Guide to Sleeping in Airports: Tips to Help you Catch some Sleep! Zzzzz

I’ve spent many a night sleeping in airports, but the one that most stands out in my mind is the night that kicked off my backpacking trip across Southeast Asia.

Sam and I had just flown from Seoul to Kuala Lumpur and we arrived at the Low Cost Carrier Terminal (which was a zoo!) at around 10 p.m. Because it was so late in the day and the cross-country buses had already stopped running, we decided to spend the night at the airport and wait until 5 in the morning to catch a ride down to Malacca.

The question was: Where to sleep?

Countless travellers had already set up camp for the night and space was tight. There were people who had come prepared with thin foam mattresses while others were sprawled out on blankets, some were resting their heads on a friend’s shoulder while others were using their bulky carry-ons as pillows. I ogled at those experienced backpackers who looked so comfy with their yoga mats and neck pillows, and wished I’d also come more prepared…

We eventually found a quiet spot next to some other travellers in a corner of the terminal, and I curled up on the cold ceramic floor for the night. It was one of those sleeps where I kept waking up every 20 minutes because my hip and shoulder bones were digging into the ground, so I would have to roll over to the other side every few minutes while the fluorescent overhead lights blinded me.

I can’t say it was the best night’s sleep, but that was just one of the many nights sleeping in airports that taught me how to prepare for a good night’s rest.

Tips for sleeping in airports:

Set your alarm

First things first, you need to set your alarm. My internal body clock gets confused when I hop time zones so I can never trust myself to wake up in time to catch a flight.

I once lay down at the airport in Abu Dhabi while I waited for my flight to Brisbane, Queensland to board, and well, I nearly didn’t make it!

Thankfully I was woken up by a woman who was getting on a flight departing for Nigeria, and that’s when I realized that not only had I completely zonked out for several hours, but my departure gate had also changed. A sprinting race ensued and I managed to make it to my gate just a few minutes before they started boarding. Whewww!

Lesson learned: Set an alarm because you can’t always trust yourself or your travel buddy to wake up in time.

Scope out the area

A really cool website to check out is SleepingInAirports.net; like the name suggests, this website is all about finding the best spots to catch some zzz’s in airports around the world.

If you’re flying through Singapore Changi, Seoul Incheon or Hong Kong, you’ve already won the lottery, but if you’re flying through some not so fancy airports, this website will help you track down a good sleeping spot (if there is one).

If you can’t go through to the gates because your flight doesn’t leave for several hours (and that’s quite likely if you’re spending the night at the airport!), another idea is to look for a spot in the arrivals area. The departures area tends to be a bit more meagre in terms of sleeping options since it’s often quite crowded, but most people in arrivals are there to meet family or grab a taxi and continue onwards to their final destination, so that usually means plenty of seating and potential nap areas.

Lesson learned: If you can’t find empty seats in the departures area, scope the arrivals section instead.

Keep your belongings safe

Some might think this is overkill, but while I was backpacking in Southeast Asia I travelled with both a metal safety mesh for my backpack and a travel lock. The main reason for this is that I was travelling on a budget and I wanted to be able to pack my valuables while I was out of the guesthouse for the day, but in the end it also came quite handy in airports.

Whenever I had a long layover and I wanted to catch a bit of sleep, I would put the mesh cover over my backpack and lock it somewhere safe right next to me, and then I would use the padlock to secure any other smaller bags I happened to be carrying.

I got a lot of use out of these two items, so I think they make good gifts for travellers who are setting off on a backpacking trip.

Lesson learned: Secure your belongings so you can sleep with peace of mind.

Wear a comfortable travel outfit

I’m all about comfort when I travel and that’s why you’ll usually catch me flying in leggings or slouchy pants, a t-shirt, a hoodie, and running shoes.

This right here is my go-to travel outfit; I can stretch, cross my knees, and feel flexible in it, which means it’s almost as good as wearing pyjamas, minus the disapproving glares.

I also purposely wear layers in case it’s too cold inside the airport.

Lesson learned: Wear something you’ll feel comfortable in, and dress in layers in case it gets warm or cold.

Get cozy for the night

If you want to get a good night’s sleep (and be comfortable in flight!), I would suggest travelling with a few token items.

First up, a neck pillow so you don’t wake up with a kink in your neck.

Next, a scarf or pashmina that can easily double up as a blanket.

And if you’re going ultra-budget on your trip and you know you’ll be spending many a night sleeping in airports, then you might even want to think about a light yoga mat. I’ve personally never travelled with one myself, but I’ve encountered many travellers who swear by them, so it’s something to consider.

If you’re a light sleeper, you may also want to add an eye mask to your list.

Lesson learned: Carry a few essentials like a neck pillow, scarf, and eye mask for a more comfortable sleeping experience. 

Know when to splurge

Lastly, know when it’s best to just pay for a bed!

For example, when I flew from Toronto to Johannesburg last year, I knew I would be catching 3 back to back flights, which included one airport change in New York City during rush hour, followed by a really long layover in Abu Dhabi.

While sleeping in airports along the way was an option, I knew I would a very grumpy traveller if I didn’t get some proper rest, so I bit the bullet and paid for a hotel. I ended up finding a cheap hotel inside the airport (score!) while browsing on Booking.com and it was worth every penny.

In some airports sleeping pods are another great option to consider. These are ideal for travellers who want to catch some shut eye on a layover that isn’t quite long enough to warrant paying for a hotel room.

Pods can generally be rented by the hour, plus let’s face, it’ll make you feel like you’re in a Sci-Fi film.

Airport Sleep Survival Plan: Tips & Suggestions

First: Is This Airport Sleepable?

Green flags (yay, curl up):

• 24-hour terminals with airside access after security
• Padded benches or fixed loungers without arm dividers
• Designated “rest zones,” quiet rooms, or transit hotels/pods
• Open 24-hour café with soft seating (bonus: power outlets)
• Friendly security that doesn’t mind polite floor campers

Red flags (consider a pod/hotel):

• Curfewed terminals that close overnight
• Landside only (you can’t reach your gate until morning)
• All seating has hard armrests; floors are grimy + drafty
• Aggressive PA announcements every 3 minutes
• You don’t feel safe watching your stuff (trust your gut)

Overnight Airport Game Plan

Where to Sleep (Landside vs. Airside)

Airside (after security)

• Usually safer & quieter; cleaners keep things tidy.
• Look for unused gates, corners behind pillars, or carpeted corridors near business lounges.
• Some hubs have nap chairs/relax pods, dimmed “rest zones,” or reclining loungers with footrests.

Landside (before security)

• More people traffic but often more seating (arrivals halls, ticketing lobbies).
• Arrivals often beats departures for space at night.
• Consider chapels/meditation rooms (be respectful), family rooms (if you’re a parent), or observation decks if they stay open.

Spots that surprise:

• AirTrain/People-mover vestibules: warm, bright, often padded benches.
• 24-hour eateries: buy a snack, then tuck into a booth.
• Gate corners near emergency exits: draft-free with wall-hug space (don’t block the doors).

Build a Dozy Carry-On (Checklist)

Essentials

• Eye mask (shaped/contoured is kinder to eyelashes)
• Earplugs or ANC earbuds + white-noise app
• Neck pillow or inflatable lumbar pillow (packs tiny)
• Warm socks + light beanie (air-con can be arctic)
• Big scarf/pashmina (blanket, pillowcase, modesty cover)
• Disinfectant wipes + tissues
• Refillable water bottle (collapsible is great)
• Portable charger + short charging cable
• Toothbrush/toothpaste, deodorant, face wipes, lip balm, hand cream
• Small carabiner cable lock for zipper pulls
• Copies of itinerary/insurance; a pen for forms

Nice-to-Haves

• Ultralight folding seat pad or yoga-mat slice (hip saver)
• Microfibre towel + compact travel wash if showers exist
• Silk sleep sack (clean layer between you and…everything)
• Melatonin or magnesium glycinate (if these work for you)
• Spare T-shirt/undies (instant mood upgrade)
• Snack pack: nuts, protein bar, instant miso, tea bags

Safety, Etiquette & Sanity

• Bags go on the inside, against a wall; loop a strap around your arm/ankle or clip your zippers together. Keep passports/phones on your person (inner pocket or money belt) while sleeping.
• Stay visible enough for CCTV & patrols; hidden alcoves can feel sketchier than open corners.
• Ask staff/security if you’re unsure about a spot; a smile goes a long way.
• Keep a low footprint: don’t sprawl across six seats at rush hour, and pack up quickly when the morning rush hits.
• Hydrate, but don’t overdo caffeine; you still want to sleep on the plane.
• Trust your gut. If your spidey-sense tingles, relocate—no explanation required.

The Splurge-O-Meter: When to Get a Bed

Say yes to a pod/hotel if two or more of these are true:

• You have 8+ hours on the ground and a red-eye flight next.
• You’re on back-to-back long-hauls or switching continents.
• You’re sick, recovering, or travelling with little ones.
• The terminal closes overnight or feels unsafe to you.
• You have an early visa/immigration errand and need a solid head.

Airport Sleep FAQ (12 Quick Answers)

1) Is it actually allowed to sleep in an airport?

Usually, yes—if the terminal is open 24/7 and you’re not blocking exits or businesses. Some airports close overnight or sweep landside areas; staff/security will tell you where you can stay. If you’re asked to move, be gracious and relocate.

2) Can I go through security the night before to sleep airside?

It depends on security hours and your boarding pass. Many checkpoints only open a few hours before the first departures. If you can’t clear yet, pick a quiet spot landside (arrivals often beats departures for space).

3) Do I need a visa to stay overnight in the transit area?

Not if you remain airside in a true international transit. But: some connections require you to clear immigration to change terminals or re-check bags. If you need to cross a border—even just to switch halls—visa rules apply. Check your itinerary carefully before you leave the secure area.

4) How do I keep my stuff safe while I sleep?

• Put bags between your body and a wall.
• Clip zipper pulls together with a small cable lock or carabiner.
• Loop a strap around your arm/ankle.
• Keep passport/phone on you (inner pocket or money belt).
  Trust your gut about a spot; if it feels off, move.

5) What’s the best place to lie down if there are armrests everywhere?

Try: carpeted corners behind pillars, quiet gates, family rooms, chapels/meditation rooms (respect etiquette), or 24-hour cafés (buy something and tuck into a booth). In some terminals armrests flip up—check the hinge.

6) I’m a solo female traveller—any extra tips?

Stick near staffed desks or clusters of women/families, sleep with your back to a wall and clear sightlines, and introduce yourself to neighbours—tiny communities are protective. If anyone makes you uncomfortable, just move or ask staff for help. No explanation needed.

7) Should I book a lounge, pod, or hotel instead of roughing it?

Say yes if you have an 8+ hour layover, back-to-back long-hauls, kids, you’re unwell, or the terminal closes. Pods (hourly) are great for a real horizontal nap + shower. Many pay-per-use lounges sell day passes regardless of airline or class.

8) How do I avoid missing my flight while asleep?

• Set two alarms (phone + watch).
• Turn on airline/app alerts and re-check the gate when you stir.
• If your gate is far, move closer for your final nap.
• Ask the gate agent what time they’ll start boarding.

9) Can I unroll a sleeping bag or camp mat?

Sometimes fine, sometimes frowned upon. Keep your footprint tidy and out of walkways. A thin seat pad or scarf under a hip draws less attention than a full camp setup and still saves your bones.

10) Where can I shower/freshen up?

Showers pop up in: pay lounges, airside transit hotels, some public rest zones, and a few gyms/spas. Bring a microfibre towel, flip-flops, and a tiny toiletries kit. If no shower exists, a quick “sink shower” + clean shirt works wonders.

11) What about checked bags on an overnight layover?

On a single through-ticket, bags usually transfer automatically. Separate tickets often mean collect + re-check, which may force you landside and through immigration/customs. Build time for this and verify counter opening hours.

12) What’s in a perfect “airport sleep kit”?

Eye mask, earplugs/ANC earbuds, neck pillow or inflatable lumbar pillow, warm socks/hat, big scarf/pashmina, disinfectant wipes, refillable bottle, portable charger + short cable, toothbrush/deodorant/face wipes/lip balm, tiny cable lock, a snack. Optional hero items: seat pad, melatonin/magnesium (if they work for you), and a spare T-shirt/undies.

Lesson learned: Airport hotels and sleeping pods are worth it if you want to arrive well rested. 

What’s the best / worst airport you’ve ever spent the night in?
Do you have any other tips for sleeping in airports?