Lois Larson
Sleeping in an airport is a choice some travellers make to save money on a hotel, but it can also be a necessity due to long layovers, early or delayed flights, or weather disruptions. While it may not be glamorous, it is a common practice among all types of travellers. With the right approach, you can turn your airport downtime into a chance to rest and recharge. This guide will provide you with essential tips and tricks to help you get some quality sleep in an airport terminal.
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What You'll Learn
Check airport policies and sleeping spots
Sleeping in an airport is a common occurrence for many travellers, whether it's due to an early morning flight, long layover, flight cancellation, or unexpected delay. While some airports are fine with passengers sleeping before their flights, not all airports allow overnight stays. It is important to check the airport's policies and your chosen sleeping spot before planning to sleep in an airport.
Firstly, it is crucial to understand the airport's rules and regulations regarding sleeping. Some airports may have restrictions on where passengers can sleep, and it is important to be respectful of other travellers and airport staff. Many airports are happy for passengers to sleep before their flights, as long as they have a valid boarding pass or flight booking. For example, Denver International Airport (DEN) allows passengers to sleep in the concourses as long as they have a valid boarding pass and are travelling within the next 24 hours. However, London Stansted Airport (STN) has taken a strict stance against passengers sleeping in the airport. Checking the airport's website or giving them a call can help you understand their specific policies and any designated sleeping areas or quiet zones.
In addition to checking the airport's policies, it is also important to be aware of the airport's layout and amenities. This includes knowing the locations of any nearby hotels or sleep pods, as well as understanding the security checkpoint closure times. For example, Chicago O'Hare (ORD) has an on-site hotel accessible from the domestic terminals, while Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) offers a paid option for sleep in Terminal 2. Knowing the airport's layout can help you choose a safe and comfortable sleeping spot, away from busy areas and with minimal foot traffic.
When choosing a sleeping spot, it is important to consider your safety and comfort. Look for areas that are well-populated to ensure your safety, but also quiet and away from foot traffic to minimize disturbances. Using your bags strategically as pillows or investing in a luggage lock can help secure your belongings. Additionally, bringing your own travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs can make your airport sleeping experience more comfortable and manageable.
Lastly, always give yourself extra time to wake up and get ready before your flight. Set multiple alarms or ask for a wake-up call to ensure you don't miss your flight. Remember to prioritize your personal hygiene and comfort during your airport stay. With a little preparation and research, sleeping in an airport can be a tolerable and even cost-effective option for travellers.
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Prepare for comfort and safety
Before your trip, check if the airport allows overnight stays. Some airports close at night, necessitating alternative arrangements. Understanding the airport's layout and available amenities (like nearby hotels or sleep pods) ensures you're prepared for any situation.
If you know you'll be sleeping at the airport, prepare for comfort by packing a few essentials. A travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs can help you create a cozy sleeping environment amid the airport's noise and light. Consider bringing a cheap inflatable backpacking pad or raft to make sleeping on the ground much more bearable. Dress comfortably in layers, and don't forget your hygiene needs with a compact toiletry kit. Stay hydrated with bottled water, and keep some light snacks handy.
For safety, always be aware of your surroundings and keep your belongings close to prevent theft. Use your bags strategically as pillows or invest in a luggage lock. If you're travelling solo, it's recommended to sleep near other travellers rather than in an isolated corner, as this might make you an easy target for thieves.
To ensure you don't miss your flight, set multiple alarms and consider writing a "Wake me at [time]" note with post-it notes and sticking them on yourself and the seats around you.
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Plan for delays and layovers
Planning for delays and layovers can be stressful, but with the right approach, you can turn this downtime into a chance to rest and recharge. Here are some tips to help you prepare for and navigate sleeping in an airport during delays and layovers:
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, requiring alternative arrangements. Understand the available amenities, such as designated sleeping areas or quiet zones, nearby hotels, sleep pods, or airport lounges that offer day access. Knowing the airport's schedule and layout will help you avoid getting stuck outside or in an area that may be inaccessible later.
Plan Ahead and Arrive Early:
If you anticipate a long layover or potential delays, plan ahead. Bring essential items like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, earplugs, and a toiletry kit to create a comfortable sleeping environment. Dress in layers for comfort and stay hydrated with water and light snacks. If you're travelling solo, bring post-it notes to leave yourself reminders or requests, such as "Wake me at 5:00 AM."
Choose a Safe and Comfortable Spot:
When selecting a place to sleep, consider both your comfort and safety. Opt for designated sleeping areas or quiet zones with minimal foot traffic to avoid disturbances. While you may want a quiet spot, remain within well-populated areas for safety. Keep your belongings close and secure to prevent theft, and be aware of your surroundings at all times. If you're travelling alone, consider sleeping near other travellers for added security.
Be Prepared for Delays:
Delays can extend your time in the airport, so be prepared for a longer stay. Keep yourself entertained with books, music, or other personal entertainment devices. Stay informed about potential delays due to weather or other factors, and be ready to adapt your plans if needed. Set multiple alarms to ensure you don't miss your flight, especially if you plan to sleep for an extended period.
Remember, sleeping in an airport can be a budgetary choice or a necessary option during delays and layovers. By planning ahead, knowing the airport's policies and layout, choosing a safe and comfortable spot, and having the right essentials, you can make your airport sleepover a more bearable experience.
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Be aware of your surroundings
Sleeping in an airport can be challenging, especially if you're concerned about your safety. Being aware of your surroundings is important, so here are some tips to help you feel more secure when sleeping in an airport:
Firstly, try to find a safe spot to sleep. Look for areas with other travellers and avoid sleeping alone in isolated parts of the airport. If you're travelling with a partner or a group, consider sleeping in shifts so that someone can keep watch over your belongings and personal safety. Keep your valuables hidden, and ensure your bags are attached securely to your body or something else. For example, you could loop the straps of your bag around your arms while you sleep, making it harder for someone to take your belongings without waking you.
Secondly, be mindful of the airport's rules and regulations. Some airports may not allow overnight stays, and certain areas may be off-limits. Check the airport's website or give them a call to find out their policies and hours of operation. Keep your travel documents easily accessible, as airport security may ask to see them. Also, be considerate of other travellers and try not to take up too much space. Respect the personal space of others, and avoid blocking walkways or occupying an entire row of seats.
Lastly, stay informed about your surroundings by setting multiple alarms. You can set an alarm to go off every hour or every 90 minutes to check on your belongings and ensure you haven't missed any important announcements or updates regarding your flight. If possible, ask airport staff for a wake-up call as a backup to your alarms. Knowing the location of security offices and video cameras can also help you feel more aware of your surroundings and provide assistance if needed.
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Choose the right airport
Choosing the right airport is crucial if you want to sleep there. Some airports close at night, necessitating alternative arrangements. Understanding the airport's layout and available amenities, such as nearby hotels or sleep pods, will ensure you're prepared for any situation.
Websites like Sleeping in Airports provide guides and reviews for pretty much every major airport in the world. You can also check out the subreddit for the city or airport you'll be in. These resources can help you identify the darkest and quietest spots to sleep in a particular airport.
Most airports let you sleep overnight, but not all of them. Some airports shut down at night, so you'll need to find another place to rest. It's important to check the airport's policies beforehand and be respectful of other travellers and airport staff.
Additionally, some airports have special lounges that you can pay to use for a day. These may offer more comfortable seating or even recliners for napping, but it's a good idea to check first because not all lounges allow sleeping. If you have access to certain credit cards or are willing to purchase a day pass, you may be able to access airport lounges with comfier seating and quieter environments.
Some airports also have dedicated nap pods or nap rooms available for a fee, providing a more private and secure space to rest without worrying about your belongings.
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Frequently asked questions
It is recommended to bring a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to create a comfortable sleeping environment. You should also consider dressing in layers and staying hydrated.
It is best to seek out designated sleeping zones or quiet zones. If there are no designated sleeping areas, you can rest in an area where others are already napping. It is best to choose a low-traffic zone where you are less likely to be disturbed but remain within well-populated areas for safety.
Check if the airport allows overnight stays as some airports close at night. If the airport does not allow overnight stays, you may need to look for a hotel nearby or inside the airport.
Keep your belongings close to you to prevent theft and use your bags strategically as pillows. It is also recommended to sleep near other travellers and to know where security is located.
