People write in with their experiences and rate airports around the world for sleepability. You’ll find tips on where to find the best places to sleep in each airport and what areas to avoid. I frequently use this website as I make a point of spending at least the first and last night of every trip in an airport to save on hotel costs. Depending on the hotel, you can save up to $150 just by spending the night on a bench! There are some things to keep in mind though, when planning to sleep at an airport.
• Bring an alarm clock! You don’t want to miss your flight and though you can sometimes ask the security guards to wake you up at a certain time, it’s not a good idea to depend on them.
• Don’t leave your bags alone. Besides the obvious risk of theft, airport security is required to check out any abandoned or seemingly abandoned bags for bombs. Take your bags with you wherever you go, including the bathroom. If you don’t want the hassle of hauling them around, most airports have a baggage check-in locker area. Check what time they open, if your flight is an early one, you want to be able to retrieve your bags. The storage facilities are generally fairly cheap and give you peace of mind.
• Lock your luggage. Even those tiny gold padlocks will deter a thief if you’re right there. For added protection, use your luggage as a pillow or footrest while you sleep.
• Try to find a quiet area to sleep. Good places include waiting areas where the airline has closed down for the night, dead end halls, and nursing rooms. Avoid areas too near the bathrooms as people will be coming and going all night.
