berlin. The Price per hour is 15€ during the day and 10€ during the night-time. A minimum fee is 30€, equal to a minimum of 3 hours at night or 2 hours during the day. For Payment, there is a valid debit or credit card mandatory, that you must have with you the moment you book the napcabs Sleeping Cabin. I stayed there for 210 minutes and paid 52,50€. Quite much at first, but it was totally worth it.
The napcabs airport sleeping cabins are equipped with a 200 x 80 cm bed, a 90 x 65 cm desk (with no separate chair), a wall-mounted TV, a docking station for iPhone and Android devices, a Dual USB charging socket as well as a 230 V power port. There is a Touchscreen outside to operate everything, and also to re-enter if you left for the bathroom or to go shopping downstairs. Inside there is another Touchscreen from where you operate everything inside. For Light and Music, there is either a Day or Sleeping Mode available, as well as an Alarm Clock if needed. More Info can be found on the Airport’s Website.
Unfortunately, the sleeping light was still very bright, and I had problems to fall asleep. Another disturbing thing to the noise from outside. As there is only one door, and no windows, air circulation is provided through a fan that works in three modes (from soft to powerful).
In theory, the napcabs Sleeping Boxes are a genius invention. Having privacy, an own space to rest and recharge is sometimes so needed at Airports. But, to maintain low noise, and an environment with ‘fresh Air’ I’d place them somewhere else at Berlin Tegel Airport. I guess it would have been even more silent if the napcabs were placed in the underground parking. And, the light needs to be more dimmable; personally, it was just impossible to fall asleep deeply. But still, a great invention. They are located at two more locations at Munich Airport MUC; maybe I’ll pass by them in the future.
Have you ever heard about those Sleeping Boxes? Or even tried one, I’d like to know your experience!
Pictures: napcabs Sleeping Box at Berlin Tegel Airport TXL
