Sachin Walls
Spending the night at an airport is not ideal, but sometimes it's unavoidable. Whether you're facing a long layover, flight cancellation, or weather delay, there are a few things to keep in mind to make your overnight stay at the airport a bit more bearable. From finding a comfortable place to sleep to keeping your valuables safe, a little planning can go a long way. So, if you're wondering what to do when stuck at the airport overnight, read on for some tips and tricks to make your experience a little less dreadful.
Characteristics and Values
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping options | Sleeping pods, airport lounges, airport hotel rooms, sleeping chairs, or the airport floor |
| What to bring | Extra undergarments, a soft exercise shirt, a lightweight insulated jacket, valuables in pockets or a purse, a daypack, a waist or neck pouch |
| Other | Check if the airport has 24-hour food outlets, cinemas, or free layover programs |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport terminal
Sleeping in an airport terminal may seem challenging, but it is a common occurrence for many travellers. Whether you are trying to save money on a hotel or dealing with a long layover, flight cancellation, or weather delay, knowing how to sleep comfortably in an airport can make your journey much smoother. Here are some tips to help you sleep in an airport terminal:
Know the Airport Policies:
Before your trip, check if the airport allows overnight stays. Some airports close at night, requiring you to find alternative accommodation. Understand the airport's layout and available amenities, such as nearby hotels or sleep pods, to be prepared for any situation.
Choose the Right Spot:
Look for designated sleeping areas or quiet zones within the airport. Opt for locations with minimal foot traffic to avoid disturbances, but stay within well-populated areas for safety. Websites like Sleeping in Airports provide guides and reviews to help you find the best spots to sleep in specific airports.
Prepare for Comfort and Safety:
Bring items like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to create a comfortable sleeping environment amidst the airport's noise and light. Always keep your valuables secure, especially if you are travelling alone. Keep them in your pockets, or in a bag slung across your shoulder. You can also use your bags strategically as pillows or invest in a luggage lock.
Airport Lounges and Sleeping Pods:
Consider checking into airport lounges or renting sleeping pods for the night or a few hours. Airport lounges typically offer a more comfortable and quiet environment, with amenities like comfortable seating, complimentary food and drinks, and sometimes even shower facilities. Sleeping pods vary by airport and can include features like a bed, workspace, private bathroom, and TV.
Additional Tips:
- If you're travelling with children, consider taking sleep shifts with other adults to ensure everyone gets some rest.
- Be considerate of other travellers and airport rules by not taking up too much space and keeping your bags with you at all times.
- Stay hydrated and grab some snacks before the airport shops close for the night.
- Set an alarm to ensure you don't oversleep and miss your flight.
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Renting a sleeping pod or hotel room
If you're facing an overnight layover, you might want to consider renting a sleeping pod or hotel room. Sleeping pods are an innovative concept that offers travellers a private, quiet, and comfortable space to rest and relax before their next flight. They are a great alternative to sleeping on the floor or in airport chairs, especially if you want to stretch out and get some proper sleep.
Sleeping pods come in a variety of forms, with basic pods offering a reclining chair, a reading lamp, and internet access. More premium options include a full-size bed, a workspace, a private bathroom, a television, and storage for luggage. Some sleeping pods, like the Escape Pods at the Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport, also offer customisable lighting and temperature, as well as USB charging points.
The cost of sleeping pods varies depending on the airport and the duration of your stay. For example, at Los Angeles International Airport, the Sleepbox experience in Terminal 5 costs $35 for the first 6 hours, while Go Sleep Pods in Terminal 8 are $10 per hour. At Istanbul Airport, the iGA Sleepods cost between €10 and €15 per hour, depending on whether it is during the day or night.
If you have a longer layover or prefer more traditional accommodation, you can also consider renting a hotel room near the airport. However, this option may involve additional costs, such as transportation to and from the airport, and the hassle of going through security multiple times. Additionally, hotel rooms near airports may not always offer the best value, with prices ranging from €150 to €300 at Yotel Istanbul Airport.
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Exploring 24-hour food outlets
Spending the night at the airport certainly isn't ideal, but it can be made more bearable with a few handy tips and tricks. One of the most important things to consider is food. If you're spending the night at the airport, you'll want to seek out 24-hour food outlets to keep yourself nourished and entertained.
Many airports around the world, such as Hong Kong International Airport, offer a variety of 24-hour dining options. It's always a good idea to grab some snacks and water before the airport shops close for the night, but if you find yourself hungry in the middle of the night, those 24-hour food outlets will be a lifesaver. You can grab a bite to eat and pass the time in a comfortable setting.
Some airports even provide sleeping pods and lounges that you can rent for a few hours or the entire night. These pods vary in size and amenities, with some offering a simple nap seat, while others come with a bed, a workspace, a private bathroom, and even a TV. If you're looking for a quick nap, London Heathrow Airport's YotelAir, Seoul Incheon Airport's Nap Zones, or Munich Airport's NapCabs might be perfect for you.
While spending the night at the airport might not be your first choice, it can be a unique and memorable experience. Just remember to follow the advice of seasoned travellers: bring a wrap or a lightweight jacket that can double as a blanket or pillow, keep your valuables secure, and set an alarm to ensure you don't miss your next flight!
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Sightseeing outside the airport
If you're facing an overnight layover, you might be tempted to hole up in the airport until your next flight. But why not get out and see a new city for a few hours? Here are some tips for sightseeing outside the airport during a long layover:
First, check the immigration laws of your layover destination. Depending on the laws and the length of your layover, you may be able to leave the airport. Some countries, like South Korea, even offer free tours for travellers on a layover. If you're worried about navigating an unfamiliar city on your own, look into whether your airline or airport offers a stopover program that facilitates sightseeing. Singapore's Changi International Airport, for example, offers tours that guarantee you'll be back in time for your connecting flight. Etihad Airways, Portugal's TAP Airlines, Iceland Air, and FinnAir also allow passengers to book stopovers at no extra charge.
Next, plan your sightseeing itinerary. Try not to venture too far from the airport, and be sure to give yourself plenty of time to get back. Most airports offer luggage storage, so you can explore the city without your bags. If you're travelling with a carry-on bag, consider finding a luggage storage facility in the city so you don't have to lug your bag around all day.
Finally, consider the time of day you'll be sightseeing. If you're arriving in the evening or at night, keep in mind that museums and many attractions will be closed. Instead, plan to grab a late-night meal or go bar-hopping, especially if you're in a city like Las Vegas or Tokyo that's known for its nightlife.
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Protecting your valuables
Spending the night in an airport is never ideal, but sometimes it's necessary. While you're trying to get some rest, it's important to keep your valuables safe. Here are some tips to protect your belongings while you get some shut-eye.
Firstly, if you have the option, consider using a sleeping pod or luggage locker. These are available in some airports and provide a more secure space for you and your belongings. You can typically rent them by the hour or for the night. If you're camping out in the terminal, try to find a spot near other travellers. Airports tend to be emptier overnight, so staying in a more populated area can help deter potential thieves.
When it comes to your valuables, keep them close to you. Use your carry-on bag or personal item as a pillow, but don't place it next to you. Instead, keep it on your lap or between your legs, with your arm or leg through one of the straps. This makes it harder for someone to grab and run. You can also drape a jacket or a shirt over your bag to disguise it and add an extra layer of protection. If you have a jacket with large pockets, you can use them to secure your valuables and also stuff the jacket into its own sleeve to use as a pillow.
Try to make your carry-on bag distinct and easily identifiable. Many bags look similar, so thieves can boldly open someone else's bag without attracting attention. Adding a ribbon, lanyard, or ID card can help you notice if someone is tampering with your luggage. Additionally, place your bag upside down in the luggage rack. This makes it more difficult for someone to access the front pockets without attracting your attention. If you have valuable items, hide them deep within your bag, rather than in easily accessible pockets.
Finally, keep important items like your money and passport in a secure pouch. A waist or neck pouch under your shirt can provide added security and peace of mind. As a solo traveller, it's also a good idea to remain vigilant and aware of your surroundings.
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Frequently asked questions
Many airports have sleeping pods or hotel rooms that can be rented by the hour. Some airports also have hotels on-site or nearby. If you're on a budget, you can try sleeping in the airport terminal, but be sure to check if the section you're in is open overnight. It's also a good idea to bring extra clothing that can double as a blanket or pillow.
Keep your valuables in your pockets or in a bag that's slung across your shoulder. If you're travelling with a backpack, pull other items as close as possible and put your arm or leg through a strap. It's also a good idea to set an alarm so you don't accidentally oversleep and miss your flight.
If you're in a major city, there may be 24-hour food establishments or even a 24-hour movie cinema that you can visit. You can also try to get out of the airport and do some sightseeing.
Check all flight options with different airlines and on different dates to see if you can find an alternative without an overnight layover. If you can't avoid it, consider making it a stopover and staying in a hotel for the night.
