Sleeping in Airports FAQ

These are the most popular questions we receive, especially from nervous first-time airport sleepers. In many airports, the answer is yes. However, some airports close at night and others simply do not permit airport sleepers or are openly hostile. We suggest you visit the airport guide for the airport you’re curious about. In each airport guide, we list the airport hours and link to airport reviews submitted by travellers in our community who have either experienced a long layover or spent the night in the airport.

You will also learn whether you can remain airside overnight or whether overnight travellers are required to stay in the landside (public) area of the terminal. Conditions can vary significantly from one airport to another, so this is important information to know before you arrive.

In terms of whether you are “allowed” to sleep or stay in the airport overnight, we do not answer this question simply because we are not representatives of the airport. Additionally, security or airport officials may change their rules or ask you to leave at any time without notice. If having permission to stay in the airport would make you more comfortable, you should contact the airport directly, but chances are they will most likely direct you to book a hotel instead.

If you visit the airport, please consider submitting a review to help future travellers.

Explore our airport guides or read the traveller reviews in our database for tips and suggestions. If no reviews exist, unfortunately, we do not know the answer until a member of the community contributes a review.

Entry requirements change frequently and can vary based on your nationality, passport, destination, and travel plans. We suggest you check the entry requirements with the embassy or consulate of the country you plan to visit or contact your travel agent.

In our airport guides, we list locations as being either Airside or Landside.

Landside refers to the airport area BEFORE you go through security, i.e. the public area, the ticketing/departures hall & arrivals area.

Airside refers to the airport area that is located AFTER passing through security, i.e. boarding gates & transit area.

Everything we know about an airport is published on the site. If reviews are outdated or unavailable, we unfortunately don’t have additional information beyond what is listed.

Please consider submitting a review to help future travellers.

Generally, sleeping in the airport is safe as long as you take the usual precautions that one should expect to take when sleeping in public places. While we have never received any reports of attacks against airport sleepers, there have been a few bum fondlings. A few phones and laptops have also gone missing!

There are a few airports where you may not want to close your eyes, so be sure to read some traveller reviews to gauge the conditions. If you are travelling alone, look for other airport sleepers, as there is safety in numbers.

If you are travelling with a friend, you can take turns sleeping.

If you do not feel safe, do not attempt to sleep. Drink coffee and stay alert. You can sleep on the plane the next morning. Ultimately, you may prefer to break the budget and check in to the nearest airport hotel.

Read more of our sleeping in airports tips.

We only list lounges that economy class travellers can access with a lounge pass, airline lounge membership or by paying at the door. Currently, we do not list lounges that can only be accessed with a first/business class ticket or elite frequent flyer status.

If the airline lounge we are missing can be accessed by economy class travellers with a lounge pass or airline lounge membership or by paying at the door, update the guide or email us at editor@sleepinginairports.com.

You must contact the airport or airport lounges directly to report lost items.

The Airport Guide covers airport facilities and services, including transportation, lounges, WiFi, food, showers, and hotels. The Sleep Guide focuses specifically on sleeping conditions, overnight stays, traveller tips, and recommended places to rest.