Date: October 15, 2013
The SleepingInAirports community has voted the following airports as the Best Airports in North America.
When selecting an airport to declare as the “best”, travellers were asked to consider the four C’s: comfort, conveniences, cleanliness and customer service.
- Comfort: Armrest-free seating and quiet/rest/relaxation zones.
- Conveniences: Free WiFi, 24-hour food, showers, pay-in lounges, and activities to do on a layover.
- Cleanliness: Clean floors, bathrooms and food courts.
- Customer Service: A smile and friendly attitudes go a long way. We are so thankful for the kind airport workers who help us when we are lost and give us blankets and pillows when we’re stranded.
This year we’ve noticed that a few more airports in this region are implementing quiet zones! We hope to see this trend continue.
Here are the Top Ten Airports in North America as selected by SleepingInAirports voters.
1. Vancouver
Just wanted to confirm the area by the USA gates is still a great place to sleep. You can get some privacy, just look around.” – justslept
Vancouver Airport offers travellers Free WiFi and self-guided tours where you can see attractions such as the totem poles, aboriginal art and a 30,000-gallon aquarium.
The zzz Factor: While there are no designated rest zones, the airport offers plenty of armrest-free seating before and after security. Long-haul travellers say they would like the airport to install showers in the transit area. Until that dream becomes a reality, they can pay to use the showers at the Fairmont Hotel connected to the terminal. Food is available 24-hours. Showers are available in the pay-in lounges.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • 24-hour Food • Aquarium • Prayer Rooms • Luggage Storage ($) • Self-guided Tours • Hotel connected to the airport ($). Visit our Vancouver Airport Guide for more information.
2. Toronto
I asked the security guards if there was anywhere to sleep and they pointed me to a fantastic area on the ground floor in T1, where the bus company desks are. It was quiet and warm, with lots of long sets of seats without armrests. Plenty of room for everyone who was there. ” – sarahkaye
The zzz Factor: Travellers like the armrest-free seating at Lounge Q, which is located before security in Terminal 1. Sleeping at the gates can be a challenge thanks to armrests, but there are usually empty gates nearby. Food is available 24-hours. Showers are available in the pay-in lounges.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • 24 hour Food ($) • Waiting Lounge • Luggage Storage ($) • Prayer Rooms • Showers ($) • Social media bragging station • Hotel connected to the airport ($). Visit our Toronto Airport Guide for more information.
3. San Francisco
I set up camp on one of the round soft circle shaped benches across from the Virgin Airlines check in – settled in nicely, was awoken by security about 4:30 am and told to put my clothes on. (I have to sleep nude)” – chrisgehrt
The zzz Factor: Gate seating can be a challenge, but there are a “oddly shaped” couches and quiet spots in the airport. Bring warm clothes! There is a shower before you go through security.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Airline lounges with day passes ($) • Free WiFi • Aquarium • Aviation Museum • Charging stations • Free water bottle refills • Luggage Storage ($) • Reading Room • Reflection Room • Showers ($) • Spa ($) • Yoga Room • Self-guided tours. Visit our San Francisco Airport Guide for more information.
4. Detroit
I found a diner-style restaurant which had, glory of glories, padded seating! I lay down there and slept well, until not long after 5 the cleaning staff came through with vacuums and said we had to move because the airport was opening for the day. ” – ofsevit
The zzz Factor: Daytime naps would be a challenge as there are no designated rest areas and seats have armrests. However, the new terminal is more spacious and you can find a quiet gate during the day.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Airline lounges with day passes ($) • Free WiFi. Visit our Detroit Airport Guide for more information.
5. Denver
I asked an airline lady at the gate where was the best place to crash. She pointed to the top level of the A terminal near the end of the corridor.” – sometime-traveler
The zzz Factor: There are no designated rest areas and the seats have armrests, so sleepers will have to find refuge on the floor. Food is available 24-hours.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Airline lounges with day passes ($) • Free WiFi • mobile charging • 24-hour food ($) • Prayer Room. Visit our Denver Airport Guide for more information.
6. Minneapolis
The janitor asked if I was looking for the sleeping area and then directed me to it, as well as to a nearby balcony containing foam mats, blankets, and pillows! Amazing!” – herbert
The zzz Factor: Travellers say the airport offers a comfortable temperature and some bench seating. There is a quiet area with soft chairs and foot rests on the Mezzanine. Food is available 24 hours.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Airline lounges with day passes ($) • Free WiFi • 24-hour Food ($) • Free Food Coupons • Luggage Storage ($) • Quiet Zone • Charging Stations • Walking Path. Visit our Minneapolis Airport Guide for more information.
7. Atlanta
F has couches, benches, ledges, etc that you can lie flat out on. I’m sitting on a couch right now.” – floppyhead
The zzz Factor: There are areas of armrest-free padded seating. The gate area is open 24 hours, so sleepers will not be kicked out to the public area of the terminal. The cleaning crew can get loud, so earplugs might help. Food is available 24-hours.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Airline lounges with day passes ($) • WiFi ($) • 24-hour Food ($) • Prayer room • Hotel connected to the airport ($). Visit our Atlanta Airport Guide for more information.
8. Portland
There are padded benches without armrests, 24 hour snack shop, and nobody bothers you, except maybe the vacuum passing late at night.” – Donald
The zzz Factor: The airport has seats without armrests. Food is available 24-hours.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Airline lounges with day passes ($) • Free WiFi. Visit our Portland Airport Guide for more information.
9. Seattle
In the morning we decided to walk to our gate, and discovered that the C gates have cushioned armrest-less seats. The C16 area.. The C12 area… My back is sad but hopefully someone else gets to sleep here!” – Hollion
The zzz Factor: During the day, travellers can relax in the designated Quiet Zone. The airport also offers armrest-free seating at a few gates. Food is available 24-hours.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Airline lounges with day passes ($) • Free WiFi • 24-hour Food ($) • Quiet Zones • Luggage Storage ($) • Meditation Room. Visit our Seattle Airport Guide for more information.
10. Dallas-Fort Worth
a security supervisor helped me in getting a folding bed, blanket and pillow. had a great night sleep. i also saw big couch near gate E31.” – anirudhmsharma
The zzz Factor: The airport is a frequent host to airport sleepers when storms hit the area. They will bring out the cots when this happens. On non-stormy nights, the kid’s play areas are a popular sleep spot. Showers are available in the pay-in lounge.
Airport Services/Facilities To Enjoy Your Layover: Pay-in Lounges ($) • Free WiFi • Showers ($) • Walking Path • Yoga Studio. Visit our Dallas-Fort Worth Airport Guide for more information.
Have Your Say!
Your votes and feedback are essential to the SleepingInAirports annual Best and Worst Airports survey. Now it is your turn to tell us which airports deserve to be included on the 2014 list. There are a few ways to participate:
Survey: If you have a bit more time, leave some comments on the Airport Survey so that we know why you like this airport.
Polls: The easiest way to participate is to vote in the quick poll at the bottom of each regional page. Even if an airport is not listed, write it in the “Other box” and it will be included in the total count.
Airport Reviews: Your airport reviews are the most important contribution that you can provide to the community. Write an airport review.