Every now and then you will have an early flight and then you might find yourself sleeping at the airport. Either because it saves you the stress in the morning to take care of transportation and checking out of the hostel or because it just saves you a night of accommodation. Money that you could spend otherwise such as for new flights for example.
Usually it will not be the most comfortable place and you won’t get as much sleep as you would like to get. But if you are fine with that then there are still some things that you should be considering before arriving at the airport.
1. Airport Opening Hours
Most importantly: Is the airport even open? No use to be spending the night at the airport when it closes over night for a couple of hours. You would think that all major international airports would stay open at night, right?
But when I was staying at Sydney airport for a night because I had an early flight, the airport was actually closed and I had to spent the night outside on a bench. If I would have known that then I would have probably booked a hostel room for the night despite the prices in Sydney.
2. Sleeping at the Airport: Do I have enough food?
While the airport might be open, most food courts most likely will not. Make sure to check this in advance and bring enough food and water for the night. Since airports are always a little outside the centre it might be possible that they won’t be any places around where you can get food.
And even if there is a 24h place inside the airport which can be the case, prices at the airport are usually a lot higher than buying the same stuff somewhere else. You might want to think about that if you don’t want to waste money.
3. Safety
What about the airport security? How safe is it to spend the night at the airport? When you fall asleep how will you make sure that your belongings won’t be stolen? It is always best to keep your valuables as close to you as possible.
Best would be to put them in a bag and then wear a shirt/jacket on top of it. See if you can lock your backpack or suitcase and sitting or laying on top of it will also decrease the chances of your luggage being stolen.
Maybe there is the chance to lock away your belonging in a separate locker at the airport. And also how strict is the security personnel. At Bergamo airport in Italy they will kick out the people sleeping on the floor while the people sleeping on the benches were left in peace. I’m sure for most airports you can find reviews from fellow travellers about specific airport so you can get an idea of how it is going to be like.
4. Sleeping at the Airport: Time of Arrival
If there is also a limited amount of seats and benches make sure to arrive at the airport early enough if you don’t want to be sitting on the floor all night. It can also get really cold at night especially with air conditioning turned up so bring warm clothes.
5. Transportation
And what about transportation? One reason why you might go for the airport night instead of another night in the hostel/hotel can also be the fact that is just not enough transportation operating in the morning and that you would not make your flight in time. Most public transport will be shut down at night so it is also important when the latest transport can get you to the airport.
If you have considered all of this point then there should be nothing in the way of you spending the night at the airport. I’m sure it will not be the most comfortable night but at least be giving you the whole backpacker experience and how to travel on a budget. Enjoy!
Did you sleep at the airport before? How was your experience?