Sleeping At New Orleans Airport: Is It Possible?

can you sleep in new orleans airport

New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) is a single-terminal airport with a bright and airy three-level central hall. While the airport offers various services and facilities, including airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels, sleeping in any airport comes with a certain level of risk and discomfort. This paragraph aims to provide an introduction to the topic of sleeping in the New Orleans airport, exploring the available amenities, safety precautions, and traveller experiences to help readers make informed decisions about their travel plans and overnight stays at the airport.

Characteristics Values
Safety Generally considered safe, but there are risks, especially when travelling alone.
Precautions Stay near other travellers or security, keep valuables hidden, and know the location of the security office.
Amenities Free WiFi, lounges, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, and nearby hotels.
Comfort May not be comfortable due to lack of chairs or sleeping facilities in some terminals.
Alternatives Nearby hotels provide free airport shuttles, and there are lounges accessible by payment or membership.

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Safety precautions

If you plan to sleep in New Orleans Airport, there are a few safety precautions you should take to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are some recommendations:

  • Know the layout of the airport: The New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport is a single-terminal airport with three levels. The ground level consists of the baggage claim and arrivals curb, the second level houses the security checkpoint, and the third level is for ticketing and departures. Knowing the layout can help you identify safe areas to sleep and easily access essential services.
  • Locate the security office and security cameras: Knowing where the security office is located can provide you with quick access to assistance in case of an emergency. Additionally, try to sleep in areas that are under surveillance by security cameras, as this can deter potential thieves and enhance your safety.
  • Stay in secured areas: The secured areas of the airport, such as the area past security, are generally safer than the public areas like baggage claim and ticket counters. Consider finding a spot in the secured zone to reduce the risk of theft or other potential issues.
  • Keep your valuables secure: It is important to keep your valuables secure and hidden. Consider keeping items like money, ID, and important documents inside your clothing or using a money belt or hidden pouch to deter thieves.
  • Stay near other travellers or security: If you are travelling alone, it is advisable to stay in areas where other travellers or security personnel are present. This can provide an extra layer of security and help deter potential threats.
  • Be aware of your surroundings: Stay vigilant and keep an eye on your belongings at all times. Try to stay in well-lit areas and be cautious of your surroundings, especially in isolated parts of the airport.
  • Consider alternative options: If you feel uncomfortable or unsafe, consider exploring alternative options such as nearby hotels or lounges. These can provide a more comfortable and secure environment, especially if you need to rest or take a shower.

Remember, while these precautions can enhance your safety, sleeping in any airport may still carry some level of risk. Use your best judgment and consider your personal comfort level when deciding whether to sleep in New Orleans Airport or explore alternative accommodations.

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Nearby hotels

While some travellers have reported sleeping at the New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport, reviews suggest that it is not a very comfortable option. If you're looking for a good night's rest, there are several nearby hotels that can provide a more relaxing experience.

Holiday Inn New Orleans Airport North

The Holiday Inn New Orleans Airport North is one of the closest hotels to the airport. They provide a free airport shuttle service, which you can pick up from the Transportation Center on the first floor, across from the baggage claim area.

Other Nearby Hotels

There are several other hotels near the New Orleans Airport that you can consider. While specific information about these hotels is not readily available, you can visit Tripadvisor to explore a comprehensive list of options, read traveller reviews, and find the best deals.

Airport Lounges

If you're looking for a more comfortable experience within the airport, you can consider accessing airport lounges. The Club MSY, located airside adjacent to the entrance to Concourse B, offers pay-at-the-door, prepaid lounge passes, and lounge membership programs. Alternatively, you can access the United Lounge at Concourse C, Gate C7, by purchasing access at the door with proof of a United Airlines ticket or through lounge membership programs.

While staying at the airport for an extended period may not be ideal, these nearby hotel options and airport lounges can provide a more pleasant and relaxing experience during your layover or overnight stay in New Orleans.

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Lounges and food options

New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport (MSY) has three concourses (A, B, and C) with a variety of food, drink, and lounge options.

Lounges

The airport has three lounges: The Club MSY, located near Concourse B; the Delta SkyClub, located near Concourse C; and the United Lounge, located on Concourse C at Gate C5. The Military Lounge is also available for active military personnel with valid IDs, offering free snacks and drinks, comfortable seating, charging stations, and luggage storage.

The Club MSY provides access to passengers three hours before their scheduled flight departure. Children under 2 years are admitted free, while children under 18 must be accompanied by an adult. Alcoholic drinks are restricted to passengers 21 years and older. The lounge offers complimentary refreshments and digital newspapers/magazines.

Food Options

MSY offers a mix of classic New Orleans cuisine, global comfort food, and popular local and national restaurant chains. Local favourites include Leah's Kitchen, known for its fried chicken, gumbo, and shrimp Creole; Lucky Dogs, serving quintessential French Quarter street food; and Midway Pizza, offering deep-dish pizza and breakfast scramboli.

For modern soul food, there's the Munch Factory, which serves Creole gumbo, oysters Gentilly, and the 'Voodoo Burger'. PJ's Coffee and Tea, a local coffee chain, is a good option for iced coffee, granita, and espresso.

Other notable mentions include Harbour Seafood & Oyster Bar for seafood and blackened alligator, and Pho NOLA for Vietnamese pho. For quick bites, there's Banh Mi Boys for traditional Vietnamese dishes, and Gendusa's Italian Eatery for homestyle Italian cuisine.

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Comfort and privacy

New Orleans Louis Armstrong International Airport is a single terminal with three levels. The ground level consists of the baggage claim and arrivals curb, the second level has the security checkpoint, and the third level is home to the ticketing hall and departures curb. The airport never truly closes, with TSA opening at 3 am and maintenance personnel working overnight.

While it is possible to sleep in the airport, it may not be the most comfortable option. The airport has plenty of space, but some terminals lack chairs or have unusual seating. One reviewer noted that they slept on "funky couch-looking objects." If you do decide to sleep in the airport, there are a few things you can do to increase your comfort and privacy. Firstly, try to camp out in the secured area past security, as it is safer than the public areas. Find a corner or a quiet spot, and try to stay near security cameras or other travellers for added safety. You can also ask security personnel for advice on the safest places to sleep. Bring a pillow and blanket, and keep your valuables hidden or stored in a locker if possible.

If you're looking for a more comfortable option, there are lounges that can be accessed by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a membership program. These include The Club MSY and the United Lounge. Additionally, there are hotels near the airport that provide free airport shuttles. These hotels include the Holiday Inn New Orleans Airport North, and a list of options can be found on TripAdvisor.

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Luggage storage

There are no luggage storage facilities or lockers at Louis Armstrong New Orleans International Airport. However, you can contact your airline to ask how early you can check your bags, as some will allow you to check your luggage hours before your flight.

Alternatively, you can use luggage storage services such as LuggageHero, Bounce, Nannybag, and Radical Storage, which offer storage locations inside shops, hotels, or other businesses near the airport and throughout New Orleans. These services can be accessed through their respective websites or mobile apps, and prices start at $1.49 per bag per day.

If you are travelling to New Orleans via Amtrak, the Union Passenger Terminal offers luggage storage for $10 per day with a valid ticket and photo ID. The station is open from 5 am to 10 pm, and luggage storage may also be available for non-Amtrak travellers for $20 per item for 24 hours.

Some museums in New Orleans, such as the National World War II Museum, also offer luggage storage services for museum patrons, usually for a small fee.

Finally, many hotels in New Orleans will store your baggage for a fee, even if you are not staying at the hotel. It is recommended to call ahead to confirm the availability of this service.

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Frequently asked questions

While the airport never truly closes, it is not recommended to sleep in New Orleans Airport, especially if you are travelling alone. If you need to, it is safer to sleep in the secured area past security, rather than the baggage claim or ticketing counters. It is also a good idea to know where the security office is located and to sleep near security cameras.

There are airport lounges that you can enter by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program. There are also ""funky couch-looking objects" outside of Gate D. One traveller found a Chapel room to stay in.

There are hotels near New Orleans Airport that provide free airport shuttles. There are also 24-hour food options and restaurants in the airport.

Sleeping in any airport can be risky, especially when travelling alone. It is important to take precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. For example, you should hide your valuables and keep your money, ID, and documents inside your clothing.

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