Jazmin Li
Sleeping in an airport may sound uncomfortable, but it is a common occurrence due to delayed flights, strangely timed layovers, and expensive airport hotels. Some airports prohibit sleeping, while others allow it in certain areas. Busy international airports with 24-hour flights, such as Dubai International Airport and Doha International Airport, are more accommodating to sleepers. Websites like SleepingInAirports.net offer guides and reviews to help travellers find the best spots to rest. Airports are now offering various facilities for sleepers, such as nap pods, capsule hotels, airport lounges, and Minute Suites, a private area with beds and TVs. For those seeking free options, travellers recommend hugging your luggage while sleeping to prevent theft and bringing essentials like blankets, eye shades, earplugs, and pillows.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons | Early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, weather delays, etc. |
| Permission | Depends on the airport; some prohibit sleeping, some allow it in certain areas, some close nightly, and some remain open. |
| Sleeping spots | Benches, baggage carousels, public areas, couches, airline lounges, etc. |
| Websites | sleepinginairports.net, nerdwallet.com, etc. |
| Tips | Bring essentials like blankets, eye shades, ear plugs, pillows, etc. |
| Alternatives | Hotels, sleep pods, Minute Suites, etc. |
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What You'll Learn
Tips for sleeping in an airport
Sleeping in an airport might be necessary due to early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, or expensive airport hotels. Here are some tips for sleeping in an airport:
Before your trip:
Know the airport policies: Check if the airport allows overnight stays as some airports close at night. Understanding the airport's layout and available amenities, such as nearby hotels or sleep pods, ensures you're prepared. Big airports usually stay open all night, but smaller ones might shut down. Visit the airport's website or call them to find out their hours.
Choosing a spot:
Look for designated sleeping areas or quiet zones within the airport, such as near baggage claim. Opt for locations with minimal foot traffic to avoid disturbances but remain within well-populated areas for safety. If you're travelling with kids, consider taking sleep shifts with other adults so everyone can rest.
Preparing for comfort and safety:
Pack essentials like a travel pillow, blanket, eye mask, and earplugs to create a cosy environment amid the airport's noise and light. You can also buy your way into a first-class airport lounge without a business or first-class ticket. Alternatively, some airports offer sleeping pods or capsule hotels where you can pay for a set number of hours to sleep in a private space. Always keep your luggage with you, and consider looping the straps around your body or placing your feet on top of it to prevent theft.
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Airport reviews
Sleeping in an airport is a common phenomenon, especially with early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, and weather delays. While some airports prohibit sleeping in terminals, others allow it in certain areas. Busy international airports with 24-hour flights, such as Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, are more accommodating to sleepers.
Websites like SleepingInAirports.net provide valuable insights for travellers seeking a place to rest. They offer over 800 airport guides and reviews, helping travellers identify the best spots to sleep, whether free, paid, or secluded.
Reddit users have shared their experiences sleeping in various airports. Some have found it convenient to sleep near baggage carousels or in public areas, while others have opted for couches or benches. London airports, DFW Airport, and San Pedro Sula Airport have been mentioned as possible options for a quick nap. However, it's important to check if the airport closes nightly, as uninterrupted sleep may be a priority.
For those seeking more comfort and privacy, Minute Suites offer private rooms with TVs, desks, chairs, and sleeping areas. These suites are available at airports like JFK, Philadelphia, Atlanta, and Nashville, providing a clean and secure space to rest between flights. The hourly rates and overnight rates make it a cost-effective option for stranded travellers.
Additionally, airports like Helsinki, Doha, and Munich International Airport have introduced nap pods, which provide a quick nap option. Onsite capsule hotels, similar to those in Taipei and Mexico City, offer bunk bed-style accommodations with separate luggage storage and privacy screens. Priority Pass members can access Minute Suites for free for the first hour, making it a popular choice for travellers with lounge access.
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Sleeping pods and lounges
Sleeping pods are becoming an integral part of modern airports, offering passengers a novel way to rest and relax. These pods are compact, private spaces designed to provide travellers with a peaceful environment to nap or sleep between flights. They are equipped with features like ergonomic seating, climate control, ambient lighting, and soundproofing. Some pods even have a bed, a desk, and a shower. Airports with sleeping pods include Helsinki Airport in Finland, Munich International Airport in Germany, and Dubai International Airport.
Minute Suites is another option, offering suite rooms with a day/sofa bed, TV, desk, and optional luxury and temporary workspace. Minute Suites are available at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport, and Philadelphia International Airport.
Some airports also have 24/7 lounges where travellers can rest. For example, Dubai International Airport has a small line of free lounge chairs near the Emirates service counter in Terminal 2. Similarly, Incheon Airport has 60 free NapZone lounge chairs in Terminals 1 and 2, as well as a Jjimjilbang (a Korean bathhouse with basic sleep facilities) in the basement floor of Arrivals.
It's important to note that each airport has its own rules regarding sleeping in the terminal building. Some airports prohibit it, while others allow it in certain areas. Websites like SleepingInAirports.net provide information on the best spots at airports to get some rest.
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Rules and restrictions
Sleeping in airports may be restricted to travellers with a connecting flight. Some airports, such as CDG airport near Paris, are known for their leniency and have even allowed individuals to stay for extended periods. It is important to check the specific rules and regulations of the airport in question.
When sleeping in an airport, it is important to be considerate of other passengers and not occupy multiple seats, especially during busy times. Additionally, it is crucial to take precautions to ensure the safety of your belongings. This can include hugging your bag or placing a leg through the strap to deter potential thieves.
Some airports offer various facilities to accommodate travellers who need to sleep. These include in-terminal airport hotels, nap pods, capsule hotels, and airline lounges. Minute Suites, for example, provides access to private rooms with beds and TVs, priced based on the length of stay. Priority Pass members can access these suites for free for the first hour and pay for additional hours.
To ensure a comfortable sleep, it is recommended to bring essential items such as a blanket, eye shades, earplugs, and a pillow. Inflatable mattresses, foam pads, and travel pillows can also enhance your comfort. Websites like SleepingInAirports.net provide valuable information on the best spots to sleep in airports worldwide, whether free, paid, or secluded.
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Alternatives to sleeping in the airport
Sleeping in an airport may be necessary in certain situations, such as delayed flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, or expensive airport hotels. However, it is not always a comfortable or desirable option. Here are some alternatives to consider:
Nearby Hotels
If you have a long layover or your flight is delayed, you may want to consider staying at a hotel near the airport. Some nearby hotels offer shuttle services for a fee, providing a more comfortable and private sleeping environment. This option allows you to get a good night's rest without having to deal with the noise and distractions of the airport.
In-Terminal Airport Hotels
Some airports, such as those in Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul, offer in-terminal airport hotels. These hotels are located within the secure area, so you don't need to go through immigration or leave the airport premises. This option provides a convenient and accessible way to get some rest without the hassle of travelling too far.
Minute Suites
Minute Suites are private rooms equipped with a bed and TV, offering a comfortable and quiet space for travellers. These suites are priced based on the length of your stay, and travellers with Priority Pass can even access them for free for the first hour. Minute Suites are a great alternative to lounges, especially if you need a proper sleep. However, it's important to note that they are currently only available in the United States.
Sleep Pods and Capsule Hotels
Airports like Helsinki, Doha, and Munich International Airport offer sleep pods, which are similar to massage chairs with a cover. You pay by the hour or minute and can get some uninterrupted rest. Additionally, airports in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mexico City offer capsule hotels, where you pay for a set number of hours to sleep in bunk bed-style beds, providing privacy and comfort.
Airline Lounges
Airline lounges can be another option for getting some rest, especially if you have access to 24-hour lounges. You can purchase access to these lounges without needing a business or first-class ticket, and they often provide more comfortable seating and amenities than the general airport areas.
Remember, each airport has different rules and facilities, so it's always a good idea to check what options are available at your specific airport before making a decision.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends on the airport. Some airports prohibit sleeping, while others allow it in certain areas. Some airports close nightly, while others remain open.
Websites like SleepingInAirports.net can help you find the best spots at airports around the world, whether free, paid, or hidden away from the crowds. Some airports have sleeping pods or lounges that you can pay to access.
Bring essentials such as a blanket, eye shades, earplugs, and a pillow, or use your clothes as a makeshift pillow. To prevent theft, put an arm or leg through a strap on your bag so that you'll be woken up if someone tries to move it.
Yes, some airports have in-terminal hotels, while others have nearby hotels that offer shuttle services for a fee. Alternatively, you can book a private suite at airports that offer Minute Suites.
Minute Suites provides access to rooms with a bed and TV, priced based on the length of stay. Some locations offer luxury private showers by reservation. Priority Pass members can use these rooms for free for one hour and pay for additional hours.
