Roberta Aguirre
Sleeping in an airport may seem like a strange concept, but it's a common occurrence for many travellers. Whether it's due to a delayed or cancelled flight, a long layover, or simply a way to save money on accommodation, sleeping in airports is a viable option for many. While some airports prohibit sleeping, others allow it in specific areas, and some even provide special facilities like recliners, sleep pods, or nearby hotels. It's important to check the rules and facilities of the specific airport, prepare essential items like pillows and earplugs, and be mindful of your safety and belongings while sleeping in an airport.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Permission to sleep | Depending on the airport, it is usually permitted to sleep overnight in the airport if you have a connecting flight. Some airports prohibit sleeping, while others allow it in certain areas. |
| Facilities | Some airports have reclining chairs, sleep pods, tiny rooms, nearby hotels, shuttle services, and in-terminal airport hotels. |
| Preparation | Bring a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs, noise-cancelling headphones, toothbrush, and a change of clothes. |
| Safety | Airports are noisy and busy places, so keep your belongings close to prevent theft. |
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What You'll Learn
Rules and restrictions
Sleeping in airports is generally more common at busy international airports that operate flights around the clock, such as Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Doha International Airport. These airports often have facilities to support sleeping travellers, such as designated rest zones with reclining chairs, nap zones, or sleep pods. Some airports, like Singapore Changi, are known for offering a wide range of sleeping facilities.
It is important to note that even if an airport allows sleeping in terminals, there may be restrictions on where you can sleep. Some airports have designated sleeping spots or lounges that you can use for free or for a fee. These areas may have comfortable chairs or recliners for napping. However, it is always a good idea to check the airport's website or contact them directly to inquire about their specific rules and facilities for sleeping overnight.
Additionally, travellers may need to justify their presence in the airport to security personnel, especially in secure zones. It is recommended to keep your travel documents, such as tickets or boarding passes, readily available to show that you have airport business.
Furthermore, while airports are generally considered safe, it is important to take precautions to protect yourself and your belongings. Choose well-lit and populated areas to sleep in, and keep your luggage close to you or stored in a secure locker.
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Sleeping spots
Sleeping in airports can be challenging, but it's not impossible. Delayed flights, strangely timed layovers, and expensive airport hotels can make sleeping in an airport your only option. Sleeping spots will depend on the airport, as each airport has rules for whether you can sleep in a terminal building. Some airports prohibit it, while others allow it in certain areas. Some airports close nightly, while others remain open.
If you plan to sleep inside the airport, it's a good idea to check the airport's website or give them a call to find out their hours and sleeping arrangements. Big airports usually never close, but smaller ones might shut down at night. Some airports even have cool sleep pods or tiny rooms where you can rest quietly for a few hours. These pods are appearing in more terminals as they require less space. Airports with pods include Helsinki Airport in Finland, Doha and Munich International Airport in Germany.
If you can't find these, look for places where other people are already napping, such as baggage claim, or the main lobby. Some people have reported sleeping in public areas without any issues. Generally, it's a good idea to pick a spot where not many people walk by, so you won't be disturbed, but don't go too far, as this might make you a target for thieves. Keep your belongings close to prevent theft, and consider putting a leg or arm through a strap on your bag so you'll be woken up if someone tries to move it.
Some airports have special lounges you can pay to use for a day, which may have comfy chairs or recliners for napping. SkyTeam hubs in Amsterdam and Paris, plus terminals in Istanbul and Dubai, provide reclining chairs. Singapore has free-to-use snooze zones in each of its terminals.
If you can't sleep at the airport, you might find a comfy bed close by. Some airports have hotels connected or nearby, but these may require you to leave the secure area and pass through immigration. Airport hotels in Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul, don't require travellers to leave the secure area or go through immigration. Alternatively, some airports run shuttles to take travellers to nearby hotels.
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Comfort and safety
Sleeping in an airport can be challenging, but it is not impossible. Delayed flights, strangely timed layovers, and expensive airport hotels can make sleeping in an airport your only option. While it is typically permitted to sleep in an airport overnight, each airport has its own rules. Some airports prohibit it, while others allow it in certain areas. Some airports close nightly, while others remain open. Busy international airports with 24-hour flights, such as Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, are more likely to allow overnight stays.
To ensure comfort and safety when sleeping in an airport, consider the following:
Comfort:
- Check the airport's facilities: Some airports provide reclining chairs, sleep pods, or tiny rooms for resting. Others have nearby hotels or hotels inside the airport. Websites like SleepingInAirports.net provide information on the best spots at airports worldwide to get some rest.
- Bring essentials: Pack items like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs, and noise-canceling headphones to create a cozy and quiet sleeping environment amid the airport's noise and light.
- Dress comfortably: Wear loose, comfortable, and breathable clothing in layers to adapt to varying airport temperatures.
- Practice good hygiene: Bring a toiletry kit to maintain personal hygiene. Washing your face, brushing your teeth, and changing into fresh clothes can also signal to your body that it's time to rest.
- Stay hydrated and well-nourished: Carry water and light snacks to keep yourself hydrated and energized.
Safety:
- Be aware of your surroundings: Airports are busy places with constant movement and announcements. Choose a spot that feels safe and comfortable, ideally not too far away from other people to avoid becoming a target for thieves.
- Keep your belongings close: To prevent theft, keep your luggage and valuables close to you. Consider wrapping a bag strap around your arm or leg so that any movement will wake you up.
- Set multiple alarms: To avoid missing your flight, set multiple alarms for at least one hour before takeoff. This will give you enough time to wake up, freshen up, and get to the gate.
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What to pack
Sleeping in an airport is no fun, but it can be made more comfortable with the right items in your hand luggage. Here is a list of things to pack for a good night's sleep at an airport:
Essentials
First, the essentials: a travel pillow, a blanket, an eye mask, and earplugs. These will help you create a cosy sleeping environment amidst the airport's noise and light. You could also bring noise-cancelling headphones instead of earplugs.
Clothing
Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring an extra layer in case the airport gets cold at night. A large scarf or shawl can double up as a blanket.
Toiletries
Bring a toothbrush and toothpaste, and consider bringing a toiletry kit with other essentials. You might also want to bring a change of clothes, especially if you plan to sleep on a flight soon after. To help you relax, add a couple of drops of lavender oil to a dollop of moisturiser and apply it to your face and hands before bed.
Other items
Stay hydrated with a bottle of water, and bring some light snacks. It's also a good idea to set multiple alarms on your phone to avoid missing your flight.
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Alternatives to sleeping in the airport
Spending the night at the airport might not be your first choice, but it can be surprisingly manageable with a little planning. Here are some alternatives to sleeping on the airport floor:
Sleeping Pods
Sleeping pods that look like massage chairs with a cover are appearing in airport terminals. They require less space, which makes them easier for airports to install. You pay at the pod and then close the cover for a nap (paying by the hour or minute). Airports with pods include Helsinki Airport in Finland, Doha, and Munich International Airport in Germany.
Onsite Capsule Hotels
Customers pay for a set number of hours to sleep in bunk bed-style beds at capsule hotels. Luggage is stored in a separate area or on a side shelf, and a screen is drawn for privacy. Airports in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mexico City have these, among others.
Airport Hotels
Some airports have in-terminal airport hotels, such as those in Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul. These hotels do not require travelers to leave the secure area or go through immigration. Alternatively, some airports have connected or nearby hotels, but these may require leaving security and, in some cases, passing through immigration.
Minute Suites
Minute Suites is another option, selling access to rooms with a bed and TV, priced based on the length of stay. Travelers with Priority Pass can use these rooms for free for one hour and pay for additional hours.
Recliners
Some airports provide reclining chairs where travelers can rest. These include SkyTeam hubs in Amsterdam and Paris, plus terminals in Istanbul and Dubai.
First Class Airport Lounges
You can buy your way into a first-class airport lounge without having to pay for a business or first-class ticket.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at the airport. However, each airport has its own rules regarding sleeping in the terminal building. Some airports prohibit it, while others allow it in certain areas. Some airports close at night, while others remain open 24 hours. It is recommended to check the airport's website or give them a call to find out their rules and hours before planning to sleep there.
Here are some tips to make your airport sleep more comfortable and safe:
- Pack essentials like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs, and noise-canceling headphones.
- Dress comfortably in layers as the temperature in airports can vary.
- Stay hydrated and carry light snacks.
- Keep your belongings close to prevent theft.
- Set multiple alarms to avoid missing your flight.
- Look for special areas designated for sleeping, such as sleep pods or quiet lounges.
- Check websites like SleepingInAirports.net for specific airport guides and reviews.
Yes, if you prefer more comfort and privacy, there are alternatives to consider:
- Airport hotels: Some airports have hotels inside the terminal, while others have nearby hotels that may provide shuttle services.
- Minute Suites: These are small private rooms with a bed that can be accessed for a fee.
- Recliners: Some airports provide reclining chairs in specific terminals.
- Nap pods: These are pay-per-use sleeping pods that can be found in some airports.
