How to Sleep in an Airport

Step One: Become Tom Hanks.

Just kidding.

Step One: Find a quiet corner off to the side with a stretch of seats close together without bars between them. If you have trouble finding this, see if there are any 24 hour coffee shops with couches that allow room for sleeping (in exchange for purchasing a few items on the menu - LHR has an amazing coffee shop that I’ve done this with).

PRO TIP: If you have a first flight out but are checked in and inside of the actual airport, chances are they will probably kick you out and make you stay where the security area is, so you’ll have to go through security again. Sometimes it’s best to just wait it out near security until they open around 3/4AM.

Step Two: If you can’t find a bench / chair and have to sleep on the ground - try and take some items out of your bag to create friction between yourself and the cold floor. This REALLY helps. I often have my set up as a sweater or two underneath me, and using my backpack as a pillow - resting my head up against it. If you do this, I strongly encourage having your pack locked or having the zippers near your head in case of thief.

Step Three: SET AN ALARM! The last thing you want to do is to miss a flight you’re waiting for because you accidentally overslept! Please make sure your phone is not on silent!

Step Four: Keep your valuables near you and on you (I often sleep with my campera bag wrapped around my neck / chest) when you sleep.

Step Five: Be friendly with those around you. You’ll notice the people who are also doing what you’re doing and if you can create a little buddy system by saying hi to people and asking if they are on the same flight as you, this helps in case they (or you!) accidentally wake up later or if you’re in a foreign airport, you can both go through security together and find the gate.

Step Six: When you get to your destination, you’ll probably be really exhausted from sleeping in an airport. Listen to your body. If you need to go ahead and take a short nap - do it.

Step Seven: Have fun!