Sleeping in the airport is never a fun experience when you are unprepared.
Few travel experiences are more frustrating than a weather delay, cancellation, or missed connection that leaves you unexpectedly spending the night in the airport. While most airports simply leave travellers to fend for themselves, a handful go the extra mile by providing cots, blankets, pillows, toiletries, and other comfort items during major disruptions.
Before you start searching the terminal for a free bed, there is one important thing to know: cots are typically brought out only during severe weather events, widespread cancellations, or other large-scale disruptions. They are not available every night, and they cannot be reserved in advance.
If you are currently stranded and hoping to find a cot, speak with an airline representative or airport employee. If no staff are visible, try using one of the airport courtesy phones to contact customer service.
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- Boston Logan – The most recent report mentioning cots was submitted in 2024. According to our reviewer, cots were available through the JetBlue office behind Baggage Claim 4 in Terminal C.
- Chicago O’Hare – Cots were last reported in 2026. Distribution locations may vary depending on the nature of the disruption and which terminals are affected.
- Dallas-Fort Worth – The most recent reports were submitted in 2026. According to the airport, DFW and its airline partners maintain more than 1,000 cots for stranded travellers and can bring in additional supplies when needed. During major disruptions, airport staff may also distribute blankets, pillows, toiletries, diapers, and other essentials.
One traveller reported that cots were available before 12:30 AM and could be requested by dialling 43112 from an airport courtesy phone. - Denver – Cots were last reported in 2025, with travellers noting that many were available near Gate B23. Be aware that some reviewers described the cots as worn and somewhat noisy, so don’t expect hotel-level comfort.
- Houston Intercontental – Travellers reported cots near Gate C14 in 2024 during a major disruption.
- Newark – Limited cots may be distributed during storms, mass cancellations, and other major disruptions. Travellers have reported cot distribution in all terminals, with a dedicated cot area previously set up on the second level of Terminal B.
- Washington Dulles – Travellers have reported successfully requesting cots by using the airport’s courtesy phones to contact airport staff. Availability depends on the scale of the disruption and current demand.
Last updated: June 2026
Header photo by Meinzahn / iStock