You can’t always plan travel to the minute. Long layovers, unexpected flight delays, and airport delays can all leave you stuck overnight, and it can happen anytime.
The good news is that you can rest in a terminal with the right information. Let’s review the practical tips—for budget-friendly sleeping spots and premium options—to help you sleep as comfortably and safely as possible during an overnight airport stay.
Budget-Friendly Sleeping Options
Not everyone wants to spend money on a hotel for just a few hours of shut-eye. Fortunately, most airports allow passengers to sleep in the terminals if needed.
Here are low-cost sleep options any traveler can use.
Quiet Corners and Empty Gates
The easiest free option is to find a quiet spot in the terminal, like an empty gate area or an out-of-the-way corner. Nearly every airport has gate seating available.
Look for areas with less foot traffic or a corner in a terminal that isn’t busy at night. Due to noise, this can be challenging in larger airports (like LAX or JFK), so walk around to scope out a calmer terminal area late at night.
Using Airport Seating to Your Advantage
If you’re lucky, you might find benches or rows of seats without armrests where you can stretch out. Some airports even have cushioned or recliner-style seats designed specifically for weary travelers.
Seattle-Tacoma (SEA) is noted for offering some sleep-friendly seating that makes it easier to doze off. If standard seats are uncomfortable, consider sleeping on the floor – choose a carpeted area and use something (like a jacket or blanket) as a mat for softness.
Designated Rest Zones
A few airports provide dedicated quiet areas for passengers to relax. These zones feature recliners and dimmer lighting for a more sleep-conducive environment.
Minneapolis–St. Paul International (MSP) offers unique relaxation chairs in Terminal 1 for tired travelers. Always look for signs indicating “Quiet Zone” or ask airport staff if any rest areas exist. Not every airport has them—some airports, like SFO, do not have free rest zones.
Stay Airside if Possible
If you have an ongoing connection or an early flight, try to stay overnight at the airport. Airside areas typically stay open 24/7 at major airports. Public areas may close or restrict access late at night.
Once security screening closes for the night, anyone outside the secure zone won’t be allowed back in until morning.
Staying airside means you’re already past TSA for that early morning flight, but it’s safer and busier with fellow travelers. Bonus: you won’t risk getting locked out or stuck in a lobby due to security hours.
Terminal Hopping
If the section you’re in is uncomfortable or closes overnight, think of moving to another terminal (if accessible). A domestic terminal might shut down at night, but an international terminal could remain open 24 hours into the wee hours of the morning.
Don’t hesitate to take an inter-terminal shuttle or walk to a different concourse if you discover better seating or quieter spaces elsewhere. This exploration can lead you to hidden nooks—some veteran airport sleepers find spots behind rows of seats or in unused corners that are perfect for stretching out.
Other Alternatives
Desperate times can call for creative measures. One outside-the-box option is to rent a car overnight without actually going anywhere. Renting a car that stays parked at the airport can give you a private place to sleep with a fully reclining seat.
Assuming rental rates are reasonable, and you can leave the car in the lot, it might be cheaper than a hotel and more comfortable than a hard bench.
It spares you from airport noise and bright lights. You might still hear the occasional garage noise, though. This strategy isn’t for everyone, but some budget travelers swear by it as a last resort for a decent snooze.
Lounges, Sleep Pods, and Hotels
Are you willing to spend a bit of money for comfort? Airports offer premium sleeping options that beat what you’ll get otherwise. These can be lifesavers on long layovers when you need real rest.
Airport Lounges
An airport lounge can be a quiet haven if you have access. Many airline lounges and independent lounges accessible via memberships like Priority Pass or pay-per-use passes stay open late or 24 hours and provide comfy seating, snacks, and sometimes even nap rooms.
For example, lounges in hubs like Dallas/Fort Worth (DFW) and Miami (MIA) are well-equipped for overnight guests, with some offering semi-private relaxation areas and showers to freshen up.
Sleep Pods and Minute Suites
A growing number of airports now have sleep pods or mini-suites that travelers can rent by the hour. These small private spaces feature a comfy place to lie down (either a reclining chair or a flat cot/bed) and outlets to charge devices.
Many come with essentials like a pillow ambient lighting (plus a secure storage area for your bags. Pods offer peace since you can close yourself off from the bustling terminal.
Rates vary by airport. Some pods are complimentary for the first 20 minutes and charge around $10-15 per hour afterward.
Companies operate in multiple airports with small private rooms right inside the terminal. JetBlue’s T5 at JFK Airport in New York has sleep pods open to all passengers for short-term naps.
If you have a long layover, pods can be a worthwhile splurge for uninterrupted sleep.
Tips for Maximizing Comfort in the Terminal
Sleeping in a public space like an airport will never be as good as your bed, but a few clever tactics can make it much better.
Bring Sleep Gear
Always stuff a few things in your carry-on that can help you sleep. That might mean a travel pillow (inflatable or neck pillow) to support your head, a light blanket or large scarf to keep warm, earplugs or noise-canceling headphones to block out noise, and an eye mask to block out harsh lighting.
Airports are full of bright lights, so eye shades and earplugs are crucial for comfort. A hoodie or even sunglasses can substitute an eye mask in a pinch. Tissue for earbuds might dull noise.
Dress in comfortable layers – wear something you can easily relax or lie in. Have an extra sweater or jacket you can put on if it gets cold. Terminals get chilly overnight thanks to strong AC.
Many travelers discover this the hard way. Don’t be like them.
Stay Hydrated and Fed Within Reason
It’s hard to sleep if you’re extremely hungry or thirsty. Before settling in, grab a bottle of water and a light snack (granola bar, banana) while shops are open, so you have something in case you wake up at 3 AM and all eateries are closed.
Don’t consume too much caffeine or sugar late at night. It will make it harder to fall asleep. A cup of herbal tea (chamomile is excellent) or just water is better in the late evening. Having a snack handy also means you won’t have to wander around at 2 AM looking for food.
Choose Your Spot Wisely
The location you sleep in can make a huge difference. Find a dark, quiet section of the terminal: away from TV screens, not right under loudspeakers, and distant from high-traffic areas like security checkpoints or boarding gates with red-eye flights.
If you can find a row of seats in a dim corner, that’s ideal. It’s also a good idea to tuck behind structures or columns to get more darkness and privacy (make sure it’s safe and allowed). Pay attention to the floor and lighting—carpeted areas will be warmer and softer than tile.
Key Takeaways
Sleeping in an airport isn’t luxurious, but it can be tolerable—even reasonably refreshing—if you come prepared and follow these strategies.
You can be curling up on a bench in a quiet corner or splurging on a sleep pod, but the goal is still the same: to get some rest and reduce the stress of a long delay/layover. You can turn an airport overnight into an OK part of your journey by being smart.
So next time you’re stuck at 1 AM in a terminal, you’ll know exactly how to set up your personal airport hotel. Keep it all in mind, and sweet dreams.
Frequently asked question
Is it safe to sleep in an airport?
Yes, usually. Airports have security staff, and other travelers stay overnight, too. Just keep your things close and choose busier areas where you feel safe.
Can I sleep in any airport overnight?
Most major airports let you stay overnight, but smaller ones can close. Always check your airport’s rules beforehand.
Can I take a shower at the airport?
Sometimes. Larger airports have lounges or shower facilities. You might have to pay a fee or have lounge access to use them.
What sleeping gear should I bring?
Keep it simple: a travel pillow, blanket/hoodie, earplugs or headphones, and an eye mask can help you rest better.
Are sleep pods worth it?
They can be great if you want privacy and comfort. They’re perfect if you have a long wait or need some quiet time away from the hustle and bustle of the main airport.
