Jazmin Li
Sleeping in an airport is a situation many travellers will experience at some point, whether due to a missed connection, bad weather, or a tight budget. While it may not be the most comfortable option, sleeping in an airport is possible and can even be safe if you take the necessary precautions. Some airports have strict policies against overnight stays, while others provide dedicated sleeping areas, lounges, or even rooms for travellers with long layovers. To improve your experience, it is recommended to research the airport's policy on overnight stays, find a safe and quiet spot, and bring items like travel pillows, blankets, and eye masks to enhance your comfort.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Safety | Generally safe, but take precautions as you would sleeping in any public place. Keep valuables close to you. |
| Comfort | Varies widely between airports. Some airports have dedicated sleeping facilities, lounges, or rooms. |
| Location | Avoid high-traffic areas such as toilets, check-in desks, and food vendors. |
| Sleeping position | If you can, find a padded couch or a seat without armrests. If you prefer to lie flat, choose a carpeted floor. |
| Amenities | Some airports have yoga/meditation rooms, prayer rooms, and sleep chambers with HDTV, Wi-Fi, and daybeds. |
| Alternatives | If you're in your hometown, you can go home for the night. Otherwise, you can stay in a nearby hotel. |
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What You'll Learn
Safety precautions and theft prevention
Sleeping in an airport is generally safe, but it is still a public space, so it is important to take precautions. Firstly, check the airport's official website for information on sleeping accommodations and any policies they may have regarding overnight stays. Some airports have designated sleeping areas, lounges, or even rooms for travellers with long layovers. If you know you will have a long layover, it is worth researching in advance whether sleeping in the airport is possible and what facilities are available.
When choosing a spot to sleep, safety in numbers is a good principle to follow. Look for other airport sleepers and choose a spot where others are also sleeping. Avoid high-traffic areas such as toilets, check-in desks, or near stores or food vendors, as these areas tend to be noisier and may attract more unwanted attention. If you can, find a padded couch or seat without armrests, which can provide more comfort and privacy. If you prefer to sleep on the floor, look for a clean, carpeted area, and use your luggage as a barrier between you and a wall to protect your belongings from potential thieves.
Keep your valuables secure at all times. Keep your passports, cash, and credit cards on you or near you at all times. Put these items in an inside pocket of your bag, or somewhere less accessible, rather than an outside pocket. You can also keep cash and credit cards in your shoe or a pocket of your pillow. Put larger items like cameras, laptops, and purses inside your locked luggage, and keep this close to you, preferably sandwiched between you and a wall. You can also cover your luggage with an oversized shirt or sweatshirt to deter potential thieves.
If you are travelling alone, consider taking turns sleeping with another solo traveller, or staying alert with a strong cup of coffee until you can sleep on the plane. You can also acquaint yourself with a night-shift employee and ask them to recommend a safe spot to sleep. You could even offer them a small amount of money to keep an eye on you and your belongings while you rest.
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Comfort and cleanliness
Sleeping in an airport can be a comfortable and safe experience if you know how to prepare. While some airports have strict policies against overnight stays in public areas, others have designated sleeping areas or lounges for passengers with long layovers. Even if an airport permits sleeping in chairs or on the floor, the comfort and facilities available can vary widely.
If you know you have a long layover in advance, research whether sleeping at the airport overnight is possible. Start by visiting the airport's official website, which may have information about passenger services, including sleeping accommodations. Some airports have chairs with no armrests, making it easier to stretch out, while some have carpeted floors, dedicated sleeping facilities, lounges, and even rooms where travellers can sleep.
If you plan to sleep on the floor, look for a clean, carpeted area. Sleeping close to a wall or window can provide some protection from luggage thieves, and it's a good idea to put your luggage between you and the wall. If you have a travel towel, you can use it as a blanket or a makeshift pillow, or you can use a sweatshirt or an oversized shirt to cover your luggage. If you're worried about germs, consider using a clean T-shirt or something similar to protect your face and head.
To enhance your comfort, consider bringing earplugs and an eye mask to block out noise and light. You may also want to change into comfortable clothing, such as sweatpants or leggings, and carry a small pillow and blanket to keep warm. Additionally, look for outlets near your sleeping area to charge your electronic devices.
While sleeping in an airport can be safe, it's important to take precautions. Stay with other airport sleepers, as there is safety in numbers, and avoid high-traffic areas like toilets, check-in desks, and food vendors. Keep your valuables, such as passports, credit cards, and cash, close to you or inside your luggage, which you can lock with a TSA-approved lock.
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Sleeping facilities and designated areas
Sleeping in an airport is possible at many airports around the world. However, some airports may have strict policies against overnight stays in public areas, while others may have designated sleeping areas or lounges for passengers with long layovers. The comfort and facilities available for sleeping vary widely from one airport to another.
If you know you have a long layover in advance, it is recommended to research whether sleeping at the airport overnight is possible. Start by visiting the airport's official website, which may provide information about passenger services, including sleeping accommodations. Some airports have chairs with no armrests, allowing travellers to stretch out more easily. Some airports may also have carpeted floors, dedicated sleeping facilities, lounges, or even rooms where travellers can sleep.
If the airport does not have a designated sleeping area, it is advisable to walk around to find the best place to sleep. It is generally safer to sleep where other people are sleeping. High-traffic areas, such as toilets, check-in desks, and food vendors, tend to be noisier and less ideal for sleeping. However, earplugs and eye masks can help block out the noise and light. If possible, look for a set of chairs with no armrests, as they are more comfortable and cleaner than the floor. Clean carpeted areas are also preferable to sleeping on hard floors.
Some airports offer yoga or meditation rooms, such as Chicago O'Hare, Midway, San Francisco, San Diego, Burlington, Dallas-Fort Worth, Albuquerque, and Raleigh-Durham. These rooms often provide complimentary mats and can offer a quiet space for rest. International airports often feature prayer rooms that can also be used for napping. Additionally, companies like Minute Suites offer sleep chambers with various amenities that can be rented by the hour or overnight. Similarly, "Napcabs" in Munich and Yotel "pod" hotels in London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Amsterdam Schiphol provide sleeping options within the airport.
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Traveller reviews and research
Sleeping in airports is a common occurrence, with many travellers sharing their experiences online. Websites like Sleeping in Airports offer detailed facility guides and reviews from airport sleepers worldwide. The website also conducts an annual survey, publishing a list of the best and worst airports based on traveller experiences.
Reviews and personal accounts provide valuable insights into the safety and comfort of sleeping in airports. While some travellers report feeling safe, others have shared concerns about theft and personal safety. For example, while there have been no reported attacks, there have been instances of theft, with items like iPods and laptops going missing.
Researching traveller experiences can help identify airports with strict policies against overnight stays or those with designated sleeping areas. For instance, some airports offer dedicated sleeping facilities, lounges, or rooms, while others have comfortable chairs without armrests or carpeted floors.
To make an informed decision, it is recommended to visit the airport's official website, which may provide information about sleeping accommodations and passenger services. Additionally, checking reviews and tips from other travellers can help prepare for a comfortable and safe sleep in the airport.
Some travellers offer specific advice, such as choosing a clean, carpeted area away from high-traffic zones and placing luggage between oneself and a wall to protect belongings. Other suggestions include using travel towels as blankets or pillows, carrying essential items like earplugs and eye masks, and keeping valuables secure.
While sleeping in airports may not always be comfortable, it can lead to unique experiences and stories to share. Some travellers even embrace the challenge, making the most of their time by socialising, exploring the airport, and finding creative ways to pass the time until their next flight.
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Alternatives to sleeping on the floor
Spending the night at an airport is not ideal, but sometimes it is unavoidable. If you find yourself in this situation, there are several alternatives to sleeping on the floor that you can consider. Here are some options to make your experience more comfortable:
Airport Lounges
Some airport lounges offer access to economy class travellers on a pay-per-use basis. Lounges typically provide comfortable seating, complimentary snacks and drinks, Wi-Fi, and TVs. Some even have showers and massages available for an additional fee. While not all lounges have sleeping facilities, they can still offer a more pleasant environment than the main terminal.
Sleeping Pods and Hotel Pods
Some airports, like Munich, offer self-service sleep booths, or "Napcabs," equipped with internet access and TV. These can be rented at an affordable hourly rate. Additionally, Yotel "pod" hotels can be found at London Heathrow, London Gatwick, and Amsterdam Schiphol.
Minute Suites
Minute Suites provides sleep chambers with various amenities, including HDTV, a desk, a phone, a daybed, and Wi-Fi. They are available for rent by the hour, overnight, or even just for a quick shower. Minute Suites are currently located at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta, Philadelphia, and Dallas Fort Worth, with plans to expand to Chicago O'Hare.
Yoga/Meditation Rooms
Many U.S. airports now have yoga or meditation rooms that can provide a quiet space for rest or reflection. These rooms often offer complimentary mats and are generally found in airports such as Chicago O'Hare, Midway, San Francisco, San Diego, Burlington, Dallas-Fort Worth, Albuquerque, and Raleigh-Durham.
Prayer Rooms
Most international airports have prayer rooms that could also serve as potential napping areas. Remember to be considerate and polite if you choose to use these spaces.
Car Rentals
If you're at a regional airport, you may be able to rent a car and sleep in it. Usually, you can keep the car in the lot at no extra cost, providing a more private and secure sleeping environment.
Nearby Hotels
If you prefer more traditional accommodations, consider checking into a nearby airport hotel. While this option may be more expensive, it guarantees a good night's rest and can be convenient if you have an early morning flight.
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Frequently asked questions
Generally, sleeping in the airport is safe as long as you take the usual precautions that one should expect to take when sleeping in public places. It's recommended to sleep where other people are sleeping as there is safety in numbers.
If possible, try to sleep on a padded couch or a carpeted floor. Look for a set of chairs with no armrests as it's more comfortable and cleaner than the floor. If you're sleeping on the floor, use your luggage as a pillow or a makeshift sheet between you and the floor. If you have a travel towel, you can use it as a blanket or a makeshift pillow.
Yes, some airports have dedicated sleeping facilities, lounges, and even rooms where travellers can sleep. Some airports also have yoga/meditation rooms and prayer rooms that might be napping options. Alternatively, you can rent a sleep chamber or a self-service sleep booth.
