Business Notes Lodging

Like many a weary traveler, Norman Panish has had enough of delayed flights and airport lobbies packed with stranded passengers. Panish once arrived at London's Heathrow, he recalls, and saw "bodies strewn on the floor, literally thousands of people jammed in." When he was fogged in at New York's Kennedy on another occasion, "there was just no place to put us. It was a near riot."

Now Panish, 48, a former pharmacist, has come up with a new form of traveler's aid. This week, in a terminal at Los Angeles International Airport, he opens Skytel, a minimotel where passengers can freshen up and relax for a few hours or even minutes. Though rooms are small (6 ft. by 15 ft.), each contains full amenities, including a telephone with a hookup for computers. The cost: $5.50 for the first 20 minutes and 25 cents per minute thereafter.

Panish expects that his motel by the minute will attract travelers with short layovers. But customers who want to use the beds for something other than rest will not be welcome. Skytel will rent rooms only to individuals. Even married couples will have to take separate accommodations.