Sleeping At An Airports | Can You Sleep At The Airport? – Yes or No?

Last Updated on Sep 16th, 2024 by Renu Dahiya, Leave a Comment

It is not possible that you’ll always have a perfect travel day. You may have a long or overnight layover at an airport. And, to get some rest and sleep at an airport during that time is important so that you reach your destination fresh and jet lag free. But, the options are limited. If you’re still in your hometown, you can go home for the night and take a rest.

But, if you aren’t home, you’ll have two options, either book a hotel room or sleep in the airport itself. And, if you’re a budget traveler, you probably opt for sleeping in airports. So, here we bring you a handy guide that will help you know how you can get some sleep in an airport like a pro.

Can You Sleep At The Airport?

In most airports, the answer is yes. You can sleep at an airport in cases when your flight has been delayed or canceled due to any unavoidable reason, or you have to wait for a later flight. Whether you find yourself in an airport by choice or by some unfortunate stroke of bad luck, it is possible to get some sleep in those airports comfortably and safely. 

But, there are some airports that close at night or that simply do not permit airport sleepers. So, it is always better to know the rules and regulations of the airport you are going to. 

9 Tips On How To Sleep In Airport

If you’ve ever traveled by airplane, you know that you may get caught in a layover between your flights sooner or later. There is no need to worry if the layover is short, just eat something or read a book and wait it out. But, what if the layover is super long and leaves you stranded in an airport overnight? Don’t fret! Here are some tips you can consider to make sure you sleep safely and comfortably at the airport during a long layover so you reach your destination jet lag free. 

1. Verify if sleeping in airport terminal is allowed

Tip: Carry your travel tickets and ID on hand to show the officials you have a valid reason to be napping there. 

2. Research the rest areas or sleep areas at the airport

3. Pack emergency travel items

4. Sleep in areas with full security 

5. Minimize the luggage you carry

6. Keep your valuable items near you

7. Eat healthy and light

8. Don’t forget to set the alarm on your phone

9. Get In Early At The Airport

Suggested Read: Biggest and Busiest Airports in the US

Best Airports To Sleep In

Whether it’s a flight delay, cancelation, or a long layover, it’s never fun to be stuck at the airport overnight. So, it is always good to know what facilities exist for you at the airport to get some comfortable sleep and avoid jet lag, if you are predicting a lengthy itinerary.

Now, all the major airlines have gone out of their way to make flying more comfortable for their passengers, including amenities ranging from private sleep pods/rooms to full-service spas. Let’s look at the four best airports where you’ll find amazing facilities for catching a nap during your long layover. 

1. Denver Airport Sleep Pods

• Recline massage chairs near the end of the concourse in the center are one of the best Sleep Spots Denver Airport. On the 3rd floor, from the entrance to the lounges, there are some resting chairs and you can also see a mini bed on which you can sleep comfortably. 
• There are some curved couches you can sleep on.
• There are several armrest-free benches also available.

2. Sleep Pods in Delhi Airport

Some lounges of Indira Gandhi International Airport (DEL) can be entered by paying at the door, purchasing a lounge pass, or through a lounge membership program.

• Terminal 1 – Encalm Lounge
• Terminal 2 – Encalm Lounge
• Terminal 3 – Centurion Lounge, Domestic Lounge, Encalm Lounge. 

3. Orlando Airport Sleeping Pods

• The food court in the main terminal has some padded benches.
• The area around Gates has a long padded bench for many people to rest on.
• Leave the departure level for warmer temperatures and head to the car rental level.
• Check-in areas; there are many nooks you can tuck into for some privacy.

4. Sleeping Pods Dallas Airport

Terminal B

• A lounge area near Gate B10 has comfy chairs with footstools.
• There is a rest lounge at B-29 with a limited number of chairs.
• A lounge area near Gates B41 and B42 has chairs and couches.

Terminal C

• Gates 12 offers chairs with downward-slanted footrests.
• A lounge near Gate C20, behind Starbucks, has armchairs with footstools and couches.

Terminal D

• Two lounge areas at Gate D22, upstairs from the Duty-Free area.
• A small, dark room in Terminal E near IHOP, next to the windows.

Terminal E

• Airside at Terminal E’s check-in desk has couches.
• A designated lounge area between Gates E7 and E8, with a few leather chairs and couches.

5. Sleeping Pods Atlanta Airport

• The PlaneTrain level between Concourses A and B is a carpeted area for sprawling out at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).
• Grab a spot near the rainforest-themed art installation with ambient wildlife noise and dim lighting, which is quieter and more conducive to sleeping than much of the airport.
• Concourse D’s mezzanine level has chairs.
• Near the Club at ATL, is a quiet, private area with some sofas.

6. Chicago Airport Sleeping Pods

• At the couches just after security/airside in Concourse K is the best sleeping spot at O’Hare International Airport (ORD), Chicago..
• Airside lounge chairs in Terminal 3, Gates H.
• Circular sofas just inside the security checkpoint in Terminal 5.
• Gate C20 has quiet nooks for someone prepared to sleep on the floor.
• Couches around Terminal 1, Gates C24-C26 passes Brioche Dorée.

7. Las Vegas Airport Sleeping Pods

Terminal 1

• Look for the hallway next to the Post Office on Floor 2, which is quiet and private if you’re willing to sleep on the floor.
• The east end of the terminal is carpeted and may be quiet, especially at night.
• Landside may have a few couches without armrests near the (surprisingly quiet) slot machines.
• Landside has a few couches directly behind the Starbucks.

Terminal 3

• There may be some armless benches near the stairs to the baggage claim area and Gate E9.

8. San Francisco Airport Sleeping Pods

• In terminal 2 towards gates 50-60 or gates 40-48, near the yoga room, there is an area having some couches. Gate 52-54 has quiet corners for solo sleeping.
• There are padded benches also in Terminal 2, one of the good sleeping spots at San Francisco Airport.
• Terminal 3 has couch-like benches.

9. Houston Airport Sleep Pods 

In Terminal A there are some comfortable chairs in the food courts – 

• Gates D1-3 is a little crowded place, so if you can sleep on a carpeted floor this is the place you can sleep this is darker and quieter than other areas
• Gate E24 has a side nook that is reportedly quieter than other areas at night and is carpeted.

10. Phoenix Airport Sleep Pods

• Try your luck inside cafes and restaurants that close for the night. Gates A1-14 has cushioned benches.
• Armrest-free seating may exist in Terminal 4, near the D Gates is a good spot to sleep at Phoenix Airport.

11. Miami International Airport Sleep Pods

• Besame Mucho flower artwork has some couches comfortable enough for sleep.
• The North Terminal has a quieter, carpeted area just outside the Auditorium.
• You’ll also find connected padded benches near TGIF Fridays.
• In Terminal H, you can also sleep in the Yoga room, one of the good spots to sleep in Miami International Airport. 

12. Sleep Pods Philadelphia Airport 

• Terminal B is quiet overnight, with few flights and little foot traffic.
• Landside, head to the International Arrivals Hall in Terminal A.
• Landside walkways tend to be a little quieter.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: can you stay/sleep overnight at an airport?

A: Sleeping in airports is allowed in many airports, but some airports close at night or do not permit airport sleepers. 

Q: Is it safe to sleep in the airport?

A: If you act smart and take some normal safety precautions, sleeping in airports is absolutely safe. 

Q: Why do people spend the night in an airport?

A: People opt to spend the night in an airport for several reasons such as if they have an early flight to catch, arrive late at night, overnight layover, flight delays or cancellations, or to save money on hotel room booking. 

Q: Can you sleep on an airport floor?

A: Find some comfortable chairs at the airports which have no armrests so that you can easily stretch out on those seats and get a comfortable sleep. But, if you don’t find chairs at the airport you can consider sleeping on the floor. 

Q: Do airports have showers?

A: Most of the major airports have showers facilities, but there are some airports that do not offer this facility to their passengers.

Q: Do airports close at night?

A: Some airports close at night and would not allow passengers to sleep at the airport overnight. But, not all the airports close at night, there are many major airports that are open 24/7.

Of course, sleeping at the airport overnight may not be your favorite way to spend the night, but it will be manageable and a little comfier with these tips. So, the next time this situation happens, consider this guide. It will help you to sleep in an airport as safely and comfortably as possible. And, If you have ever spent a night at the airport, do let us know your experience and some tips on how you’ve survived your time. We, at MyTicketsToIndia, would love to hear from you. 

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