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Sleeping in airports is a common phenomenon, with many travellers opting to rest in airports due to early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, and other travel disruptions. While some airports prohibit sleeping in terminals, others allow it in specific areas. Additionally, certain airports close at night, while some remain open. Busy international airports with 24-hour flight operations, such as Dubai International Airport and Abu Dhabi International Airport, are more accommodating to overnight stays. To enhance comfort, travellers can opt for airport hotels, sleep pods, suites, or lounges, which offer varying levels of privacy, amenities, and pricing options.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Sleeping in airports | Common due to early morning flights, long layovers, flight cancellations, etc. |
| Reasons for sleeping in airports | Choice, long layovers, weather delays, flight cancellations, etc. |
| Sleeping arrangements | Airport benches, sleep pods, airport lounges, airport hotels, recliners, etc. |
| Airport rules | Some airports prohibit sleeping, some allow it in certain areas, some close for the night, some remain open. |
| Examples of airports with sleeping accommodations | Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, Doha International Airport, Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Airport, Charlotte Douglas International Airport, Los Angeles International Airport, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport |
| Tips for sleeping in airports | Check for comfortable private facilities, consider noise levels and busy periods, be mindful of other passengers. |
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What You'll Learn
Sleeping pods and suites
Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL):
Atlanta's airport features Minute Suites, providing private Nap Pods with various amenities. Each suite also offers a workspace, making it a versatile option for travellers. The airport's sleeping pods are located near B16.
Philadelphia International Airport (PHL):
Philadelphia Airport is equipped with Nap Pods, also known as Iglooo Pods, which offer a quiet and comfortable space for rest. These pods feature noise cancellation, ambient lighting, and a fold-out laptop table. They are located in Terminal A-B Link, and each spacious suite includes a daybed. Showers are also available nearby.
Toronto Pearson International Airport:
Toronto Airport has dedicated sleeping and energy pods located in Terminal 1, near the Canadian departures hall. These pods are easily accessible and provide a convenient option for travellers seeking rest.
Dubai International Airport (DXB):
Dubai Airport offers Snoozecube and Go Sleep Pods, which are easy to spot. They fill up quickly, so it's best to keep an eye on the digital flight schedule boards. These pods are available in Terminals 1 and 2.
London Heathrow Airport:
Heathrow Airport features Yotel Air sleep cabins, located in Terminal 4 and Terminal 3. These cabins provide a comfortable resting option for travellers.
Los Angeles International Airport (LAX):
LAX offers Sleepbox private sleeping suites in Terminal 5. For $35, you get the first 6 hours, and each additional hour is $10.
Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW):
This airport offers Minute Suites in the McNamara Terminal. These private suites can accommodate up to four people and feature a daybed, Apple TV, Wi-Fi, Netflix, a minibar, and more. The suites are designed to provide a serene escape for travellers.
Singapore Changi Airport:
Changi Airport sets the standard for comfort and convenience with numerous sleeping pods scattered throughout Terminals 1, 2, and 3. The airport also features free-to-use SnoozeLounge chairs in all four terminals.
These are just a few examples of airports that offer sleeping pods and suites. Each airport's offerings may vary in terms of location, amenities, and pricing, so it's always a good idea to check the specific details for your airport of interest.
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Airport benches
Sleeping in an airport is not ideal, but sometimes it is the only option. Delayed flights, long layovers, and expensive airport hotels can force travellers to sleep in the airport. Sleeping on an airport bench is one way to get some rest while waiting for your flight. However, it is important to note that not all airport benches are created equal, and some airports may prohibit sleeping in certain areas or even in the airport altogether.
If you find yourself needing to sleep on an airport bench, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, some airports are more accommodating to travellers than others. Busy international airports with flights operating 24 hours a day, such as Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Doha International Airport, are more likely to allow sleeping in the airport. Additionally, some airports provide reclining chairs specifically for travellers who need rest. These can be found at SkyTeam hubs in Amsterdam and Paris, as well as terminals in Istanbul and Dubai.
Another option for getting some rest is to use an airport lounge. Some lounges now have ""quiet" rooms that can be accessed with a day pass. These lounges often have showers, food, and coffee, in addition to a place to rest. Minute Suites, which offer rooms with a bed and TV, are also available at some airports, including Charlotte Douglas International Airport. These suites can be purchased by the hour and are free for the first hour for travellers with Priority Pass.
If you do end up sleeping on an airport bench, it is recommended to use an eye mask and earplugs to make your rest more comfortable. Additionally, having a valid boarding pass may increase your chances of being allowed to stay in the airport overnight. However, keep in mind that not all airports will allow this, and security may ask you to leave after the last flight of the day has departed.
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$21.99
In-terminal airport hotels
Airport terminal hotels are becoming increasingly common around the world. These hotels are either inside airport terminals or directly connected to them via walkways or shuttle services.
Orlando International Airport
The Hyatt Regency Orlando International Airport is located within the main terminal at MCO, making it highly convenient for travellers. The hotel features soundproofed rooms, runway views, balconies, a rooftop, an outdoor heated swimming pool, a gym, and dining options. Day tickets are available for access to all amenities, starting at $109.
Miami International Airport
Miami International Airport features a hotel with soundproofed rooms, meeting and event venues, complimentary wireless internet, and pet-friendly options. The hotel is located right across from airline ticket counters and terminals, and offers easy access to various transportation services and tourist attractions.
Philadelphia Airport
The Philadelphia Airport Marriott is connected via skywalk to PHL Terminal B. Rooms feature soundproof windows, high-speed Wi-Fi, spacious work areas, premium toiletries, flat-screen TVs, and coffee facilities. Some rooms also offer runway views and private lounge access. Rates range from $130 to $450 per night.
San Francisco International Airport
San Francisco International Airport features an on-airport hotel with 351 rooms and 22 suites. The property is directly connected to all of SFO's terminals and has its own AirTrain station. It offers views of the airport, apron, and runway (with additional charges), as well as dining options and a club lounge.
Other Notable Airport Hotels
- The Crowne Plaza Changi in Singapore is located within Terminal 3's Skytrain reach and offers access to the world's largest indoor waterfall.
- The Grand Hyatt DFW in Dallas features a rooftop saltwater pool and easy access to the airport's food court and shops.
- The Sofitel London Heathrow at Terminal 5 features a spa and a Champagne bar.
- YOTELAIR Istanbul Airport offers two distinct hotels, one landside for layovers and early morning flights, and one inside the duty-free zone for long layovers and connecting flights.
- The Westin at Denver International Airport is located within the McNamara terminal and features contemporary rooms, an indoor pool, and a private airport security line.
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Airport lounges
Some 24-hour lounges allow you to sleep there, and some even offer private rooms, such as the Qatar Airways Al Safwa First Lounge in Doha and the Turkish Airlines Lounge in Istanbul. However, it's important to note that not all lounges allow sleeping, and some, like American Express Centurion Lounges, prohibit it altogether. Therefore, it's always best to check the rules of the specific lounge before you plan to sleep there. Websites like SleepingInAirports.net can help you find the best spots at airports worldwide, and it's a good idea to check reviews of specific lounges, as quality can vary.
Pay-per-use lounges can offer good value, especially if you have a long layover, a cancelled flight, or an early morning check-in. They typically provide a quieter environment with fewer announcements, comfortable seating, and other amenities like food, drinks, and computers. Some lounges even have quiet rooms specifically for sleeping and offer a concierge service that can wake you up and escort you to your gate.
To make your airport sleep more comfortable, consider bringing a travel pillow, a light blanket, an eye mask, and earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring an extra layer in case it gets cold. It's also a good idea to set multiple alarms to ensure you don't miss your flight and keep your belongings close to prevent theft.
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Sleeping on the floor
Sleeping in an airport is more common at busy international airports that operate flights around the clock, such as Dubai International Airport, Abu Dhabi International Airport, and Doha International Airport. These airports may have rules about where you can sleep, with some prohibiting sleeping in certain areas, and some closing for the night. It's important to check these rules before planning to sleep on the floor.
If you do choose to sleep on the floor, it's good to keep in mind that airports are not quiet places. There may be cleaning crews, overhead announcements, and constant light to contend with. It's also important to be considerate of other passengers who may need a seat.
Some travellers may prefer to use their luggage as a footrest and sleep from an upright chair, or stretch out on a bench. However, if you have a valid boarding pass, you may be allowed to stay in the airport overnight, increasing your chances of finding a comfortable place to rest.
For those seeking a more comfortable option, some airports offer sleep pods, suites, or lounges, though these often come with additional costs.
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Frequently asked questions
It depends. Each airport has rules for whether you can sleep in a terminal building. Some airports prohibit it, while others allow it in certain areas. Some airports close for the night, and others do not. Sleeping in an airport is more common at busy international airports that operate flights at all hours.
If there are no comfortable private facilities, some travellers sleep on the floor, on benches, or even in upright chairs. Remember that not all airports will allow people to stay after the last flight of the day has departed. It's best to have a valid boarding pass with you to increase your chances of being allowed to stay. Airports can also be noisy and bright, so be prepared for that.
Yes, some airports have sleep pods, suites, and lounges. For example, Detroit Metropolitan Wayne County Airport (DTW) offers Minute Suites in the McNamara Terminal, providing a serene escape for travellers. These private suites are designed for up to four people and feature amenities like Apple TV, Wi-Fi, Netflix streaming, a minibar, and a selection of beverages and snacks.
