Travel plans don’t always go as expected. When going on a multi-leg international trip and encountering a major weather-related flight delay or cancellation, you must sleep in an airport or spend the night. Sleeping in the airports can be daunting, especially when faced with a long layover, an early flight, or an unexpected cancellation.
Recent flight delays and cancellations have made these stays more common, even for seasoned business travelers. However, spending the night at the airport is not an ideal option but taking a rest or nap before a long-haul flight is essential for staying refreshed or less stressed.
With proper planning and preparation, an overnight stay at the airport doesn’t have to be stressful or uncomfortable. Whether you are sleeping in an airport overnight by choice or get stuck there, here is a guide that provides essential tips for staying safe and comfortable. It covers how to find the best place to sleep at the airport and your basic needs for comfortable sleeping.
Can You Sleep in an Airport?
Generally, most major airports allow overnight sleeping, but their policies are different. Each airport has its rules for staying or sleeping at night in the terminal area. Some prohibit it entirely while others impose curfews or limit overnight stays to Pacific areas.
Sleeping in an airport is common in busy international hubs that operate 24/7 hours. Small airports do not allow overnight stays at the airport due to closure. In that case, you will need to look for another option to take a rest at night.
For example, Los Angeles International Airport (LAX) permits overnight stays only in designated LAX sleep boxes, on the other hand, Harry Reid International Airport (LAS) allows sleeping in public seating areas from midnight to 4 a.m. San Francisco International Airport (SFO) and many other international airports have designated rest zones and snooze-friendly amenities ideal for overnight layovers.
It’s essential to check the airport’s specific rules before planning to stay at an airport:
1. Policy
If the airport you’re staying at has an official policy, follow the guidelines closely to avoid any issues. Remember that security staff may decrease at late night, so be ready to show your ID and ticket or boarding pass if requested.
2. Security
Security continues throughout the night, with staff monitoring terminals and gates. Most airports allow 24/7 access inside security through some areas like boarding gates till the last departure.
Security staff may wake passengers for ID checks or enforce no-sleeping policies, so you may need to move around during the night. Overall, airport security aims to maintain safety and order, not prevent overnight sleeping.
Where to Sleep in an Airport Overnight?
Sleeping in an airport isn’t ideal, but sometimes it’s unavoidable. Many airports offer facilities and amenities for passengers to sleep or take a nap at night.
There are some places at the airport to sleep peacefully overnight. These places are discussed below:
1. Lounges
- Lounges are the best place to stay overnight at airports. The most comfortable place to sleep at an airport overnight is the lounge. This is the best choice if you have an airline membership or lounge pass.
- You can get into the premium lounges like Delta Sky Club Lounge at LAX Airport and Premium Plaza Lounge at JFK Airport by becoming a member, having elite status with an airline, or buying a day pass.
- Lounges offer more privacy, comfortable seating, free food & drinks, and showers. Some lounges make it clear that you can stay at night.
2. Minute Suite
- Minute suite lounges at Atlanta Airport (ATL) and other airports are private pods available to rent for specific hours at many airports.
- They provide soundproof rooms with daybeds and amenities.
- The minute suits lounges at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport and PHL Airport also offer travel essentials, snacks, and drinks.
3. Onsite Airport Hotels
- Several airports have hotels that are open 24 hours a day, connected by indoor walkways or convenient shuttles. Some airports have hotel branches that are connected to the terminal. However, this is the most expensive option to stay overnight at the airport.
- Hotels offer easy access to the airport, making them convenient for long layovers. These airport hotels provide comfortable and quiet rooms, perfect for helping you relax and rest between flights.
4. Nap Pods
- At some airports, you can rent nap pods for a short period. These pods are designed as small beds and reclining chairs that provide privacy and darkness, making them ideal for quick naps.
- For these nap pods, the cost typically ranges from $10 to $50 per hour.
- The nap pods are available at several airports such as Abu Dhabi International Airport and Munich International Airport.
5. Recliners
The regular airport seating area is always an alternative if the above-mentioned options are not available or too expensive. Choose a less crowded area away from loud announcements or noise. Using earplugs or headphones can help you to block the sound and make it easier to fall asleep.
Some options for recliners are given below:
- Reclining chairs: Unlike regular seating areas, reclining chairs let you lie back further.
- Armrest-free rows: These rows give you more space to move around.
- Carpeted floors: This floor makes it easier to relax than on hard floors.
Tips For Sleeping Comfortably Overnight at the Airport
Proper preparation is the key to a comfortable overnight stay at the airport. Packing essential sleep gear and strategizing based on the specific airport can significantly enhance your rest.
Here we will share some tips for sleeping in an airport at night which makes your sleepover more bearable:
1. Check Airport Policies
It allows you to plan effectively if you are aware of the airport’s policies and procedures regarding overnight stays before your trip. Find out the nearby hotels, lounge access, and the locations of rest areas for a better experience. Depending on the airport’s policies, you may need to adjust your plans or pack accordingly.
2. Secure & Safe
- Secure Belongings: If you have to sleep in an airport overnight, your bags could be stolen or damaged. Bigger bags can be safely stored in lockers, at hotel bell desks, or at the airport item check services. It also helps to hide valuables like electronics and papers in a travel pouch that you wear under your clothes.
- Strategize Sleeping Area: Look at the layout of an airport to find the best places to sleep at night. Seek out areas of the floor that are out of the way, peaceful concourses, and cozy seating behind pillars. Trying to sleep in places that are busy, bright, and noisy will make your overnight stay very uncomfortable in the airport.
3. Travel Essentials
- Blanket: When you’re sleeping on the airport floor or chair, having your own blanket will keep you warm and cozy. Some people use clothes as pillows and blankets for comfort. In this way, pick the lightweight and easy-to-compress options.
- Portable Charger: It’s essential to have a fully charged phone throughout the journey When you travel. You won’t run out of power overnight if you have a portable charger or extra battery pack.
- Eye Mask and Ear Plugs: Airports aren’t usually completely dark or quiet at night. Wearing an eye mask and ear plug is necessary to block out noise and light. Moreover, noise-cancellation headphones are also useful at this time.
4. Comfortable Clothing for Sleeping in Airport
Comfortable clothes like track pants, leggings, and slip-on shoes are great options for sleeping at the airport. Wear a simple dress as you’re getting on a long flight. Avoid wearing belts, jeans, or fabrics that are hard on the skin. In this way, stay comfortable at night by wearing loose layered clothes.
5. Airport Sleeping Hours
Depending on the planes the activity levels at airports fluctuate throughout the night. Airports things are usually least busy from 11 p.m. to 4 a.m. It’s hard to sleep when the terminals start bustling again before the early morning fights. Additionally, try blocking out noise and light by using earplugs and an eye mask during the busiest time of the airport.
Although sleeping at an airport isn’t an ideal option compared to hotels many travelers sleep at the airport due to bad weather, flight delays, and layover issues. A comfortable place to sleep, appropriate equipment, and some ahead planning make an overnight stay possible.
Key tips include using an eye mask, and earplugs, dressing comfortably, and selecting a spot early in the evening all can help ease the trip. Bringing your food, taking security precautions, and being aware of the airport’s rules can also make the experience more manageable.
FAQs
Most of the international airports are allowed to stay in the airport overnight.
Yes, most airports have designated sleeping zones for passenger’s comfort.
Yes, you can sleep in some major international airport at night.
Yes, airports offer sleeping pods, rooms, and recliners to sleep comfortably at night.
People have to sleep in airports due to early morning flights, unexpected layovers and flight cancellations, or bad weather.
Yes, you can spend the night at the airport by following the airport’s rules.
Airports have many options to sleep such as onsite airport hotels, sleeping rooms, nap pods minute suits, etc.
Do better research including places to sleep, policies & security, and other concerns to stay in the airport overnight.
Yes, airports provide sleeping rooms for passengers to stay overnight.
Sleeping alone at airports can be risky because there is a chance your luggage could be stolen.
