Travel delays can ruin even the best-planned trip.

When I was flying from Houston to Charleston recently, I got stuck overnight in Atlanta. I was tired, frustrated, and ready to sleep anywhere that wasn’t a cold, bright gate chair. The airline offered me a hotel voucher, but I didn’t take it, and it ended up being one of the best travel decisions I’ve ever made. Let’s talk about the $232 I spent that completely changed how I think about airport layovers.

So here’s the situation. When I learned I would be stuck in Atlanta overnight, I was told there might be a few standby options, so I stuck around hoping something would open up. By the time I finally gave up, it was well after midnight. At that point, heading to a hotel didn’t feel worth the effort. I would’ve had to get the voucher, call a shuttle, check in, sleep for maybe three hours, and then do the whole thing in reverse to get back through security before sunrise. That’s when I saw it: the Minute Suites.

If you’ve never heard of them, they’re essentially small private rooms located inside the airport. Each one comes with a door that locks, a comfy daybed sofa (that can sleep two people), clean pillows, and fresh blankets. There’s also a desk, a desk chair, and charging ports, plus a TV that lets you access DirecTV and Netflix.

The suite I stayed in even had an Amazon Alexa to help adjust the lighting and volume, and the Wi-Fi was fast enough to stream or get some work done without interruption.

Some locations also offer shower facilities, which you can book separately. Mine in Atlanta did, and while I didn’t end up using it this time, it’s nice to know it’s an option for those long-haul travel days when you just need to feel human again.

Now, it wasn’t cheap. I was quoted $70 per hour or $232 for an overnight stay. I hesitated for about five seconds before deciding my sanity was worth it. The second I closed the door behind me, I knew I’d made the right call. The room was dark, quiet, and private, three things you rarely get in an airport. I stretched out on the daybed, set an alarm, and finally got some real rest. No overhead announcements, no flickering fluorescent lights, and no worrying about someone grabbing my bag while I tried to doze off.

Could I have saved money by using the free hotel voucher? Definitely. But there’s something to be said about the peace of mind that comes with staying inside the airport. I didn’t have to think about shuttles or traffic or security lines in the morning. When I woke up, I just gathered my things, walked a few minutes to my gate, and was ready to board.

If you’ve ever had to sleep in an airport before, you know the struggle. The chairs are usually impossible to get comfortable in, the lights never go off, and you’re constantly half-awake keeping an eye on your stuff. After this experience, I can safely say that spending the money for a Minute Suite was absolutely worth it. These suites aren’t just in Atlanta either. You can find them in several major airports including:

• Houston (IAH)
• Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW)
• Nashville (BNA)
• Philadelphia (PHI)
• Salt Lake City (SLC)
• New York’s JFK
• Baltimore (BWI)
• Charlotte (CLT)
• Newark (EWR)

So if you ever find yourself stuck between flights in one of these cities, this might be your new favorite airport hack.

For business travelers, this setup makes even more sense. Between the desk, fast Wi-Fi, and quiet environment, it’s perfect for anyone who needs to take a call, finish some work, or just reset before the next leg of their journey. And for families, it can be a lifesaver, especially when you’re traveling with little ones who need a nap or some downtime away from the airport chaos.

I think that’s what makes Minute Suites such a game changer. It’s not necessarily about luxury; it’s about comfort and convenience when you need them most. Whether you’re exhausted after a long travel day or just need a few hours to recharge, it’s a way to reclaim a bit of control in a situation where you usually have none.

So yes, I spent $232 to sleep in an airport, and I’d do it again in a heartbeat. Next time I get stranded between flights, I’ll be booking a Minute Suite before I even think about heading to a hotel. It might not be the cheapest option, but after one truly restful night in the middle of a travel nightmare, I can confidently say it’s worth every penny.

If you ever find yourself stuck overnight during your next Disney trip or flight home, remember this: Sometimes convenience is the real travel luxury.

We’re constantly bringing you tips and tricks that could help you on your upcoming Disney World trip, so make sure you keep following Disney Food Blog for more.

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If this happened to you on your way to Disney World, would you shell out for a Minute Suite or take the free hotel instead? We want to know what you’d choose!