Skip to main content

The Manual may earn a commission when you buy through links on our site.

The Long, Long Layover: How to Sleep Like a Baby at the Airport

The situation: Your flight was canceled. Or there were snakes on it. Or you lost track of time at the airport bar and missed your connection — the last of the day to your destination. Nearby hotels are unexpectedly sold out or just too damn expensive.

Whatever the reason, you’re staring down the prospect of overnighting in the airport. It’s never pretty, but it is possible to catch a few hours of quality shut-eye  in the terminal. Here are a few pro tips for sleeping at the airport.

Recommended Videos

Be Prepared

passport
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Unless there’s an obvious crisis (e.g., a hurricane or bomb cyclone) that’s left throngs of travelers stranded, airport security may inquire about your reason for sleeping there. As long as you clearly explain your situation and can provide proof in the way of an outbound ticket the following day, they’re likely to leave you alone. Just be calm and polite, and recognize that they’re under no obligation to let you sleep there.

Establish Your Bedroll

travel gadgets
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Take stock of your bedding inventory. If you’re the sort of hotshot who travels with a pillow, a blanket, and feety pajamas, you’re already in good shape. If not, you likely need to find some. Here’s where your airline’s special service agents can prove invaluable. Find the nearest desk and plead your case to see what you can score. If you’re gracious enough, you can at least secure a pillow and blanket, maybe even earplugs and an eye mask if needed. All are likely to be the disposable (read: crappy) — the kind comped to international travelers in flight, but beggars can’t be choosers, right? Alternatively, if it’s not too late or you’re stuck in an airport with 24-hour services, there should be a handful of stores where you can buy all of the above. With the right prodding, the best case scenario is that the airlines can even provide you with a cot.

Set Up Basecamp

airport
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Some airports are inherently quieter than others. Some, like New York’s JFK, are as quiet as a bowling alley in an echo chamber. Finding a peaceful spot can be tricky. Again, asking gate agents and even airport security personnel for recommendations is wise. They’ve likely tried to catch a few minutes of shut-eye on an especially long shift, so they’ll know better than anyone.

In general, gates at the end of the terminal see less foot traffic. Some airport gate signs report the next inbound flight. Pick a gate where the next flight isn’t due until, say, mid-morning to ensure you won’t be jolted awake in an hour by a hundred people deplaning a few feet from your head.

If you’re feeling especially adventurous, rent a car for the night. Seriously, in some major airports, it’s possible to rent a car for the day for less than USD $20. Then, just leave it in the lot and setup camp inside. You’ll have a clean, safe, lockable place to crash with padded seats. If you’re willing to really splash out, the rear of an SUV with the seats folded down can feel almost like home. Almost.

Lock It Down

luggage
Image used with permission by copyright holder

For safety and theft reasons, it’s ideal to sleep near other travelers. Just ensure that they are actually other travelers and not just random people sleeping in the airport. The latter happens in countries outside the U.S. more than you might think.

<>If it’s comfortable enough to do so, clip your luggage or backpack to your person (a belt loop works) to deter thieves from walking off with your valuables while you snooze. Even better, if you can get there before they close, leave your bags at the left luggage office overnight.

Look to Tech

Meidong E6ANC Bluetooth Headphones
Image used with permission by copyright holder

If they’re comfortable enough for you to wear while sleeping, noise-canceling headphones are clutch for airport overnighting. Bose and Sennheiser still offer some of the best products in this space, but you needn’t drop $200 or more on brand name cans. These headphones from Meidong (previously highlighted as part of our under-$50 holiday gift guide for travelers) will do the trick.

With or without noise-canceling headphones, a white noise smartphone app can be a great distraction from all the unwanted airport noise. White Noise Lite — available for both Android and iOS — is a great, free choice. It offers a large catalog of white noise options, including heavy rain, crashing ocean waves, blowing wind, and, curiously enough, the sounds of air travel.

Don’t Starve

sandwich
Image used with permission by copyright holder

Keep in mind that airport stores and food outlets may close by 9 pm or earlier (usually around the time of the last flight out for the day). This isn’t an issue in larger airports like Chicago or Atlanta. However, smaller satellite airports like Providence, Rhode Island, essentially shut down after dark. Once you realize you will, in fact, be overnighting at the airport, find the nearest convenience store or restaurant to fuel up or stock up ahead of your stay.

Once you finally board, our travel playlist might coming in handy:

Mike Richard
Mike Richard has traveled the world since 2008. He's kayaked in Antarctica, tracked endangered African wild dogs in South…
Avoid the wait: The most and least delayed U.S. airports this summer
Baltimore/Washington International Airport (BWI)

While summer is a great time to get away, many factors can lead to delays. Among them are overloaded schedules, crowds, and weather, which can make an exciting trip into an arduous journey. But there’s another factor that predicts delays: the airport.

Upgraded Points studied metrics from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics to learn which airports (and airlines) are most likely to face summer flight delays. The study covered June through August in 2022, 2023, and 2024. Here’s what the data showed.

Read more
Morocco’s newest luxury stay? Le Méridien just opened in Casablanca
Le Méridien has officially landed in Morocco
Le Meridien Casablanca

Le Méridien has officially opened its doors in Morocco, bringing European glamour and a creative spirit to the heart of the city. The newly opened Le Méridien Casablanca is designed with the modern traveler in mind. Think 145 chic guest rooms, a rooftop lounge with amazing Atlantic views, a serene spa, a state-of-the-art fitness center, and a 25-meter indoor pool for that perfect post-flight reset.

Foodies will feel right at home with five vibrant dining spots, from globally inspired dishes at Le Marché to Mediterranean flavors at Le Safran, coffee-infused cocktails at Latitude Bar, and sweet treats at The Scoop gelato corner. The Rooftop Lounge is also a must-visit for sunset sips and panoramic views.

Read more
10 summer travel passport and visa tips every traveler should know
Don’t let passport problems derail your summer travel plans
Passport and vintage camera on a world map

There’s nothing quite like the sinking feeling of realizing your passport has expired just weeks or even days before a big trip. 

I’ve been there. Maybe you have too. Or you know someone who has. You spend all that time planning the perfect itinerary, booking flights, and daydreaming about your destination… only to get tripped up by a simple technicality that could’ve easily been avoided.

Read more