You’ve just landed after a delayed flight, only to find your connecting flight isn’t until the next morning. The hotel options are either too expensive or fully booked, and the idea of heading into the city for just a few hours feels exhausting. So, what’s your next best bet? Sleeping at the airport!
While it may not be the dreamiest of accommodations, this guide to sleeping in airports can be a strategic move for business travelers. It saves time and cuts costs, and sometimes—believe it or not—it can even be comfortable with the right preparation. Think of it as an impromptu adventure: scouting out the best nooks, optimizing your sleep setup, and maybe even discovering a hidden lounge.
Whether you’re an airport nap rookie or a seasoned layover survivor, this guide will help you snooze smartly, stay safe, and wake up refreshed for that big meeting (or at least with minimal back pain).
Why Sleep in an Airport?
While some travelers prefer nearby hotels, sometimes that’s not an option due to:
Flight delays or cancelations
Sudden schedule changes can leave you stranded overnight. Airlines may not always offer accommodations, especially during weather-related delays, leaving you with little choice but to spend the night at the airport. Instead of scrambling for a last-minute hotel, knowing how to rest properly in the terminal can make the experience more bearable.
Tight layovers
If your connection is too short to justify a hotel stay, catching some rest at the airport makes sense. For flights with only a few hours in between, leaving the airport may not be worth the hassle of security checks and travel time. Finding a comfortable spot within the terminal maximizes rest time before your next flight.
Cost savings
Skipping the hotel can help you cut travel expenses, especially when budgets are tight. Business travel costs can add up quickly, and for companies that are mindful of expenses, avoiding a hotel stay during a short layover can be a practical decision. With the right approach, sleeping in airports can be surprisingly comfortable without additional costs.
Early morning flights
Staying at the airport avoids the hassle of early wake-up calls and last-minute commutes. When flights depart at inconvenient hours, checking into a hotel for just a few hours can feel wasteful. Sleeping in airport, LAX means you’re already in place, eliminating any risk of missing your flight due to unexpected delays.
How to Find the Best Places to Sleep in Airports?
Not all airports are designed for comfort, but this guide to sleeping in airports can help you find good options:
Check airport lounges
Many lounges offer reclining seats, quiet spaces, and even sleeping pods. If you have a business class ticket or a lounge membership (Priority Pass, Amex Platinum, etc.), this is your best bet. These lounges provide a much-needed escape from crowded terminals, offering showers, refreshments, and a peaceful atmosphere that’s perfect for rest.
Look for designated rest areas
Some airports provide free reclining chairs or designated sleep zones. Singapore Changi and Doha Hamad International have some of the best options. These designated areas are often dimly lit and located away from high-traffic zones, ensuring a more restful experience compared to standard seating.
Find a quiet corner
If lounges aren’t an option, search for quieter gates or unused seating areas away from the hustle and bustle. Areas near lesser-used terminals, meditation rooms, or even airport chapels often provide a peaceful setting. Finding a spot away from the busiest sections of the terminal will help minimize disruptions from noise and foot traffic.
Use sleep pods or airport hotels
Airports like Dubai and Munich offer sleep pods for short naps, while some airports have in-terminal hotels for quick rest periods. These are a few best places to sleep in airports that provide a more private and comfortable alternative to terminal seating, ensuring you get the rest you need before your next flight.
Essential Tips for Sleeping in Airports
1. Prepare Your Sleeping Gear
Having the right travel essentials can significantly improve your comfort:
- Neck pillow and eye mask: Support your neck and block out light. A good travel pillow prevents neck strain, while an eye mask ensures you’re not disturbed by bright overhead lighting.
- Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs: Reduce ambient noise for uninterrupted sleep. Airports can be noisy, with frequent announcements and passenger activity, so blocking out sound will help create a more restful environment.
- Blanket or large scarf: Airports can get chilly, especially at night. Having an extra layer ensures you stay warm and comfortable, particularly if the air conditioning is too strong.
- Compression socks: Keep circulation going, especially if you’ve been on a long flight. Sitting or lying down for extended periods can cause swelling, and compression socks help prevent discomfort and health issues like deep vein thrombosis (DVT).
- Portable alarm: Ensure you wake up in time for your flight. Missing your flight because you overslept in the terminal would be frustrating, so setting an alarm on your phone or watch provides peace of mind.
2. Choose the Right Sleeping Position
- If you have access to lounge chairs: Recline and get as comfortable as possible. Some airport lounges provide semi-private sleeping spaces that offer the closest experience to a real bed.
- If sleeping on a bench: Find one without armrests to stretch out. Many airports have rows of seating with armrests that prevent full reclining, so look for alternative options where you can lie down properly.
- If resting on the floor: Use a travel mat or thick jacket for cushioning. While not ideal, lying on the floor can be comfortable if you have something soft to rest on. Some airports even provide carpeted areas that are more suitable for sleeping.
- If sitting upright: Lean against a wall for support and rest your feet on your carry-on. If no better options are available, positioning yourself properly in a seated position can still allow for some rest.
3. Ensure Safety and Security
- Keep valuables close: Use a money belt or keep your bag secured under your legs. This reduces the risk of theft, especially when sleeping in a public place.
- Sleep near other travelers: Choose an area where other people are resting—it’s generally safer. Solo travelers should avoid isolated spots and instead sleep near groups of fellow passengers.
- Stay near security: Airports with 24/7 security are safer options. Choosing a spot within view of security personnel ensures a higher level of safety.
- Be mindful of announcements: Some airports wake travelers up for security checks. If you’re sleeping in a public area, be prepared for occasional interruptions.
Final Boarding Call: Rested and Ready to Go!
Sleeping in airports might not be your first choice, but with a little planning, it can be surprisingly manageable. From scouting quiet corners to packing the right essentials, this guide to sleeping in airports can help you stay rested without breaking the bank.
Next time your travel plans take an unexpected turn, embrace the airport sleepover with confidence. Who knows? You might just wake up feeling like a business travel pro—ready to power through meetings, emails, and another round of security checks. Just don’t forget to set an alarm—no one wants to wake up to a final boarding call!
