Roberta Aguirre
Sleeping in an airport may seem like a strange idea, but it's a common occurrence due to early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, and weather delays. It's also a good way to save money on a hotel. However, sleeping in an airport can be challenging due to noise, light, and the general hustle and bustle of a busy terminal. So, how do you get a good night's rest in an airport? Firstly, it's important to do your research. Check if the airport allows overnight stays, as not all airports are open 24 hours. Find out if there are designated sleeping areas, quiet zones, or lounges with comfy chairs or recliners. If you're travelling solo, take a pen and some post-it notes to stick a wake me up at [time] note on yourself and the seats around you. Prepare for comfort by packing essentials like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs. Dress in comfortable layers and stay hydrated. Choose a spot with minimal foot traffic but remain within well-populated areas for safety, and keep your belongings close to prevent theft.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Airport policies | Check if the airport allows overnight stays as some airports close at night |
| Sleeping spots | Choose a low-traffic zone where you are less likely to be disturbed |
| Pick a spot that feels safe and comfortable | |
| Sleep near other travellers | |
| Look for designated sleeping areas or quiet zones within the airport | |
| Some airports have sleep pods or tiny rooms for sleeping | |
| If there are no designated sleeping areas, rest in an area where others are already napping | |
| Some airports have lounges that you can pay to access for the day | |
| If you have a long layover, ask an attendant if there are any cots and blankets available | |
| Belongings | Keep your belongings close to prevent theft |
| Use your bags strategically as pillows or invest in a luggage lock | |
| Comfort | Pack essentials like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs |
| Dress comfortably in layers | |
| Stay hydrated with water and light snacks | |
| Set multiple alarms to avoid missing your flight |
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What You'll Learn
Check airport policies and sleeping areas
Sleeping in an airport may not be ideal, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Many airports offer facilities and amenities for passengers to sleep or take a nap at night. Generally, most major airports allow overnight sleeping, but their policies differ. Each airport has its own rules for staying or sleeping at night in the terminal area. Some prohibit it entirely, while others impose curfews or limit overnight stays to specific areas.
It is essential to check the airport's specific rules before planning to stay overnight at an airport. For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) permits overnight stays only in designated LAX sleep boxes, while Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) allows sleeping in public seating areas from midnight to 4 a.m. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and many other international airports have designated rest zones and snooze-friendly amenities ideal for overnight layovers.
Some airports have taken a notoriously strict stance against passengers falling asleep. For example, London Stansted Airport (STN) employs 'anti-sleep' patrols to wake any offending passengers. In contrast, some of the largest airports not only allow sleeping for tired travellers but also provide designated rest zones with appropriate furniture available free of charge. Airports like Charles de Gaulle, Dubai, Istanbul, Dallas Fort Worth, and Singapore Changi offer free or paid sleeping amenities.
If you have to sleep in an airport overnight, your bags could be stolen or damaged. Bigger bags can be safely stored in lockers, at hotel bell desks, or at airport item-check services. It also helps to hide valuables like electronics and important papers in a travel pouch that you wear under your clothes. When choosing a sleeping area, look at the layout of the airport to find the best places to sleep. Seek out areas of the floor that are out of the way, peaceful concourses, and cosy seating behind pillars.
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Prepare for comfort and safety
Preparing for comfort and safety is paramount when sleeping in an airport. Before your trip, check if the airport allows overnight stays, as some airports close at night. Understanding the layout and amenities will ensure you're prepared. Identify designated sleeping areas or quiet zones, ideally with minimal foot traffic but within well-populated areas for safety. If there are no designated sleeping areas, look for spots where others are already napping.
For comfort, pack essentials like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to create a cosy environment amid the airport's noise and light. Dress comfortably in layers, and consider your hygiene needs with a toiletry kit. Stay hydrated with water and light snacks, and set multiple alarms to avoid missing your flight. Keep your belongings secure to prevent theft, and be aware of your surroundings at all times.
If you're travelling solo, take a pen and Post-it notes to leave a message like "Wake me at 5:00 AM" on yourself and the seats around you. Identify where security is located, and consider sleeping near other travellers for added safety. If you need a more comfortable option, some airports have lounges that you can access for a day fee, offering amenities such as comfy chairs or recliners for napping. Alternatively, some larger airports have hotels nearby or even inside them, and they sometimes provide shuttle services for tired travellers.
Lastly, if you know you'll have a long layover or an overnight stay, get to the airport early to secure a good spot, especially during the peak airport sleeping season in the summer. Many people complain of limited seating, so you may need to explore various terminals to find a comfortable place to rest.
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Get there early to secure a good spot
If you want to sleep comfortably in an airport, it's a good idea to get there early to secure a good spot. While some airports close at night, many large airports are open 24 hours a day, and you can take advantage of this to get a good night's rest before your flight. However, you may have competition, especially during the busy summer season.
Arriving early gives you time to explore the airport and its various terminals. Take the terminal shuttles and go terminal hopping. Even if you are flying out of one terminal, you may find that another has better accommodation. For example, in airports with separate international and domestic terminals, the domestic terminal may close at night, while the international one remains open.
When choosing a spot to sleep, consider the seating, temperature, announcements, and foot traffic. You may need to be creative and sleep in a wheelchair or on a luggage conveyor belt. Your best sources of information will be security and airport staff, who will likely direct you to a good spot if you ask nicely.
If you're travelling on a budget and don't want to pay for a hotel room, consider sleeping in a car. Head to the car rental hall and enquire about the cost of renting a car. If you can keep the car in the lot at no extra cost, you can sleep in relative peace and quiet, away from the announcements and foot traffic of the terminal. However, you may be woken by car horns and screeching tires, and car rental staff may become concerned if they see you sleeping in one of their cars.
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Be aware of your surroundings
Sleeping in an airport can be challenging, but it is a necessary skill for many travellers. It is important to be aware of your surroundings and stay alert at all times. Here are some tips to help you stay safe and secure while sleeping in an airport:
Know the Airport Policies and Layout:
Before your trip, research the airport's policies and layout. Check if the airport allows overnight stays as some airports close at night. Understand the available amenities, such as designated sleeping areas, quiet zones, nearby hotels, or sleep pods. Knowing the airport's layout will help you choose a safe and comfortable spot for sleeping.
Choose a Safe Spot:
When selecting a place to sleep, consider your safety. Opt for designated sleeping areas or quiet zones with minimal foot traffic to avoid disturbances. While you may want a quiet spot, avoid isolated areas as they can make you more vulnerable to theft or other potential risks. Stay within well-populated areas and keep your belongings close to prevent theft. Use your bags strategically as pillows or invest in a luggage lock for added security.
Be Alert and Aware:
Always be aware of your surroundings, especially if you are travelling solo. Keep an eye on your belongings and other travellers. Know where the security office is located and look for video cameras near your chosen sleeping spot. If you feel uncomfortable or sense any potential threats, move to a different area or seek assistance from airport staff or security.
Stay Informed and Prepared:
Keep yourself informed about any weather delays or flight cancellations that may impact your plans. Be prepared to answer questions from airport officials and have your outbound ticket readily available. Some airport officials may not be supportive of sleeping in the airport, so be respectful and cooperative. Have a plan for your sleep and set multiple alarms to ensure you don't miss your flight.
Stay with Other Travellers:
If you are travelling alone, it is advisable to sleep near other travellers. Look for groups of travellers who are also resting or waiting for their flights. While there have been no reports of attacks, theft of valuables from sleeping travellers has occurred. Staying near other travellers can provide an extra layer of security and peace of mind.
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Set multiple alarms
Setting multiple alarms is crucial when sleeping in an airport to ensure you don't miss your flight. Set alarms to wake you up with plenty of time before boarding. Aim to set your alarm for at least one hour before takeoff. An hour should give you enough time to fully wake up, freshen up, and get to the gate well before it closes—usually 15 to 45 minutes before the plane’s scheduled departure.
You can also set an alarm to go off every hour or 90 minutes so you can check your surroundings and ensure your belongings are safe. This is especially important if you are sleeping with your belongings close by.
Make sure the alarms have sound and haptic feedback turned on. Consider a vibrating alarm under your pillow or on your smartwatch to ensure that you don't accidentally sleep through it. If possible, ask airport staff for a wake-up call as a backup to your own alarms.
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Frequently asked questions
Pack essentials like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to create a cozy sleeping environment. Dress comfortably in layers, consider your hygiene needs, and stay hydrated with water and light snacks.
Seek out designated sleeping zones or quiet zones. Look for low-traffic areas where people are less likely to disturb you, but remain within well-populated areas for safety. If there are no designated sleeping areas, rest in spots where others are already napping.
Check if the airport allows overnight stays, as some airports close at night. Understand the airport's layout and available amenities like nearby hotels or sleep pods. Be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to prevent theft.
Get to the airport early to secure a good spot, especially during the peak season. Set multiple alarms to avoid missing your flight. If you're travelling solo, write a note asking to be woken up at a certain time and stick it on yourself and the seats around you.
