A full Boeing 747 was converted as a hostel at the Arlanda Airport in January 2008. It was once a Pan Am Clipper but is now one of the coolest hotels in Sweden. Why not try a Stockholm layover in a jumbo jet?
The 747 was built for Singapore Airlines and entered service in 1976. It was sold to Pan American in 1984 for which it flew until 1991. Its last air operator was Swedish Transjet that went bankrupt in 2002. Jumbo Stay has 33 rooms and 76 beds.
The aircraft was subsequently acquired by Oscar Diös, who had previously run a youth hostel in Uppsala. He called his Jumbo ‘Liv’ after his daughter. Diös was developing a concept of running hostels inside many different objects, including boats, trains and lighthouses. When he found out that a retired aircraft was for sale at Arlanda Airport, he decided to try setting up an airport hostel inside it, as there were no hostels or budget hotels nearby. In December 2007, the municipality of Sigtuna granted him a building permit to establish a hostel within the aircraft, at the entrance to the airport.
Officially it is a hostel, not a hotel, even affiliated with Hosteling International. But by pricing it is more like a hotel, room rates starting from around 100 Euros (except dorms).
“Welcome to Jumbo Stay. A unique hotel in a Boeing 747 Jumbo Jet. An exclusive experience in the world with great sleeping comfort right on the airport ARN, Stockholm-Arlanda. We are open for Check-In every day of the week,” states Jumbostay.
The interior of the Boeing 747 has been almost entirely changed, including by the removal of 450 seats. However, a selection of its features, such as the flight controls and some of the original seats and windows, has been retained.
If you prefer staying on a ship, there are options in Stockholm. Read our article Exploring the Finest Boat Hotels in Stockholm.
Jumbo Stay offers various types of rooms and dorms. Special rooms include the ones built inside engine cases, but the most luxurious option is the cockpit suite. The Jumbo’s hostel accommodation includes two- and four-bed dorms – these are divided into male and female rooms (no mixed dorms). Economy class is a four-bed dorm at 45 Euros per person. The dorms are small and basic but still have some luxuries, e. g. television. The channel selection, however, is only local channels. A free towel is provided.
Jumbo Stay has proven to be an exciting option for aviation enthusiasts as well as families and businesspeople looking for a memorable and unique experience.
At its permanent site, the aircraft was mounted on a concrete foundation, and its landing gear was secured in two steel cradles. Additionally, a set of metal stairs and a lift were installed at its main entrance on the left side.
Those tempted to spend a night at Jumbo Stay can plan ahead and reserve the luxury suite inside the old cockpit. The cockpit suite boasts sweeping views of Stockholm’s Arlanda Airport. A Double Bed Ensuite Cockpit room starts at 1850 SEK or approximately $177.
Stockholm Layover in a Jumbo Jet, written by Tor Kjolberg. This is an updated version of the article written in 2015.