If your flight was delayed or cancelled, you may be curious if you can sleep in the airport or if you need to get a hotel room. It really depends on the airport as some airports close at night rather than being a continuous operation. In those cases, you cannot sleep in the airport. If it is open all the time, you can sleep in the airport, though there may be some restrictions. Here’s all you need to know about sleeping in an airport.
Key Takeaways
- Sleeping in an airport depends on the specific airport’s hours of operation and the airline’s policies, so it’s important to check before attempting to sleep there.
- If your flight is delayed or cancelled and you need to sleep at the airport, try to find a comfortable and quiet spot and bring items like neck pillows, blankets, and headphones to make yourself more comfortable.
- If your delay is longer and overnight, you may be eligible for accommodation through the airline or compensation under EC 261, so it’s important to work with them as quickly as possible.
- Some airports have hotels or sleep pods available, which can be a more comfortable option if you’re willing to pay for it.
- Always have a backup plan in case sleeping at the airport doesn’t work out.
Sleeping When My Flight Is Delayed Or Cancelled
If you were already at the airport and your flight was delayed or cancelled, you may want to hunker down and get some rest while you wait. Depending on how long the delay is, you may just want to sleep near the gate, so you don’t miss your flight – just make sure to set an alarm. Some passengers or airport staff may wake you up when it’s time to depart, but you don’t want to take that risk.
If your delay is longer and overnight, you may be eligible for accommodation through the airline, but it’s important to work with them as quickly as possible, given there will be multiple travellers in the same situation. In addition to the hotel accommodation, you will also receive transportation to and from the hotel if it’s offsite. All of this is on top of the compensation you can receive under EC 261, so make sure to file a claim after your trip to be reimbursed for your inconvenience.
If you don’t qualify for comped accommodations, you can always try to snag a room at the airport hotel if it’s available. Some hotels are also rolling out sleep pods, so while they aren’t a complete room, there is somewhere you can sleep undisturbed.
Checking In Early To Sleep At The Airport
If you don’t want to get a hotel room at all to save costs, you may be interested in trying to sleep at the airport, checking in early for your flight to just wait it out. You’ll want to check with your airport and airline before you take this route. Some will not allow you to check in too early for your flight, while other airports close overnight, and you will not be allowed to stay on the premises.
If you’re able to sleep at the airport, make sure to find a comfortable and quiet spot. Bring items to make yourself as comfortable as you can be, including neck pillows, blankets, and headphones. You will likely be woken up by the hustle and bustle of the airport activities, but hopefully, you can get a little uninterrupted rest.
So, Can You Sleep In An Airport?
There are no hard and fast rules if you can sleep at an airport, so make sure to check the specific airline’s requirements for more information. Some airports have hours of operation, so you’ll need to leave when they close, while others are always open. Make sure you always have a backup plan if sleeping at the airport doesn’t work.
Frequently Asked Questions
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Can I sleep in any airport if my flight is delayed or cancelled?
It depends on the airport’s hours of operation and the airline’s policies. Some airports close at night and won’t allow you to sleep there.
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Will the airport staff wake me if I fall asleep while waiting for my flight?
There’s no guarantee, so it’s best to set an alarm to avoid missing your flight.
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Can I get a hotel room at the airport if my flight is delayed overnight?
Some airports have hotels or sleep pods available, but you may also be eligible for accommodation through the airline or compensation under EC 261.
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How can I make myself more comfortable while sleeping at the airport?
Bring items like neck pillows, blankets, and headphones to help you sleep better.
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What should I do if I’m not allowed to sleep in the airport and have nowhere else to go?
Always have a backup plan, such as finding a nearby hotel or asking the airline for alternative accommodation.
