Summary

• Not all airports allow sleeping, but many major international airports provide designated sleeping spots for travelers.
• Valid booking and choosing a quiet area can improve chances of sleeping undisturbed at airports.
• Airports like Charles de Gaulle, Dubai, Istanbul, Dallas Fort Worth, and Singapore Changi offer free or paid sleeping amenities.

Traveling through busy international airports, one may find many passengers resting in the terminals and around departure lounges. Whether you are transiting between flights or stranded in the airport due to a delayed flight, you may find yourself needing to rest. While resting travelers may be a common sight during day and evening times, sleeping through the night at an airport can be a challenge.

Notably, not all global airports allow sleeping at night while awaiting next-day flights. However, there are numerous major airports that not only allow sleepovers, but also provide sleeping spots (complimentary or with a fee) for travelers. This article highlights which major international airports allow sleeping, including designated spots and amenities.

What are the official rules?

The good news for travelers is that sleeping in an airport usually isn't against the rules, but this doesn't mean you can sleep anywhere at any time undisturbed. Rules can vary from airport to airport, and some take a firmer stance than others. In most airports - particularly international airports - you're likely to get away with falling asleep, so long as you aren't taking up valuable seating space during peak times.

Important points to mention on this topic include:

• Closing times: Obviously, if an airport isn't open 24 hours, you won't be allowed to sleep during closing times. But if you plan on catching some shut-eye within opening times, you will likely be OK.
• Valid booking: Many airports are perfectly fine with passengers sleeping before flights, but they don't want strangers using their space. Having a boarding pass or valid flight booking to show staff can help if you are confronted.
• Sleeping spot: Choosing a quiet area of the terminal will improve your chances of enjoying a good rest. Try to stay away from busy areas and don't obstruct any walkways.

An example of an airport's policy on sleeping comes from a Denver International Airport (DEN) representative, who told The Washington Post,

"Passengers can sleep on our concourses as long as they have a valid boarding pass with travel planned within 24 hours."

Make sure you do some research on your chosen airport if you plan on sleeping. Some airports have taken a notoriously strict stance against passengers falling asleep - London Stansted Airport (STN) was one of the first to do so, even employing 'anti-sleep' patrols to wake any offending passengers.

The most sleep-friendly airports

Some of the largest airports not only allow sleeping for tired travelers, but they endeavor to make downtime as comfortable as possible by providing designated rest zones with appropriate furniture available free of charge. These facilities market their relaxation amenities on their websites, so travelers know what to expect.

Charles de Gaulle (CDG) airport offers the Instant Paris Lounge at Gate K of Terminal 2E, the international terminal. The lounge includes 50 lie-flat lounge chairs accessible to all passengers. Additional rest areas are also available to all travelers free of charge.

Dubai (DXB) airport has designated rest zones with free reclining chairs for all passengers. However, the recliners can fill up quickly, especially during busier seasons, so it is wise to plan ahead. The airport also offers paid sleep lounges available from one hour up to a whole night at Concourses A, C, and D.

Istanbul (IST) also makes our list for its sleeping amenities. Opened in 2019, the airport provides “nap zones” that can be used for free at six points in the terminal, with a capacity to serve 278 people total.

Dallas Fort Worth (DFW) takes a unique approach, with several themed zones for distinct purposes. According to the airport's website, travelers can rest in the Relax Zone and visit the Refresh Zone to use the restroom and shower facilities. There are paid options for sleeping on-site as well.

Consistently voted as the world's best airport to sleep in by the website Sleeping In Airports, Singapore Changi (SIN) offers a wide range of snoozing facilities and passenger-friendly amenities, such as nap zones, sleeping chairs in a 'Snooze Lounge' and even free movie theaters for entertainment.

Discover more aviation news with Simple Flying.

Airports with paid sleep options

Next up in our review are major airports where sleeping may technically be allowed, but the use of paid options is encouraged on the facilities' websites.

Atlanta Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL), the world's busiest airport, offers paid sleep accommodation in Concourse B near Gate B16. While you may be able to sleep in the terminal if you can find a comfortable location, it should be noted that the airport now limits access to the facility between 11:00 and 04:30 due to individuals experiencing homelessness sleeping in the domestic terminal. It is best to be airside during this window of time, so you do not have to be concerned with clearing security checkpoints after they close.

Guangzhou Baiyun (CAN) offers a paid option for sleep in Terminal 2, where rooms can be booked by the hour. There is also a Library Lounge in this area that can be utilized for a fee. The airport contains several lounge areas where passengers can sleep but no designated rest areas with furniture optimal for stretching out.

London Heathrow (LHR) has lounge chairs at all terminals suitable for sleeping, though the website states that "there is nowhere to sleep overnight at the terminal." Select terminals, including Terminal 3, have dedicated rest zones, while several lounges have sleeping facilities that will come at a price.

Check out our guide on sleeping at London Heathrow Airport!

Chicago O'Hare (ORD) has an on-site hotel accessible via underground walkways from the domestic terminals. Passengers looking to sleep in the terminal would be wise to ensure that they are airside before the security checkpoints close. Those times vary by terminal.

This is not an exhaustive list, so it is advised to check with the airport directly when planning a trip that includes a lengthy stopover. Passengers traveling in the United States should always check the closure times for Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints for the appropriate terminals before their trip.

Do you often have to get a bit of shut-eye at an airport? Have you come across any particularly pleasant options? Leave a comment below and share your findings with the community.