Ruth Haines
LaGuardia Airport in New York City has been voted the worst airport in North America, and for good reason. Travellers have reported that sleeping in the airport is not pleasant, surreal, and not worth the trouble. The airport has also been criticised for its lack of amenities, with no 24-hour dining options and limited sleep spots. Security checkpoints close after the last flights, generally between 11 pm and 4 am, and there is no access during this time.
However, some travellers have no choice but to spend the night in the airport due to connecting flights being cancelled or delayed. If you do find yourself needing to stay overnight in LaGuardia Airport, here is a guide to help you navigate your options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Staying overnight | Possible, but not recommended due to safety concerns, limited amenities, and reports of homeless individuals. |
| Security | Closes between approximately 12:00 AM–4:00 AM. Travellers with early flights may need to re-clear security. |
| Sleeping spots | Limited; padded benches scattered around airside areas. |
| Lounges | Available for a fee; some accessible to economy-class travellers. |
| Hotels | No on-site hotels; however, multiple nearby hotels offer shuttle services. |
| Other amenities | Free unlimited WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, vending options, water refill stations, and 24-hour food options outside the airport. |
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What You'll Learn
- Sleeping in the airport is possible but not ideal due to the lack of amenities and reports of homeless individuals
- Security checkpoints close after the last flights, so you may not be allowed back through
- There are no dedicated sleeping areas, but there are informal spots with padded benches scattered around airside areas
- If you have a valid boarding pass, you will likely be allowed to stay
- If you want a more comfortable option, there are hotels nearby that offer shuttle services
Sleeping in the airport is possible but not ideal due to the lack of amenities and reports of homeless individuals
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) operates 24 hours a day, but security checkpoints close after the last flights, approximately between 11 pm and 4 am. While sleeping in the airport is possible, it is not ideal due to the lack of amenities and reports of homeless individuals.
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones at LaGuardia Airport. However, there are some informal spots with padded benches scattered around the airside areas. These include Terminal A, airside, near Gate A3 (limited benches); Terminal B, landside, Level 2, near baggage claim (carpeted areas, noisier); and Terminal C, airside, near Gate 92 (padded benches, quieter pre-closure).
If you plan to sleep in the airport, it is recommended to stay in well-populated areas and keep your valuables secure to minimise any safety risks. There have been reports of pickpocketing at the airport, so staying vigilant is essential.
Some travellers have reported spending the night at LaGuardia Airport due to flight cancellations or rescheduling. While the airport does not provide cots, some airlines may offer pillows and blankets to stranded passengers.
Alternatively, there are several nearby hotels that offer shuttle services, providing a more comfortable and restful option for overnight stays. Various lounges are also available for economy-class travellers, and single-visit lounge passes can be purchased.
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Security checkpoints close after the last flights, so you may not be allowed back through
Security checkpoints at LaGuardia Airport close after the last flights, so you may not be allowed back through. The airport operates 24 hours a day in the landside areas of Terminals A, B, and C, but airside security closes between approximately 1:00 a.m. and 4:00 a.m. The specific timings for each terminal are as follows: Terminal A (approximately 11:00 p.m.–4:00 a.m.), Terminal B (approximately 1:00 a.m.–4:00 a.m.), and Terminal C (approximately 1:00 a.m.–4:00 a.m.).
If you have a flight the next morning, you will be allowed to stay in the airport. However, there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Some travellers have reported spending the night in the airport, but the experience may not be pleasant due to the lack of amenities and comfort. The airport does offer free unlimited WiFi, mobile charging points, vending options, and water refill stations.
There have been reports of homeless individuals and safety concerns such as pickpocketing at the airport, especially overnight. Therefore, it is recommended to use busy traveller areas and stay vigilant to ensure the security of your valuables. Alternatively, nearby hotels offer shuttle services and lounges for a more comfortable and safer option.
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There are no dedicated sleeping areas, but there are informal spots with padded benches scattered around airside areas
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. However, travellers have reported several informal spots with padded benches scattered around the airside areas. These include Terminal A, airside, near Gate A3 (limited benches); Terminal B, landside, Level 2, near baggage claim (carpeted areas, noisier); and Terminal C, airside, near Gate 92 (padded benches, quieter pre-closure).
Sleeping in any airport can be risky, and LaGuardia is no exception. There have been multiple reports of homeless people and squatters taking over the terminals at night, bathing naked in the public restrooms, and sleeping in the food court and ticket counter areas. While there have been no safety incidents reported, there are reports of pickpocketing in the landside areas.
If you plan to sleep at LaGuardia, it is recommended to stay in busy traveller areas and use the available security measures, such as locating the security office and looking for video cameras. Additionally, consider downloading the MTA app, which some travellers have found helpful.
For a more comfortable and safer option, nearby hotels offer shuttle services, providing a restful alternative to sleeping in the airport. Several lounges are also open to economy-class travellers for a fee, including the American Airlines Admirals Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, Centurion Lounge, United Club, and Delta Sky Club. These lounges offer various amenities, such as showers and food and drink options.
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If you have a valid boarding pass, you will likely be allowed to stay
LaGuardia Airport (LGA) has a reputation for being a less-than-ideal place to stay overnight. Travellers have reported a lack of amenities, cleanliness, and comfort. The airport has also been criticised for its handling of stranded passengers during weather delays, with some travellers claiming they were not provided with cots or blankets.
However, if you have a valid boarding pass, you will likely be allowed to stay. It is recommended that you have a valid boarding pass before midnight, as security checkpoints close after the last flights: Terminal A (approx. 11:00 PM–4:00 AM), Terminal B (approx. 1:00 AM–4:00 AM), and Terminal C (approx. 1:00 AM–4:00 AM). If you arrive after security has closed, you will have to stay in the terminal entrance or baggage claim area, which travellers have reported as uncomfortable and lacking privacy.
To increase your chances of a good night's rest, consider the following tips:
- Stay in busy traveller areas.
- Choose well-populated spots for overnight rest.
- Be vigilant and conceal your valuables. There have been reports of pickpocketing at the airport.
- Take advantage of the free unlimited WiFi to stay connected and entertained.
- Consider purchasing a day pass for an airline lounge, which typically includes food and drinks.
- If you have access to a lounge, take advantage of any showers available to freshen up before your next flight.
- If you have a long layover, consider storing your luggage in a locker to free up your hands.
- If you need a place to freshen up or take a break from the airport, consider using the BeRelax Spa in Terminal B.
While staying overnight at LaGuardia Airport is possible, it is important to prioritise your safety and comfort. If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe at any time, consider alternative accommodation options, such as a nearby hotel.
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If you want a more comfortable option, there are hotels nearby that offer shuttle services
While it is possible to stay overnight at LaGuardia Airport, it is not ideal. The airport has a problem with homeless people camping out, and there are limited amenities and spots to sleep.
Other hotels near LaGuardia Airport that offer shuttle services include:
- Hyatt Place Flushing-Laguardia Airport
- Fairfield Inn New York LaGuardia Airport / Flushing
- Marco LaGuardia Hotel & Suites
- Hotel Indigo Flushing - Laguardia By IHG
These hotels offer a range of amenities such as restaurants, bars, lounges, business centres, and gyms. Some also provide multilingual staff who can provide around-the-clock assistance and concierge services.
Staying in a hotel can provide a more peaceful and comfortable rest compared to sleeping in the airport, especially if you have an early morning flight or a long layover. It is important to consider your comfort and safety when deciding where to spend the night.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can stay overnight at LaGuardia Airport. However, it is not recommended due to the lack of amenities and comfort. There are reports of homeless people camping out at the airport, especially overnight.
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones at LaGuardia Airport. However, there are informal spots with padded benches scattered around the airside areas.
Yes, there are several nearby hotels that offer shuttle services to and from the airport. These hotels provide a more comfortable and restful option compared to sleeping at the airport.
It is important to prioritize your safety and the security of your valuables. Avoid sleeping in isolated areas and stay in busy traveller zones. Keep your belongings with you at all times and be vigilant against potential pickpocketing.
Yes, lounges are available regardless of travel class through single-visit lounge passes or memberships. Some lounge options include the American Airlines Admirals Club, Air Canada Maple Leaf Lounge, and the Centurion Lounge.
