Roberta Aguirre
Sleeping in an airport may not be ideal, but sometimes it's the only option. Whether you're dealing with flight cancellations, long layovers, or just trying to save money on accommodation, knowing the ins and outs of sleeping in an airport can make your travel experience more tolerable. Each airport has different rules and facilities for travellers who need to sleep, so doing your research beforehand is key. From sleeping pods and lounges to nearby hotels, there are options to suit every budget and preference. But with the possibility of flight delays and cancellations, you might find yourself with no choice but to spend the night in an airport. So, is it possible to get some shut-eye in an airport, and if so, how?
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping in airports | It depends on the airport. Some airports prohibit it, others allow it in certain areas, some close nightly, and some remain open. |
| Reasons for sleeping in airports | Early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, inclement weather, airline industry staffing shortages, hurricanes, tornados, mechanical repairs, volcanic activity, brushfires, and reduced flight schedules. |
| Tips for sleeping in airports | Use websites like SleepingInAirports.net to find the best spots at airports to sleep. Bring essentials like blankets, eye shades, earplugs, and pillows. Protect your valuables. Use a wrap as a blanket or pillow. Use mobile apps to stay entertained. |
| Sleeping accommodations in airports | Sleeping pods, airport capsule hotels, airport lounges, reclining chairs, and in-terminal airport hotels. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pods, lounges, and recliners
Sleeping Pods
Sleeping pods are individual units that offer privacy and basic amenities for rest and relaxation. They are usually equipped with a reclining chair or bed, a reading lamp, and internet access. Some pods may also include a workspace, a private bathroom, and a TV. Sleeping pods can be found at various airports, including:
- London Heathrow Airport (YotelAir)
- Seoul Incheon Airport (Nap Zones)
- Helsinki Vantaa Airport (GoSleep pods)
- Munich Airport (NapCabs)
- JFK International Airport, New York City (GoSleep pods and Minute Suites)
- Philadelphia International Airport (Minute Suites)
- Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (Minute Suites)
- Amsterdam Schipol Airport (Yotel and Citizen M)
- Dubai International Airport (Snoozecube and GoSleep pods)
- Singapore Changi Airport (Napcabs)
The cost of sleeping pods varies, with some airports offering flexible pricing. For example, at Philadelphia International Airport and Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, the cost is $48 for the first hour and $12 for each additional 15 minutes. An 8-hour stay option is available for $175.
Airport Lounges
Airport lounges offer a comfortable space to relax and often provide additional amenities such as food and beverages, shower facilities, and quiet working areas. Some lounges can be accessed without a business or first-class ticket by purchasing a pass. Lounges with sleep facilities include:
- Yotel Amersterdam Schipol Transit Hotel, Lounge 2
- Incheon Airport, Seoul
- Singapore Changi Airport
Recliners
Some airports provide recliners or lounge chairs as a more basic option for travellers to rest. These are usually located in specific areas of the airport and may be free of charge. For example, Dubai International Airport offers a line of lounge chairs in Terminal 2, and Seoul Incheon Airport has a Nap Zone room with lounge chairs in Terminal 2.
When considering sleeping in an airport during a layover, it is essential to check the specific facilities and options available at your particular airport. Websites like "Sleeping in Airports" provide valuable information and reviews from other travellers who have experienced sleeping in various airports.
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Safety and security of belongings
Sleeping in an airport during a layover may be permitted, but it can be challenging to get a good night's rest while also ensuring the safety and security of your belongings. Here are some tips to help you protect your possessions while sleeping in an airport:
Keep Your Belongings Close
It is essential to keep your valuables within close proximity at all times. Place your valuables, such as your wallet, passport, and electronic devices, in secure pockets or a purse/backpack that is slung across your shoulder. You can also use a waist or neck pouch to keep essential items like money and your passport hidden under your shirt. If you must sleep, set an alarm to ensure you don't oversleep and leave your belongings unattended for too long.
Make Your Luggage Distinctive
To deter thieves and easily identify your luggage, make it stand out from other bags. Use distinctive identifiers such as bright ribbons or neon-colored luggage belts. This will not only make your bag harder to steal but also easier for you to spot and retrieve at baggage claim, reducing the risk of theft.
Use Luggage Locks or Seals
Consider using TSA-approved luggage locks or numbered luggage seals to secure your bag's zippers. While these may not prevent a determined thief, they can deter opportunistic thieves and encourage them to target other, easier bags. Additionally, consider getting a lock for your carry-on bag in case you need to gate-check it.
Be Vigilant and Aware
Stay vigilant and aware of your surroundings, especially when going through security checkpoints. Never place essential items loosely in a security line bin. Keep them in your carry-on bag or secure pockets until you absolutely need to remove them for inspection. Always keep your bag in sight and, if possible, time yourself to ensure you can gather your belongings promptly after a secondary inspection.
Plan and Prepare
Before embarking on your trip, carefully consider what items you truly need. Leave behind anything that isn't essential, especially valuable or fragile items. Make a list of all your essential items, including IDs, credit/debit cards, valuables, and electronics. Include relevant details like brand names, model numbers, and serial numbers, which can be crucial if you need to report a loss or theft.
Additional Tips
- Keep essential items like a toothbrush, toothpaste, and a travel-size bottle of moisturizer or lotion with you to maintain personal hygiene during your layover.
- Fully charge your electronic devices and keep an eye out for power sources to recharge if needed.
- Consider downloading music, podcasts, or other entertainment to your devices to help pass the time.
- If possible, look for airport lounges or sleeping pods that offer added privacy and security for sleeping travellers.
Remember, while these measures can help, the ultimate responsibility for the safety of your belongings rests with you. Stay alert and trust your instincts to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey.
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Airport rules and policies
Spending the night at an airport is not ideal, but it can be necessary due to early morning flights, long layovers, unexpected cancellations, or bad weather. Generally, most major airports allow overnight sleeping, but each airport has its own rules and policies regarding sleeping in the terminal area. Some airports prohibit sleeping in the terminal, while others allow it in specific areas. Some airports close for the night, while others operate 24 hours a day. Larger, busier airports with 24-hour operations are more likely to have facilities that make sleeping overnight more comfortable.
For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) permits overnight stays only in designated sleep boxes, while Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) allows sleeping in public seating areas from midnight to 4 am. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and many other international airports have designated rest zones and snooze-friendly amenities ideal for overnight layovers. Airports in Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul have in-terminal hotels, so travellers don't need to leave the secure area or go through immigration. Some airports provide reclining chairs, while others have sleeping pods or rooms.
If you plan to sleep in an airport, it's important to research the specific airport's rules and facilities ahead of time. Be prepared for the possibility of your luggage being stolen, and consider bringing items like an eye mask, earplugs, and comfortable clothing to make your stay more comfortable.
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Nearby hotels
If you're facing a long layover, you may want to consider staying in a hotel near the airport. Websites like HotelsByDay.com and DayBreakHotels offer day-use hotel rooms near airports, where you can relax and recharge during your layover. These hotels provide flexible bookings, allowing you to pay only for the time you need and offering amenities like gyms and pools.
Some airports, such as Austin-Bergstrom International (AUS), even have on-site hotels, making it convenient for travellers with overnight layovers. Nashville International Airport (BNA) is also noted for having a high number of nearby hotels, and its proximity to downtown Nashville makes it ideal for exploring the city during longer layovers. San Diego International Airport (SAN) is another excellent option, with a high concentration of nearby hotels and a picturesque location on San Diego Bay.
When booking a hotel for a layover, consider the length of your layover and the amenities you require. Websites like HotelsByDay offer flexible time-bands ranging from 3 to 11 hours, allowing you to choose the option that best suits your schedule. Additionally, some hotels offer special discounts for loyalty members or early check-in options, so be sure to explore the available deals.
If you decide to stay at the airport instead, you can refer to websites like Sleeping in Airports for tips and tricks to make your overnight stay more comfortable.
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Making the experience comfortable
Sleeping in an airport may seem challenging, but it's a common experience for many travellers. Whether you're trying to save money on a hotel room or just looking to catch a quick nap between flights, knowing how to sleep comfortably can make your journey much smoother. Here are some tips to make the experience more pleasant:
Choose a Suitable Location:
Select a spot that feels safe and comfortable. Avoid high-traffic areas to minimise disturbances and find a quiet corner if possible. However, don't isolate yourself too far from other travellers, as this could make you more vulnerable to theft. If you're travelling with a companion, consider taking shifts so one person can watch over your belongings while the other rests.
Prepare the Right Gear:
Bring items that will enhance your comfort, such as a travel pillow, a lightweight blanket or wrap, and a foam seat cushion. Inflatable pillows are convenient as they take up minimal space in your luggage. An eye mask and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones can help block out the airport's bright lights and noisy environment, improving your sleep quality.
Utilise Airport Amenities:
Some airports offer special lounges, sleeping pods, or nap areas that you can rent for a more comfortable rest. These may include amenities like nap seats, beds, private bathrooms, and TVs. Check the airport's website or call ahead to see what options are available. If you don't want to pay for a lounge, look for 24-hour restaurants or cafes where you can pass the time and stay in a well-lit, populated area.
Protect Your Belongings:
Keep your valuables secure at all times. Place your bags close to you, and consider using luggage locks or Bluetooth trackers for added security. You can also loop the straps of your bag around your body or place your feet on top of your luggage to comply with airport rules and deter potential thieves. Keep your money and passport in a waist or neck pouch hidden under your shirt.
Plan Ahead:
Before your trip, research the airport to understand its rules and facilities. Some airports close at night, so knowing this in advance will help you prepare. Check for nearby hotels or sleep pods, and if the airport provides shuttles to these accommodations. Fully charge your electronic devices, and download music, podcasts, or entertainment to keep you occupied during your layover.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, it is possible to sleep at the airport during a layover. However, each airport has its own rules regarding sleeping in the terminal building. Some airports prohibit it, while others allow it in specific areas. Some airports close at night, while others remain open 24 hours.
If you plan to sleep in an airport, bring essential items such as a blanket, eye shades, earplugs, and a pillow, or use your clothes as a makeshift pillow. You can also use websites like SleepingInAirports.net to find the best spots at airports to get some rest.
Yes, some airports offer in-terminal airport hotels, sleeping pods, or lounges where you can rest or spend the night. However, these options may incur additional costs.
Yes, it is important to keep an eye on your valuables while sleeping in an airport. Try to keep your valuables in your pockets or a bag that is close to you. Set an alarm to ensure you do not miss your connecting flight.
Several airports offer sleeping pods or lounges, including London Heathrow Airport, Seoul Incheon Airport, Helsinki Airport, and Munich Airport. Some airports also have in-terminal hotels, such as those in Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul.
