Our family recently got stuck at JFK on Christmas Eve! We were supposed to be ice-skating in Amsterdam, but extreme weather rerouted us from Spain to the U.S. a day early—through JFK. Unfortunately, we missed our connecting flight to the West Coast, leaving us stranded overnight at JFK Airport.
And that’s how we discovered Minute Suites Express at JFK. In this review, I’ll share our experience and whether it’s a good option for an airport layover.
From the sleeping on the floor to our own private suite inside Terminal 4 Concourse B
It was already nighttime when we missed our connection, and we were rebooked on a 6 a.m. flight. Leaving JFK didn’t make sense for just a few hours of sleep—especially since we’d have to go through security and long lines again in the morning (the same lines that caused our missed connection in the first place!).
So, we decided to sleep inside JFK. When I asked a Delta agent if there was anywhere in the terminal to rest, she mentioned Minute Suites Express near Gate B39.
Photo Above: We tried to just sleep on the floor at JFK, but it was Christmas Eve and it just seemed so sad.
Photo Above: The Minute Suites advertisement from our stay.
Minute Suites Express at JFK: A Look Inside
I decided to check it out. The attendant at Minute Suites was incredibly friendly and helpful—one of the nicest airport staff members I’ve ever encountered. She even let me take a look inside the suites before booking so I could make an informed decision.
The standard rate was $190 per suite for 8 hours, and she walked me through the features: an Alexa, Apple TV, a workstation, a sofa bed, clean pillows, and blankets. When I mentioned the size of our group, she recommended at least two suites but kindly offered us a discount. We ended up paying $342 for two suites on Christmas Eve.
Minute Suites also offers hourly rentals, which is a great option for shorter layovers.
Please note that rates may vary based on factors like date, time, and availability. For the most current pricing, it’s best to check the official Minute Suites website.
Photo Above: This is the hallway to the private suites. Each room has a NYC name to it, like “Wall Street.” The whole space was very clean!
Photo Above: This photo shows the workstation located in each suite.
Photo Above: You can see what the room and sofa bed look like.
A Hidden Retreat at JFK’s Minute Suites
The suites were very private—it was hard to believe the airport was just on the other side of the wall. We used the provided Alexa as a white noise machine, which helped us get some rest. While we didn’t sleep perfectly, that was mostly due to jet lag and squeezing three people into each suite rather than any issues with the space itself.
One big perk? You can come and go freely, which made it easy to step out in the morning for coffee while leaving our luggage safely inside. The airport bathrooms are conveniently located just outside the facility, and the terminal was nearly deserted overnight.
A hot 30-minute shower inside JFK Terminal B
In addition to offering private suites for sleeping, working, or just relaxing, Minute Suites also has showers! The shower costs an additional $20–$30 per person, with a discount available if you rent a suite.
Gary thought it was well worth it—in fact, this might have been his favorite part of the experience. He said the shower had everything he needed for a hot, relaxing refresh, just a few gates away from where we’d later board our flight.
The Airline Reimbursed Us for JFK Suites (so we stayed free after all)
While we paid for these suites ourselves—without expecting any reimbursement—KLM ended up covering the entire cost!
At first, I filed a reimbursement claim with Delta, because the flight was booked with Delta, but it was immediately denied with no referral to KLM (flight leg was operated by KLM). Had I given up there, that would have been the end of it (though I did have free trip insurance from my Aeroplan Chase credit card).
Instead, I submitted a claim with KLM directly, knowing that European airlines follow strict EU consumer protection laws in these situations and there was a chance they might pay. Since the first leg of our trip was operated by KLM, they reimbursed all of my airport expenses during our missed connection—without any issue. The money was deposited directly into my bank account within 10 days.
I was so glad I kept my receipts—including the $60 Dunkin’ receipt for ridiculously overpriced airport coffee. So if this ever happens to you, keep those receipts—just in case!
FAQs
- Where is Minute Suites Express located inside JFK airport?
JFK Terminal 4, Concourse B near Gate B39
2. Do I have to be flying out of a certain terminal to stay at Minute Suites Express inside JFK airport?
Yes, you must have a valid boarding pass arriving or departing from Terminal 4.
3. Can I reserve a suite online?
Yes, go here: Minute Suites Online Booking (webappclouds.net)
4. Can I buy snacks and drinks at Minute Suites Express?
Yes. The check-in counter also sells snacks, drinks, and other things you might need during your visit.
5. Is there a shower available at Minute Suites Express inside JFK?
Yes, this location does offer a shower. We were told it is possible to just pay for a shower if this is what you need during your visit. However, the price for shower without suite is slightly more.
6. Does Minute Suites Express charge a per person rate?
No. Expect to pay a flat rate for the suite.
7. Are Minute Express Suites available at other airports, beside JFK?
Yes. See other locations here: Home – Minute Suites
8. Where can I see all the price options, such as the hourly rate or shower only rate?
See the current list of prices for Minute Suites Express here: Pricing – Minute Suites
Thank you for this information! Do you feel there is enough room (to nap) for two adults and a teenager? Or should we bite the bullet and get two suites?
It might feel a bit tight, but it’s definitely doable. I stayed in one suite with my two daughters (a teen and a young adult), while my husband shared another suite with our 12- and 15-year-olds. We managed just fine, though someone ended up sleeping on the floor. The accommodations were clean and offered enough privacy. I think you’ll be okay if you set realistic expectations and prefer not to book two suites. Personally, I’d still choose to put three people in one suite again to save money, but it ultimately depends on how comfortable you want everyone to be, especially if family naps or downtime are a priority. Plus, in our situation, it was definitely an upgrade from sleeping in the terminal!