Many of us have been stuck overnight in airports without the benefits of a reserved hotel room. Others simply choose to save money by nodding off in the airport waiting areas rather than spending the money for a real bed. The Sleeping in Airports Web site is proof that virtually everything can be found on the web.
The site has compiled a list of the top 10 airports for unexpected overnights — their Golden Pillow Awards. And the winner is Singapore’s Changi airport. According to Sleeping in Airports:
Singapore’s little city within a city remains the reigning mother of all airports that airports around the world should emulate and airport sleepers must visit on their sleeping travels. Sleepers worldwide will be brought to tears of joy when they discover all of the wonderful amenities available in Singapore. Throw away those inflatable rafts for this trip, my friends, because there are comfortable seats all over the place. In addition to those typical amenities that we rave about at other airports such as internet cafes, prayer rooms, shopping, and good eats, add these upgrades available at Changi: free mobile charging, free tours of the city, alarm clocks on the chairs, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, massage and spa facilities, live bands, extensive gardens, a special “official” napping corner, and free movies — all at the airport.
Runners up of the Golden Pillow Award go to (in alphabetical order):
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why? Children’s play area, internet, showers, in-transit areas with comfortable sleeping chairs (although pre-check-in seats are horrible) and a casino to make your stay here go quickly.
3. Athens, Greece
Why? As a new airport there are reports of it being “pleasant” and luxurious in comparison to other European airports. Padded benches, free internet, clean.
4. Auckland, New Zealand
Why? Few announcements, movable chairs and benches, comfortable couches, showers, mini-theatre with lounge chairs.
5. Helsinki, Finland
Why? Showers, benches and couches, internet
6. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong really gives Singapore a run for its money. I’m hoping that one year it comes in first, just so that I can change Singapore. I’m sure it’s nice and all…but time for a change me thinks. Why? Cushioned benches, overstuffed single chairs, showers, courteous staff, free internet, e-message board, children’s play area, TV lounge.
7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Why? So quiet they play soft classical music to liven things up a bit, the Traveller’s Lounge at US$ 17 gets you access to free food, tea, coffee, beer, internet, magazines, TV, access to massage chairs, mini golf putting green and showers.
8. Oslo, Norway
Comfortable benches, good temperature, 24 hour convenience store.
9. Seoul Incheon, South Korea
Why? Comfortable couches sent from the “Almighty” and that are “restful, stress-free and designed with the comfort of passengers in mind,” lots of available seats, free internet, showers, possibility of 5 hour+ naps, free lockers, children’s play room, massage room, game room, “slumberettes,” telephone numbers throughout to customer relations should you be anal enough to want to “complain” about anything you find not to your liking.
10. Vancouver, Canada
Having stayed overnight here myself I don’t know why it ranks high. I would prefer to veto this, but I guess you all had a better time. Why you like it? Free WiFi, comfortable seating.
There are no US airports on this list. Do any of you have suggestions here in the US, or have other airports that should be added to the list? Or do you have any amusing overnight airport experiences?
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I can tell you that unless things have improved at SeaTac it’s not a good airport to overnight in. Everything shuts down but the lights are left on bright.
I applaud the vote for Singapore as #1! I fondly remember arriving there on my way back to the states. Because I was unabel to clean up before leaving the jungles, I was filthy when I got to Singapore. How thrilled I was to be able to rnt a clean shower and dressing room! Then the food selection brought tears to my eyes. Sated and clean, I was able to find a charming nap spot until my flight. As a woman traveling alone, I felt safe. Contrast that to a recent lengthy stay after an arrival from Africa-no place to clean up, awful food choice, no option to leave the terminal to scout food and accomodations elsewhere, and no where to rest except filthy carpet. UGH.
And as far as US airports? You must be kidding-the airlines treat us like cattle. US airports at night resemble slaughter houses for the newly dead-no amenities, usually filthy, and none too safe.
In Seoul there is also an In-Transit hotel in the terminal. For those that have a long layover, you get a small room for a few hours to shower, watch TV and relax in private. You get a desk, closet, full size bed and private bath with shower.
The fee was very reasonable.
When I want to go to sleep and I’m not tired, I go to this website. After reading about sleeping in airport chairs, floors and the like, I am so glad that I can climb into my own bed, I go to sleep right away.
Beats the heck out of counting sheep.
Although I don’t plan on sleeping in airport, flight times to and from Alaska sometimes give us wierd layovers – too short to get to a hotel, but 3 or 4 hours in the middle of the night.
Two of us arrived in Dallas early one morning, after a long redeye flight, and realized we had a 7 hour layover before our flight to Belize. We wandered through the airport a bit, then found a quiet, empty seating area with a little nook. Against the wall were two army-type cots. We quickly unfolded the cots, and took a nice snooze. No one bothered us.
I also had a four or five our layover in Atlanta in the middle of the night. It was too short to bother with a hotel, and I found some very comfy seats in a rotunda area. There were lots of servicemen sleeping there, so I felt very safe.
Travelling from Alaska, I’ve had several longer layovers in Seattle in the middle of the night, and I’ve also managed to find some nice places in the Seattle Airport to snooze. On the new concourse, past the International Marketplace, there are several gates with nice flat padded benches. There is also a kids playroom with comfy looking couches, and at 3AM there is never any kids there. The other place is down in baggage claim, all the way past the baggage carousels. There are some more of those flat padded benches, and I’ve snoozed there a few times.
There are no US airports on this list. Do any or you have suggestions here in the US, or have other airports that should be added to the list? Or add any amusing overnight airport experiences.
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Security is an issue now in the US and you can not sleep on the other side of security now. Additionally, most airports do not want passengers sleeping there overnight or midday. That’s why there are ARMRESTS on most seats, it prevents you from LAYING DOWN. Seating is limited as well.
As you look over the list, you see Asian countries accomodate their travelers. comfy seats, showers, etc. I doubt American tourist, locally, would treat these amenitites with care. Ever notice how people just toss newspapers on the floor in the boarding area? McDonald’s bag? Empty Starbucks cup, tipped over, staining the carpet.
That’s all I want greeting me at 6am in the morning. A lounge area full of people (all snoring and farting) too frugile to pay for a hotel room.