Sleeping in Airports

Fairbanks Airport Guide

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Fairbanks Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

The folks in the office will even give you a little kit with a toothbrush, etc. if your pack didn’t arrive on the same plane as you. – Philip

FAI Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Fairbanks International Airport.

What to Expect

Fairbanks Airport (code: FAI) consists of a small but modern terminal. A few eateries and newsstands/gift shops are located on both sides of security. WiFi is available to help pass the time. There are no private lounges at this airport.

Fairbanks airport Guide
(Photo courtesy of a SleepingInAirports contributor)

Sleeping in Fairbanks Airport

We do not yet have any recent sleep-related airport reviews. Past reviews described airport staff as friendly and accommodating to overnight sleepers. There were reportedly several sleeping options, including comfortable seating throughout the airport and assorted quiet nooks. Look for a corner nook near the big stuffed grizzly bear. For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below or read some traveller airport reviews for more tips.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos. You can also visit the airport’s website for current information. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Fairbanks Airport Guide.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.  For more information on Europe’s Schengen Area, click here.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours. Passenger screening points open two hours before the first flight departure.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Fairbanks Airport:

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Fairbanks – Free airport shuttle is available. » Check Rates
  • Pike’s Waterfront Lodge – Free airport shuttle is available. For airport pick-up, collect luggage and then use the courtesy phone at the bottom of the elevator as you exit baggage claim. Pike’s is number 3 on the courtesy phone. » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Fairbanks Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

Pay-per-use, Single Visit Passes & Lounge Memberships

At the time of this update, pay-per-use lounges were not available. If this information is incorrect, click here to update this airport guide.

Military Lounge

YMCA Military Lounge – For members of the military only. Location: Lower level, near baggage belts. Hours: 12:00 PM – 12:00 AM.

Drinking Water

A reader tells us that water bottle refill stations are available.  (August 2024)

Food & Drinks

Two dining options are available: North Pole Coffee (Airside. 4:30 AM-10:30 PM) • The Local @FAI (Airside. Hours: 6:00 AM – 1:00 AM). Vending machines are available on both floors.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

A reader tells us there are outlets for charging mobile devices at the gate and on every other bench. There are four electrical outlets and four USB ports.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available throughout the airport terminal.

More Airport Information

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

ATMs / Cash Machines – Need cash? ATMs are available. Fees may apply, so check your bank’s fee schedule and daily withdrawal limit if you are travelling internationally. You may also want to notify your bank of your travel plans. Locations: Landside, 1st floor, next to the escalator • Landside, across from Ravn Alaska ticketing counter • Airside, next to TWIGS Alaskan Gifts.

Baggage Carts – Need a hand with your luggage? Baggage carts are available. Rate: unknown.

Duty-Free & Shopping – TWIGS Alaskan Gifts has two locations: 1st floor (landside) for the general public and another located airside for ticketed passengers. Hours: Daily from 5:00 AM – 1:00 AM.

Information Desk – Located in the Greeter lobby.

Massage Chairs – Location: near Gate 3. Rates: unknown.

Postal Services – Drop off your last-minute postcards to friends and family from the airport’s mailbox. Locations: Near Gate A • In the baggage claim area.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Airlines
Fairbanks Airport is served by the following airlines: Alaska Airlines • Delta Air Lines • Everts Air • 40-Mile Air Ltd. • United Airlines • Warbelow’s Air Ventures • Wright Air Service
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

Fairbanks Airport is served by local transit bus route Yellow Line. For route map, schedule and fares, visit the FNSB website.

Car Rentals

Onsite car rental agencies include Avis • Budget • Dollar • Enterprise • Hertz • National/Alamo.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: La Quinta Inn & Suites Fairbanks   •   Best Western Plus Chena River Lodge   •   Bridgewater Hotel   •  Golden North Motel   •  Pike’s Waterfront Lodge   •    Sophie Station Suites   •   Super 8 Fairbanks.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxis and Shuttles

Taxis and shared-ride shuttles are available in the ground transportation area. All taxis are metered, and reservations are not required.

Last updated: 2024-08-26

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.