Jazmin Li
Sleeping in airports is never ideal, but sometimes it's necessary. If you're wondering whether you can sleep at Chicago's O'Hare or Midway airports, the answer is: yes, but it might not be comfortable. Both airports are open 24 hours, but only ticketed passengers are allowed inside Chicago Midway Airport between 12:00 am and 4:00 am. While there are no dedicated sleeping areas, travellers report that security generally tolerates overnight sleepers, although bright lights and noise might make it difficult to rest. Chicago O'Hare Airport also allows travellers to sleep overnight, but reviews suggest that the airport's growing homeless population may make it unsafe. If you're looking for a more comfortable option, both airports offer nearby hotels with free shuttles, and cots are provided during major flight delays and cancellations.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping at Chicago O'Hare Airport | Possible, but not recommended due to reports of a growing homeless/migrant population. |
| Sleeping areas | No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Travellers have reported sleeping in couches just after security/airside in Concourse K, and in a tunnel in Terminal 1 between concourses B and C. |
| Cots | Provided during major flight delays and cancellations, but not always available. |
| Hotels | There is an onsite hotel at Terminal 2, but off-site hotels may offer better deals and free airport shuttles. |
| Safety | Sleeping in any airport can be risky, especially when travelling alone. It's important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. |
| Other options | KingSpa is a cheaper alternative to hotels, offering showers, whirlpools, saunas, food, quiet spaces, and charging stations. |
| Chicago Midway Airport | Travellers report that landside sleeping is uncomfortable due to a lack of comfortable seating, noise, and bright lights. Airport staff seem tolerant of overnight sleepers. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in public areas at Chicago O'Hare Airport
If you do choose to sleep in the public areas of the airport, there are a few spots that might be more comfortable than others. Some travellers have recommended the couches just after security in Concourse K, and the new big couches around B20. Sleeping near the gates is also an option, as airport security tends to be more concerned with secure area loitering if you explicitly inquire. However, the chairs near the gates have stiff armrests, so sleeping may be uncomfortable. Cots are provided during major flight delays and cancellations, but they are not normally available.
It's important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables when sleeping in any airport, especially when travelling alone. Knowing where the security office is located and looking for video cameras near your chosen sleeping spot can enhance safety. Additionally, free unlimited WiFi is available throughout the airport, and there are various workstations with counters equipped with power outlets and seating, allowing you to keep your devices charged.
For those seeking alternative options, there is a spa located close to the airport that offers cheaper rates than hotels and provides showers, whirlpools, saunas, food, quiet spaces, and charging stations.
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Sleeping in secure areas at Chicago O'Hare Airport
Chicago O'Hare Airport is open 24 hours, but there are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas, or rest zones. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security. If you are in the public area (landside), you will not be able to get through to the secure area (airside) until the morning.
There are some couches just after security/airside in Concourse K and near B20 that may be more comfortable for sleeping. Additionally, cots are provided during major flight delays and cancellations, but employees will wake people up at 5 am to vacate the area.
If you prefer more comfort and privacy, there is an onsite hotel located outside of Terminal 2, and many nearby hotels offer free airport shuttles. The Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3 and is connected to all domestic terminals via an underground walkway.
While security generally leaves sleeping travellers alone, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables.
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Sleeping at Chicago Midway Airport
Chicago Midway Airport (MDW) is made up of one main terminal with three interconnected concourses (A, B and C). The terminal is open 24 hours, but only ticketed passengers are allowed inside between midnight and 4 am. While the airport doesn't have any dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones, travellers report that airport staff and security are tolerant of overnight sleepers. Landside sleeping is said to be uncomfortable due to a lack of comfortable seating, noise and bright lights. This can be a problem for those with early morning flights, as passengers cannot cross between landside and airside once security closes for the night.
If you do decide to sleep at the airport, it's a good idea to know where the security office is located and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can charge your electronics at various workstations with counters equipped with power outlets and seating, and free unlimited WiFi is available.
If you'd prefer to stay in a hotel, there are options located just south of the airport, about half a mile away. It's safe to take a taxi or Uber to these hotels. When mass cancellations happen at Chicago Midway Airport, cots are also available for stranded passengers who opt against getting a hotel room.
To get downtown, you can take the CTA Orange Line train from Midway Airport Orange Line station (connected to the east side of the terminal via a covered walkway) for a total trip time of 20-25 minutes. A taxi will cost around $35-40.
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Nearby hotels at Chicago O'Hare Airport
Spending the night at Chicago O'Hare Airport is not recommended due to a growing homeless population in the public/landside area of the airport. Instead, you can opt for the comfort and privacy of hotels near the airport. Here are some of the nearby hotels at Chicago O'Hare Airport:
Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport
Located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3, the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport is connected to all domestic terminals via an underground walkway. It offers a free airport shuttle service, a restaurant, and a central location.
Holiday Inn Chicago O'Hare – Rosemont, an IHG Hotel
Located 1.9 miles (3 km) from the airport, this hotel offers a free breakfast, free WiFi, and a free airport shuttle. It also has a central location.
Hyatt Place Chicago/O'Hare Airport
Located 2 miles (3.3 km) from the airport, this hotel provides free WiFi, a free airport shuttle, and three restaurants. It is also in a walkable location.
Crowne Plaza Chicago Ohare Hotel & Conference Center, an IHG Hotel
Situated 2.2 miles (3.5 km) away from the airport, this hotel is part of the IHG Hotel group.
Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport
Sonesta Simply Suites is located near O'Hare International Airport and provides a 24/7 shuttle service to the airport. The rooms are modern and clean, and the staff is friendly and helpful.
La Quinta by Wyndham Chicago O'Hare Airport
La Quinta is another hotel near O'Hare International Airport that offers a free shuttle service. It has clean rooms and friendly staff.
In addition to these hotels, there are several other options near Chicago O'Hare Airport, including Staybridge Suites, The Rose Hotel Chicago O'Hare, Aloft Chicago O'Hare, Doubletree By Hilton Hotel Chicago O'Hare Airport, Embassy Suites by Hilton Chicago O'Hare Rosemont, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport, Four Points by Sheraton Chicago O'Hare Airport, and many more.
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Alternatives to sleeping at Chicago O'Hare Airport
Sleeping in any airport can be uncomfortable and include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. If you're looking for alternatives to sleeping at Chicago O'Hare Airport, there are a few options to consider.
Firstly, there are several hotels located near the airport that offer convenience and comfort. These include well-known chains such as Hilton, Holiday Inn, and Hyatt Place, which provide amenities like free airport shuttles, restaurants, and central locations. Booking outside of the high season or choosing hotels further away from the airport can also help you find better deals. Additionally, some travellers have recommended specific hotels like Sonesta Simply Suites Chicago O'Hare Airport and La Quinta by Wyndham Chicago O'Hare Airport for their proximity to the airport, cleanliness, and helpful staff.
If you're looking for a unique and relaxing experience, KingSpa is a nearby spa that offers showers, whirlpools, saunas, food, quiet spaces, and charging stations at a reasonable price.
For those on a tighter budget or looking for a quick rest, the airport does provide cots during major flight delays and cancellations. Additionally, travellers have shared their experiences of finding comfortable spots within the airport, such as couches in Concourse K and near B20, although these areas may be more exposed to airport security.
Lastly, if you have a longer layover or prefer a more private and comfortable option, booking a hotel for the night can be a good alternative. While it may be more expensive, it ensures a good night's rest before your next journey.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep at Chicago O'Hare Airport. The airport is open 24 hours and travellers report that security tends to leave those sleeping alone. However, there have been reports of a growing homeless population in the public/landside area of the airport, so you may prefer to book a hotel for the night.
There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones at Chicago O'Hare Airport. Travellers have reported sleeping on couches just after security/airside in Concourse K, and in Terminal 1 between concourses B and C. If you have a boarding pass, you can sleep at your gate.
Cots are provided during major flight delays and cancellations, but they are not normally available.
Yes, there is a hotel situated outside of Terminal 2, and the Hilton Chicago O'Hare Airport Hotel is located across from Terminals 1, 2, and 3. There are also many nearby hotels that offer a free airport shuttle.
