Sleeping In Airports | What You Need To Know
Last Updated on January 26, 2024 by Wandering Beyond
Have you ever been stuck in an airport? Do you want to avoid airport hotels to save money?
Today, sleeping in airports has become something normal. It’s a thing not only backpackers do. Travellers from around the world sleep in airports for several reasons. It could be a cancelled flight, an early morning flight, a long layover, or a snowstorm.
Whatever your reason for sleeping in airports is, let us give you some helpful tips to make your travel experiences more satisfactory.
Let’s start with a list of what you need handy when sleeping in airports
- Earplugs
- Eye mask (you can use sunglasses)
- Earphones
- Hand sanitiser and wipes
- Inflatable travel pillow
- Blanket (You can use a jacket)
- Sleeping bag (if you have it with you, it becomes a utile)
- Laptop, books/magazines
- Travel water bottle (ideally any bottle which you can fill from the bathroom sink)
- Snacks
TIP: Don’t forget to set your alarm at least 1.5 hours before your flight. If you’re travelling solo, ask someone on the flight with you or make a noticeable note stuck somewhere on you for people to wake you up at a specific time. Don’t be shy. Everyone who sleeps in airports does this.
Must Do
- Finding A Good Sleeping Spot
Being assertive in finding the best sleeping spot in an airport is quite challenging. Consider everything around you, including seating, the temperature, announcements and people. You have to find the best place for the night. Don’t worry! You’re not the only person in the airport trying to find a place to sleep!
- Always Stay Safe!
If you travel with your partner or friends, the best option is to sleep in turns, so while you’re sleeping, the other person can watch your bags.
For Solo Travellers
If you travel solo, we recommend you sleep close to other travellers (Be sure they are not homeless people). Another option is to rest near a security camera in case of emergencies. Although there have never been any reports of attacks against people sleeping in airports, there were times when things got stolen. Ideally, lock your bags with the bench/chair you’re sleeping on.
- Be Respectful
The airport isn’t your home. Even if you sleep in airports regularly, don’t act selflessly. Don’t keep your music full-on; use the bathrooms if you need to change your clothes. Don’t abuse the situation. Consider that around you, there are other airport sleepers. Just because you can’t sleep doesn’t mean you can be loud. If you receive a phone call and want to express your feelings by speaking all out, keep your voice low or move away.
- Morning Showers
Sleeping in airports isn’t the most comfortable thing, and you’ll not wake up feeling fresh; that’s unquestionable.
Some airports have shower facilities, which can be used for a small fee. If you don’t want to spend money on showers, you can use the airport bathrooms for free. It’s important to be modest. Remember, all travellers use this bathroom. Don’t take too long, and clean after yourself.
Sleeping in airports is very common in today’s world
Sleeping in airports doesn’t mean a person is an extremely budget traveller. It means this person isn’t afraid of adventure!
Just live! Learn more about your inner castaway self. Make the most of every situation in your life, not only by sleeping in airports. We have experienced it in Croatia to save money, and as a result, it was quite a fun adventure!
Have you ever slept in airports? What’s your experience? Do you have any other tips you want to share with us?
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