Sachin Walls
Sleeping in an airport is a common occurrence, with many travellers opting to rest in airports due to delayed flights, long layovers, and expensive airport hotels. While it may not be the most glamorous option, it is a practical solution for those needing a quick shut-eye before their next flight. Each airport has different rules regarding sleeping in the terminal, with some prohibiting it, some allowing it in specific areas, and some closing for the night. However, some airports provide various facilities to accommodate sleepy travellers, such as reclining chairs, snooze zones, nap pods, and airport hotels. For those seeking a more comfortable option, private suites are available at certain airports, offering a quiet and luxurious space to rest and relax. With the right preparation and knowledge of airport amenities, travellers can maximise their rest and make their travel experience more enjoyable.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons | Early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, weather delays |
| Websites | SleepingInAirports.net, MinuteSuites.com |
| Tips | Bring essentials such as a blanket, eye shades, earplugs, and a pillow. |
| Use a carry-on bag as a pillow or a makeshift one with your clothes. | |
| Bring a travel blanket to spread on the floor. | |
| Pack a small, inflatable backpacking pad in your carry-on. | |
| Pay for access to a lounge or a quiet room. | |
| Buy your way into a first-class airport lounge without needing a Business or First Class ticket. | |
| Get a day pass to a lounge that is open 24 hours. | |
| Use a website to find the best spots at airports to sleep. | |
| Consider an airport hotel in Doha, Qatar, or Istanbul, which doesn't require travelers to leave the secure area. | |
| Use Minute Suites, which sells access to rooms with a bed and TV, priced based on length of stay. | |
| Use nap pods, which are pay-per-use and can be found at Helsinki Airport, Doha, and Munich International Airport. | |
| Use onsite capsule hotels, which are bunk bed-style beds with separate luggage storage areas. These can be found in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mexico City. |
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What You'll Learn
Airport rules and facilities
Each airport has different rules regarding sleeping in the terminal buildings. Some airports prohibit it, while others allow it in certain areas. Some airports close overnight, while others remain open. Sleeping in an airport is more common at busy international airports with 24-hour flight operations, such as Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Doha International Airport.
Many airports offer various facilities to accommodate travellers who need to sleep. Some airports provide in-terminal hotels, such as those in Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul, where travellers do not need to leave the secure area or go through immigration. Alternatively, some airports have connected or nearby hotels, but these may require leaving security and passing through immigration.
Minute Suites is another option, offering private rooms with adjustable lighting, televisions, and, in some locations, luxury private showers. These suites can be found at airports such as Dallas Fort Worth, John F. Kennedy, and Philadelphia. They are available at an hourly or overnight rate, providing a comfortable and quiet place to rest during long layovers.
Some airports provide reclining chairs or nap pods for travellers to rest. SkyTeam hubs in Amsterdam and Paris, as well as terminals in Istanbul and Dubai, offer recliners. Helsinki Airport, Doha, and Munich International Airport provide nap pods, which are paid for by the hour or minute. Singapore also offers free-to-use snooze zones in each of its terminals.
Additionally, some airports feature onsite capsule hotels, where customers pay for a set number of hours to sleep in bunk bed-style beds. Airports in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mexico City provide this option. It is essential to plan ahead and bring essentials like blankets, eye shades, earplugs, and pillows if you intend to sleep in an airport overnight.
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Sleeping spots and comfort
Sleeping in an airport can be challenging, but with a bit of planning and flexibility, you can find a spot to rest and get some shut-eye. Here are some tips for maximising your comfort when sleeping in an airport:
Airport Lounges
Airport lounges can be a great option for a more comfortable and quiet resting experience. Many lounges have "quiet" rooms specifically designated for resting or sleeping. Some lounges, such as the Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha and the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul, even offer private rooms. If you have a long layover, consider purchasing a day pass to a 24-hour lounge, as these often include showers, food, and other amenities that can enhance your comfort. Additionally, some airlines sell long connections that require extended hours in the hub airport, providing an opportunity for lounge access and a more peaceful sleep.
Minute Suites
Minute Suites offer exclusive airport suites that provide a private and comfortable space to sleep and rest during your layover. They are available at select airports, including Dallas Fort Worth Airport, John F. Kennedy Airport, and Philadelphia Airport. These suites are clean, quiet, and equipped with adjustable lighting and televisions. They are priced based on the length of your stay, and if you have a Priority Pass, you may even get the first hour free.
Recliners and Nap Pods
Some airports provide reclining chairs for travellers to rest in. You can find these at SkyTeam hubs in Amsterdam and Paris, as well as terminals in Istanbul and Dubai. Additionally, nap pods are becoming increasingly popular in airports. These pod-like chairs provide privacy and a comfortable space to nap, and you can find them in airports such as Helsinki Airport, Doha International Airport, and Munich International Airport. The payment for these pods is usually by the hour or minute.
On-Site Capsule Hotels
For a unique sleeping experience, some airports offer capsule hotels. These hotels provide customers with a set number of hours to sleep in bunk bed-style beds, with luggage stored separately or on a side shelf. Airports in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mexico City are among those that offer this option.
Essential Items
If you plan to sleep in an airport, it's crucial to come prepared with essential items that will enhance your comfort. Bring a blanket, eye shades, earplugs, and a pillow, or get creative and use your clothes as a makeshift pillow. Additionally, consider bringing an inflatable backpacking pad to make sleeping on the ground more bearable, and a travel blanket to spread on the floor.
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Airport hotels
If you're looking for a more comfortable option than sleeping on an airport bench, there are several airport hotels to choose from.
In-terminal airport hotels
Some airports, such as those in Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul, have in-terminal airport hotels, meaning travellers don't need to leave the secure area or go through immigration to access them.
Connected or nearby airport hotels
Many airports have airport hotels that are either connected to the airport or located nearby. However, accessing these hotels may require leaving the secure area and, in some cases, passing through immigration.
Minute Suites
Minute Suites is a company that provides travellers with access to rooms with a bed and TV. The price is based on the length of your stay. These suites are located in the US and are a great alternative to a lounge if you need a quick nap.
On-site capsule hotels
Some airports, such as those in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mexico City, offer on-site capsule hotels. Customers pay for a set number of hours to sleep in bunk bed-style beds. Luggage is stored in a separate area or on a side shelf, and a screen is drawn for privacy.
Airport lounges
Airport lounges can be a good option for getting some rest, especially if they offer private rooms or quiet areas. Some 24-hour lounges, such as the Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha and the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul, provide more comfortable sleeping arrangements.
- Columbia Metropolitan Airport (CAE): The Hyatt Place Columbia/Downtown/The Vista, located just a 12-minute drive from the airport, offers an indoor heated saltwater pool and a restaurant.
- Welcomhotel by ITC Hotels Bodhgaya: This hotel, located 10 km from Gaya ji International Airport, features 98 guest rooms, two auditoriums, and 800 sqm of banqueting area.
- Flagship and Admirals Club Lounges: American Airlines has opened these new lounges in Philadelphia International Airport's A-West terminal, which they claim feel more like hotels than airports.
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Lounges and pods
If you're looking for a more comfortable option than sleeping on a bench, airport lounges and pods are a great alternative. Lounges are often quieter than the main terminal, with fewer announcements, and some even have "quiet" rooms. Many lounges offer food, drinks, showers, reclining chairs, and other amenities. Some lounges, like the Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha and the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul, even offer private rooms.
You can buy your way into a first-class airport lounge without having to pay for a business or first-class ticket. Some airlines sell long connections that require several hours in the hub airport, so having lounge access can be beneficial. Websites like SleepingInAirports.net provide lounge locations and access information.
Minute Suites is another option for a private place to sleep and rest during your airport layover. They offer rooms with adjustable lighting, a television, snacks, and beverages. Travelers with Priority Pass can use these rooms for free for the first hour and pay for additional hours. Minute Suites are currently available at airports including Dallas Fort Worth, John F. Kennedy, Philadelphia, and Detroit Metropolitan.
Sleeping pods are also becoming more common in airports. These pods look like massage chairs with a cover and are pay-per-use, with pricing based on the hour or minute interval. Airports with sleeping pods include Helsinki Airport in Finland, Doha International Airport, and Munich International Airport in Germany.
Onsite capsule hotels are another option, where customers pay for a set number of hours to sleep in bunk bed-style beds. Airports in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mexico City offer these, among others.
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Nearby accommodation
If you're looking for a place to sleep near an airport, there are a few options to consider. Firstly, it's important to note that each airport has different rules regarding sleeping in the terminal buildings. Some airports prohibit sleeping, while others allow it in specific areas. Additionally, some airports close for the night, while others remain open. It's always good to check the rules of the specific airport you're in.
If you decide to stay in the airport, there are a few options to consider. Many airports have in-terminal hotels, such as the ones in Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul, which don't require travellers to leave the secure area. Alternatively, some airports have nearby hotels, but these may require you to leave the secure area and pass through immigration. Minute Suites is another option, offering private rooms with adjustable lighting, televisions, and, in some locations, luxury private showers. These suites can be found at airports such as Dallas Fort Worth, John F. Kennedy, and Philadelphia.
Some airports provide reclining chairs for travellers to rest in, such as the SkyTeam hubs in Amsterdam and Paris and terminals in Istanbul and Dubai. Singapore's Changi Airport is renowned for its snooze zones and unique amenities, including a rooftop pool and butterfly garden. Sleeping pods are also becoming more common, appearing in terminals in Helsinki, Doha, and Munich. These pods are paid for by the hour or minute and provide a private space to rest.
If you're looking for a more affordable option, consider packing a small inflatable pad or pillow in your carry-on. This can make sleeping on the ground or using your carry-on as a pillow more bearable. Bringing essentials like a blanket, eye shades, and earplugs can also improve your comfort. Websites like SleepingInAirports.net can help you find the best spots to sleep at airports worldwide.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, sleeping in an airport is possible, but it depends on the airport. Some airports prohibit sleeping, while others allow it in certain areas. Some airports close at night, while others remain open 24 hours.
If you plan to sleep in an airport, bring essentials such as a blanket, eye shades, earplugs, and a pillow. Websites like SleepingInAirports.net can help you find the best spots to sleep at airports worldwide. If you have access to an airline lounge, you can use it to get some rest, as some lounges offer more privacy and comfort than the typical airport terminal.
Yes, some airports offer in-terminal airport hotels, which can be convenient as you don't have to leave the secure area or go through immigration. Minute Suites is another option, offering private rooms with adjustable lighting, televisions, and, in some cases, showers. These suites can be found at airports such as Dallas Fort Worth, John F. Kennedy, and Philadelphia.
Airports in Doha, Qatar, and Istanbul have in-terminal airport hotels. Singapore's Changi Airport offers free-to-use snooze zones in each of its terminals. Helsinki, Doha, and Munich International Airports offer nap pods, which are massage chair-style beds that you can pay to use by the hour or minute.
If you don't want to sleep in the airport but want to stay close by, you can consider airport capsule hotels, which are available at airports in Taipei, Taiwan, and Mexico City. These hotels allow you to pay for a set number of hours to sleep in bunk bed-style beds, and your luggage is stored separately or on a side shelf.
