Whether you’re stranded in an airport due to a flight delay, a cancellation, or your itinerary entails a long stopover, you may find yourself needing to rest at the terminal. Getting a decent night’s sleep at an airport can be a challenge, especially in busier airports that operate around the clock. Knowing in advance which airports allow sleeping can help you make the most of your stopover time at the world’s major international airports.
What are the official rules?
The good news for travelers is that sleeping in an airport usually isn’t against the rules, but this doesn’t mean you can sleep anywhere at any time undisturbed. Rules can vary from airport to airport, and some take a firmer stance than others. In most airports – particularly international airports – you’re likely to get away with falling asleep, so long as you aren’t taking up valuable seating space during peak times.
Photo: Laiotz / Shutterstock
Important points to mention on this topic include:
- Closing times: Obviously, if an airport isn’t open 24 hours, then you won’t be allowed to sleep during closing times. But if you plan on catching some shut-eye within opening times, you’re more than likely to be OK.
- Valid booking: A lot of airports are perfectly fine with passengers sleeping before flights, but they don’t want strangers using their space. Having a valid flight booking to show can help if you are confronted by staff.
- Sleeping spot: Choosing a quiet area of the terminal will improve your chances of enjoying a good rest. Try to stay away from busy areas and don’t obstruct any walkways.
An example of an airport’s policy on sleeping comes from a Denver International Airport (DEN) representative, who told The Washington Post,
“Passengers can sleep on our concourses as long as they have a valid boarding pass with travel planned within 24 hours.”
Make sure you do some research on your chosen airport if you plan on sleeping. Some airports have taken a notoriously strict stance against passengers falling asleep – London Stansted Airport (STN) was one of the first to do so, even employing ‘anti-sleep’ patrols to wake any offending passengers.
The most sleep-friendly airports
Some of the largest airports not only allow sleeping for tired travelers, but they endeavor to make downtime as comfortable as possible by providing designated rest zones with appropriate furniture available free of charge. These facilities market their relaxation amenities on their websites, so travelers know what to expect.
Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport offers the Instant Paris Lounge at Gate K of Terminal 2E, the international terminal. The lounge includes 50 lie-flat lounge chairs accessible to all passengers. There are additional rest areas that are also available to all travelers free of charge.
Dubai (DXB) airport has designated rest zones with reclining chairs available to all passengers for free. However, the recliners can fill up quickly, especially during busier seasons, so it is wise to plan ahead. The airport also offers paid sleep lounges available for one hour up to a full night at Concourses A, C, and D.
Istanbul (IST) also makes our list for its sleep amenities. Opened in 2019, the airport provides “nap zones” that can be used for free at six points in the terminal, with a capacity to serve 278 people total.
Photo: Istanbul Airport
Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) takes a unique approach, with several themed zones for distinct purposes. According to the airport’s website, travelers can rest at the Relax Zone, and visit the Refresh Zone to use the restroom and shower facilities. There are paid options for sleeping on-site as well.
Consistently voted as the world’s best airport to sleep in by website Sleeping In Airports, Singapore Changi (SIN) offers a wide range of snoozing facilities and passenger-friendly amenities, such as nap zones, sleeping chairs in a ‘Snooze Lounge’ and even free movie theaters for entertainment.
Airports with paid sleep options
Next up in our review are major airports where sleeping may technically be allowed, but the use of paid options is encouraged on the facilities’ websites.
Photo: m_sovinskii / Shutterstock
Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL), the world’s busiest airport, offers sleep accommodations for a fee at Concourse B near Gate B16. While you may be able to sleep in the terminal if you can find a comfortable location, it should be noted that the airport now limits access to the facility between 11:00 and 04:30 due to individuals experiencing homelessness sleeping in the domestic terminal. It is best to be airside during this window of time, so you do not have to be concerned with clearing security checkpoints after they close.
Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) offers a paid option for sleep in Terminal 2, where rooms can be booked by the hour. There is also a Library Lounge in this area that can be utilized for a fee. The airport contains several lounge areas where passengers can sleep, but there are no designated rest areas with furniture optimal for stretching out.
London Heathrow (LHR) has lounge chairs at all terminals suitable for sleeping, though the website states that “there is nowhere to sleep overnight at the terminal.” Select terminals, including Terminal 3, have dedicated rest zones, while several airport lounges have sleeping facilities that will come at a price.
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) has a hotel on site accessible via underground walkways from the domestic terminals. Passengers looking to sleep in the terminal would be wise to ensure that they are airside in advance of the security checkpoints closing. Those times vary by terminal.
This is not an exhaustive list, so it is advisable to check with the airport directly when planning a trip that includes a lengthy stopover. Passengers traveling in the United States should always check the closure times for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints for the appropriate terminals prior to their trip. And of course, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact airport operations, so be mindful that airport regulations are highly subject to change.
Do you often find yourself having to get a bit of shut-eye at an airport? Have you come across any particularly pleasant options? Leave a comment below and share the find with the community.
Source: Sleeping In Airports
