Jazmin Li
Sleeping in airports is no longer just for backpackers. With early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, and delays, travellers often find themselves needing to sleep in airports. While some airports are not open 24/7 and may not allow travellers to stay overnight, many airports have facilities to support travellers who need to sleep, such as sleeping pods, airport hotels, and lounges. Some airport lounges are only accessible to first and business-class travellers, but many are now pay-per-use, allowing economy-class travellers to enter for a small fee. These lounges often offer a quieter place to rest, and some even have showers and quiet rooms. However, some lounges have specific operating hours and prohibit sleeping at any hour, so it's important to research the airport and its lounges in advance.
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What You'll Learn
Airport lounge access
Airport lounges are quiet areas inside the terminal where passengers can relax before a flight or during a layover, eat snacks, work using the lounge's Wi-Fi network, and sometimes even shower. Some lounges have quiet rooms for sleeping.
Typically, only paying members, passengers flying in business or first class, or cardholders of certain travel cards are allowed access. One of the most reliable ways to get airport lounge access is to fly first or business class, usually on international routes and select transcontinental flights. If you purchase your flight with airline miles, your ticket will still grant you entry to a lounge, either for your carrier or one of its partners.
You can also gain access by paying for a membership. For example, Alaska Airlines sells single-entry passes for $60, American Airlines sells day passes for $79 or 7,900 AAdvantage miles, and United Airlines sells passes for $59. The Platinum Card from American Express offers complimentary entry to many lounges, but it has a high annual fee of $695.
Some airline lounges, like Admirals Clubs, offer complimentary access to U.S. military personnel in uniform travelling on American Airlines flights. United also provides complimentary access to U.S. military personnel at its United Club locations.
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Sleeping in airports
Spending the night at the airport is not ideal, but sometimes it is unavoidable. Whether you're facing a long layover, a flight delay, or an early morning check-in, here are some tips to make your airport sleepover more bearable:
Airport Lounges
Airport lounges can be a good place to get some rest. Traditionally, airport lounges were exclusive to first and business-class travellers or those with specific memberships and perks. However, many airports now offer pay-per-use lounges that are open to all travellers, regardless of their airline or class of travel. These lounges typically provide a quieter environment with comfortable seating and fewer announcements. Some lounges even offer private rooms, showers, and other amenities. It's important to note that not all lounges allow sleeping, and their availability may depend on their operating hours. Therefore, it's advisable to research specific lounge policies and hours before your trip.
Sleeping Pods and Capsule Hotels
Sleeping pods are becoming increasingly popular in airports. These pods provide a private space for travellers to nap, often paying by the hour or minute. Airports with sleeping pods include Helsinki, Doha, and Munich International Airport. Capsule hotels are another option, where customers rent a bunk bed-style bed for a set number of hours, with luggage storage and privacy screens provided. Airports in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mexico City are among those that offer capsule hotels.
Airport Hotels
For a more comfortable sleep, consider an airport hotel. Some airports have hotels located within the terminal, allowing travellers to rest without leaving the secure area. Other airport hotels may be nearby but require exiting security and passing through immigration. These hotels typically offer more amenities and comfort but can be pricier and may require advance booking, especially during busy times.
Other Considerations
If you're unable to access any of the above options, you may have to resort to sleeping in the public areas of the airport. In this case, it's important to research the airport in advance to find spots that are relatively quiet and comfortable. Additionally, pack with your comfort in mind, and consider bringing items like an eye mask, earplugs, and a travel pillow. Lastly, keep your belongings secure by wrapping your arms around your backpack or using other safety measures to deter potential thieves.
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24-hour airport lounges
While airport lounges are not typically open 24 hours, many airports offer sleep pods that are accessible around the clock. These pods provide a quiet and comfortable space for travellers to rest between flights. For example, JetBlue's Terminal 5 at JFK International Airport in New York City features GoSleep pods, which are available to all travellers regardless of their airline. The pods offer amenities such as a long leather mattress, a lockable and breathable screen, a pillow, a blanket, a reading light, and power outlets. The rental cost varies, with the first 20 minutes being free and subsequent hours ranging from $10 to $15.
Philadelphia International Airport also offers sleep suites that can be rented for $48 for the first hour and $12 for each additional 15-minute increment. They provide an 8-hour stay option for $175, starting after 9 pm, which is ideal for travellers with extended layovers or overnight stays. In addition to the suites, the airport offers a 24/7 bathroom with a shower that can be accessed with or without a suite rental.
Some airport lounges may also be accessible 24 hours a day, depending on the airport and the specific lounge policies. These lounges often require a fee for entry, and some may offer membership programs or lounge passes. It's always a good idea to check the specific airport's website or contact their customer service to inquire about the availability of 24-hour lounges or sleep pods.
Additionally, some airports have hotels located within the airport premises, such as the Hilton at O'Hare International Airport. Staying at an airport hotel can be a convenient option, especially if you're looking for a more comfortable and private space to rest. However, it may come with a higher price tag compared to off-site accommodations.
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Sleeping pods
- GoSleep Pods – Reclined lounge chair beds with a draw shade for privacy. These can be found at John F. Kennedy Airport, Helsinki Vantaa Airport, and Dubai International Airport.
- Minute Suites – Suite rooms with a day/sofa bed, TV, desk, and options for luxury and temporary workspace. These are primarily found in U.S. airports and are one of the higher-priced options, with pricing starting at $48 per hour.
- Sleepbox pods – Found at Dulles International Airport in Washington D.C., these pods feature a place to sleep, a reading light, a small lap desk for a laptop, and semi-private bathrooms and lounge areas.
- Snoozecube – Found at Dubai International Airport.
- Napcabs – Cube-like rooms with a bed, desk, and shower. These can be booked online and are available at Munich Airport and Dubai International Airport.
- YotelAir – Found at Istanbul Airport and London Heathrow Airport.
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Airport hotels
Sleeping in an airport lounge is possible, but it depends on the airport. Some lounges have quiet rooms, comfortable chairs, and even footrests, making them sleep-friendly. However, other lounges are small, crowded, and lack comfortable seating, making it challenging to get a good rest.
If you're looking for a more comfortable option, consider an airport hotel. These are hotels located very near the airport or even within the airport itself. Booking a room in an airport hotel can ensure you have a proper place to rest and get a good night's sleep. Some airports with on-site or nearby airport hotels include:
- Munich Airport
- Singapore Changi Airport
- Seoul Incheon Airport
- Helsinki Vantaa Airport
- Los Angeles International Airport (LAX)
For example, the Hyatt Regency Los Angeles International Airport offers spacious rooms, free Wi-Fi, and a free 24-hour transfer service to LAX. The H Hotel Los Angeles, located just 0.2 miles from LAX, features an outdoor pool and comfortable rooms with thick curtains for a restful stay.
You can also find airport hotels offered by brands such as Marriott, with locations near Atlanta Airport and Los Angeles International Airport, among others.
Whether you choose to rest in an airport lounge or opt for the comfort of an airport hotel, it's always a good idea to do some research on the specific airport and its facilities before your trip. This way, you can make an informed decision and ensure you get the rest you need during your travels.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, you can sleep in an airport lounge. Some lounges have quiet rooms for this purpose. You can also pay for a day pass to gain access to a lounge. However, some lounges have specific operating hours and don't allow you to stay past a certain hour, and some prohibit sleeping at all.
If you're sleeping in an airport lounge, it's a good idea to set an alarm, as some lounges don't announce boarding. You can also notify a concierge, if there is one, to wake you and escort you to the gate. Using your suitcase as a footrest can also improve your comfort.
Yes, some airports have sleeping pods, hotels, or reclining chairs. You can also check if there are any nearby airport hotels, although this may require you to pass through immigration.
