Owais Crawford
Fort Lauderdale Airport (FLL) is one of the busiest airports in the US, managing over 700 daily flights. With such a high volume of travellers passing through, it's no surprise that many people find themselves needing a place to sleep during layovers. While the airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, there are various spots where travellers can get some rest. These include benches without armrests, carpeted areas, and quieter corners in the terminals and car rental buildings. If you're looking for more comfort and privacy, there are also several hotels near the airport that provide free airport shuttles.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping in the airport | Permitted, but only in pre-security zones |
| Sleeping spots | Rental car centre, benches without armrests, carpeted areas, couches between Gates G and E/F, baggage claim, Terminal 2 check-in area, quiet corners in car rental buildings |
| Food options | Limited |
| Temperature | Cold |
| Noise | Announcements and music |
| Light | Bright |
| Privacy | Lack of privacy |
| Hygiene | No showers |
| Nearby hotels | Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South, Wyndham Garden Fort Lauderdale Airport, Crowne Plaza Ft Lauderdale Airport/Cruise, Le Méridien Dania Beach at Fort Lauderdale Airport, Homewood Suites by Hilton Fort Lauderdale Airport-Cruise Port, Fairfield Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, Courtyard by Marriott Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, Rodeway Inn & Suites |
| Shuttle services | Free airport shuttle services available at some hotels |
| Lounges | Pay-to-use lounges available |
| WiFi | Free and unlimited |
| Other services | ATMs, lactation suites, left-luggage service |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping in the airport
The main challenges of sleeping in the airport include noise from announcements and music, bright lights, and varying temperatures. The airport is very cold at night, so it is recommended that you bring extra layers or blankets to stay warm. There are no on-site airport hotels, but several hotels nearby offer free shuttle services. If you are looking for more comfort, you may prefer to book a hotel for the night.
If you are planning on sleeping in the airport, here are some tips to enhance your comfort:
- Bring warm clothes as it can get cold in the terminals.
- Bring earplugs as the airport's air conditioning is strong and there is cleaning and music playing throughout the night.
- Plan your food options in advance as food options can be scarce or non-existent overnight.
- Look out for benches without armrests, carpeted areas, and quieter corners in terminals and the car rental building.
- Make use of the free WiFi, power sockets, and clean bathrooms.
Some travellers have suggested that the rental car centre is a good place to sleep, as it is dimly lit, relatively quiet, and has padded seats. There is also a group of couches between Gates G and E/F that could be a good spot to rest. If you have access to the VIP lounges, these may offer more comfort, but they are closed at night.
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Nearby hotels with shuttles
While there are no on-site airport hotels, there are several hotels within a short shuttle ride away.
- Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port — Free airport shuttle available from 5:30 a.m. to 11 p.m.
- Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South — Free airport shuttle available.
- Wyndham Garden Fort Lauderdale Airport — Free airport shuttle available.
- Crowne Plaza Ft Lauderdale Airport/Cruise — Free 24-hour airport shuttle available.
- Candlewood Suites Ft. Lauderdale Airport/Cruise — An IHG hotel with a traveller rating of 4.1/5.
- Hampton Inn Ft. Lauderdale Airport North Cruise Port — Rated 4.3/5 by travellers.
- Hyatt Place Fort Lauderdale Cruise Port & Convention Center — Rated 4.1/5 by travellers.
- Kimpton Shorebreak Fort Lauderdale By IHG — Rated 4.6/5 by travellers.
- Courtyard Fort Lauderdale North/Cypress Creek — Rated 4.3/5 by travellers. This hotel also has a gym.
- Holiday Inn Express Ft. Lauderdale Cruise-Airport — An IHG hotel with a shuttle bus service.
- Rodeway Inn & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Port Everglades Cruise Port Hotel — Offers a shuttle bus service.
Please note that shuttle services may not always be free, and it is recommended to consider alternative options such as Uber or Lyft, which are often cheaper and more convenient.
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Pros and cons of sleeping in the airport
Sleeping in an airport can be a convenient option for travellers with early morning flights, long layovers, or those looking to save money on accommodation. However, it also comes with its own set of challenges and drawbacks. Here are some pros and cons to consider when deciding whether to sleep in an airport:
Pros:
- Cost savings: Sleeping in an airport can be a budget-friendly option, especially for backpackers, budget travellers, or those with unexpected delays or cancellations.
- Convenience: For travellers with early morning flights or long layovers, sleeping in the airport can save time and the hassle of travelling to and from an external accommodation.
- Accessibility: Most airports allow overnight stays and provide basic amenities like seating, restrooms, and food options, making them readily available places to rest.
Cons:
- Uncomfortable conditions: Airports tend to be noisy, brightly lit, and chilly. The seating may not be designed for sleeping, and the overall environment may not be conducive to a good night's rest.
- Security concerns: While sleeping, travellers must keep an eye on their belongings to prevent theft. It is recommended to stay in well-populated areas and keep bags locked and within sight.
- Limited amenities: Airport food and beverage services may be limited, and there may not be dedicated sleeping areas or rest zones. Heavy-duty cleaning may also occur at night, causing disruptions.
- Inconvenience: Travellers must adapt to uncomfortable seating and armrests and a lack of privacy. It may be challenging to find a suitable spot that is both quiet and safe.
When considering sleeping in an airport, it is essential to weigh these pros and cons and plan accordingly. Websites like "Sleeping in Airports" provide valuable insights and guides for specific airports, helping travellers make informed decisions about their travel plans and sleep arrangements.
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VIP lounges
Fort Lauderdale Airport does have VIP lounges, but they are not available in all terminals and offer more basic services compared to other international airports. The Escape Lounge in Terminal 3, for example, can get quite busy and does not offer showers or spacious rest areas. However, if you have a long wait and are looking for a tranquil space, a VIP lounge may be a good option. Additionally, if you need a varied meal without the high costs of airport restaurants, the lounges offer freshly prepared hot and cold dishes with complimentary drinks.
There are a few ways to access these lounges. If you are travelling with Priority Pass, DragonPass, a Delta membership, or certain American Express cards, you may qualify for free access or a significant discount. Alternatively, you can pay at the door or pre-book your space at least 24 hours in advance to guarantee entry when it suits you. It is important to note that children are allowed in the Escape Lounges, with those aged 24 months and under receiving free entry. The dress code is smart casual, and lounge managers have the right to refuse entry or ask guests to leave at their discretion.
If you are looking for a place to sleep and the VIP lounges do not suit your needs, there are a few other options. Sleeping in the airport is permitted, but only in the pre-security zones. The rental car centre has been described as a quiet spot with padded seats, although it should be noted that the airport can get quite cold, so it is recommended to bring warm clothes. Additionally, there are several hotels near the airport that provide free airport shuttles, such as the Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South and the Crowne Plaza Ft Lauderdale Airport/Cruise.
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Things to do outside the airport
Fort Lauderdale Airport has a few outdoor plane-watching areas. The access point off Griffin, just south of the airport, is a good spot to watch planes take off and land. The airport also has a rental car centre, described as dimly lit and relatively quiet, with padded seats, if you're looking for a place to relax inside the airport.
If you're looking to get out of the airport, there are several options for things to do nearby. Dr Von D. Mizell-Eula Johnson State Park is a beachside park located 4.3 miles from the airport. The park offers swimming, fishing, boating, hiking, biking, and picnicking. It is open from 8 am to sunset every day.
Flamingo Gardens, located 9 miles from the airport, is a 60-acre botanical garden and wildlife sanctuary. It features over 3,000 species of rare and exotic plants and trees. Las Olas Boulevard, 5.5 miles from the airport, is a popular street lined with dining, shopping, and entertainment options. It is known for its charming atmosphere, palm trees, and Mediterranean-style architecture.
If you're looking for a place to relax and have a drink, there are a few breweries near the airport, including LauderAle and Three Sons Brewing. For a unique experience, you can also try bar-hopping at the beach or getting ice cream at Jaxson's.
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Frequently asked questions
Sleeping in the airport is permitted, but only in the pre-security zones. The airport does not have dedicated sleeping areas, but travellers have found various spots to catch some rest. These include benches without armrests, carpeted areas, and quieter corners in terminals and the car rental building.
The airport does not provide cots to stranded travellers. The A/C is said to be on full blast, so bring a blanket or a sweater. Food and beverage services are limited, and there are no dedicated quiet areas or rest zones.
Yes, there are several hotels within a short shuttle ride away. Some options include Comfort Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport & Cruise Port, Holiday Inn Express & Suites Fort Lauderdale Airport South, and Crowne Plaza Ft Lauderdale Airport/Cruise.
Yes, there are about 6 or 7 hotels right by the cruise terminal, and all have free airport shuttles. You can also book a day room stay at the Rodeway Inn & Suites, which has a restaurant on site and complimentary transfers to the cruise port.
