A rundown of the rules and amenities in major international airports.
Whether you’re stranded in an airport due to a flight delay, a cancellation, or your itinerary entails a long stopover, you may find yourself needing to rest at the terminal. Getting a decent night’s sleep at an airport can be a challenge, especially in busier airports that operate around the clock. Knowing in advance which airports allow sleeping can help you make the most of your stopover time at the world’s major international 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. There are additional rest areas that are also available to all travelers free of charge.
Dubai (DXB) airport has designated rest zones with reclining chairs available to all passengers at no fee. 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 for one hour up to a full night at Concourses A, C, and D.
Istanbul (IST) also makes our list for its sleep amenities. Newly 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 at 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.
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.
Hartsfield-Jackson International (ATL), the world’s busiest airport, offers sleep accommodations for a fee at 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 there are no designated rest areas with furniture optimal for stretching out.
London Heathrow (LHR) provides lounge chairs at its terminals, though the website states that “there is nowhere to sleep overnight at the terminal.” There is a paid option beginning at a minimum two-hour stay, the Airside Bedrooms at Heathrow Terminal 3, located in the departure lounge past the security checkpoint. However, the company’s website notes that the accommodations are temporarily closed.
Chicago O’Hare (ORD) has a hotel on site that is accessible via underground walkways from the domestic terminals. Passengers looking to sleep in the terminal would be wise to ensure that they are airside in advance of the security checkpoints closing. Those times vary by terminal.
This is not an exhaustive list, so it is advisable 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 prior to their trip. And of course, the COVID-19 pandemic continues to impact airport operations, so be mindful that airport regulations are highly subject to change.
Do you often find yourself having to get a bit of shut-eye at an airport? Have you come across any particularly pleasant options? Leave a comment below and share the find with the community.
Anita is an experienced government relations professional with a proven track record in policy development, governmental affairs, and public relations. Based in the Seattle area, she is excited to add aviation to her writing portfolio. Based in Tacoma, US