1. Find out about airport hours
Airports are usually open 24/7. However, some smaller airports are only open during the day. Therefore, you should check the operating hours of the airport in advance or contact the staff directly. Some airports may be flexible in allowing passengers to sleep next to their luggage at check-in, but this is not safe at all.
Changi Airport (Singapore) designed convenient sleeping areas for tourists. Photo: wisata-singapore.com
2. Find the most comfortable place to sleep
An ideal option for those staying overnight at the airport is to stay in a designated sleeping area, if the airport has one. Larger airports will even arrange a dark, quiet space with lullabies to help you feel most comfortable. Simpler airports can provide you with reclining seats. Of course, there will be a small fee for using these services. And when you find a place, feel free to use your luggage as a pillow, cover your head with a towel, stretch out and have a comfortable night's sleep.
Many airports offer sleeping pods for tourists. Photo: www.pinterest.com
3. Sleeping near sleeping passengers
If you don’t feel uncomfortable, choose to sleep near sleeping passengers. This is especially effective for those who travel alone. This way, you will feel safer, and people outside will think you are traveling in a group so they will be less likely to bother you.
4. Choose a high security area
When you are asleep, your defenses are almost non-existent. It is extremely dangerous to spend the night in public. For that reason, choose to rest in areas with high security, including public security officers and surveillance cameras. Or, if not, you can choose a place with a lot of ground staff.
5. Check all information about your upcoming flight
Be prepared for your upcoming flight by knowing the flight schedule, check-in, security check and departure gate. This way you can be more proactive instead of falling asleep and missing your flight. In particular, try to set a timer before going to bed.
6. Don't be shy about borrowing a tent or blanket.
Almost all airports have tents and blankets available for passengers who have missed their flights and have to stay for a long time, so feel free to ask the ground staff for one.
7. Minimize your carry-on luggage
If you know you will be spending the night at the airport, keep your luggage to a minimum. This will help you be more proactive in any emergency. Carrying less luggage also means less work to look after your belongings and less risk of theft. Some airports even have baggage guards. Contact them and be sure to let them know when your next flight is.
Airports are typically open 24 hours a day and are often noisy and bright, so it’s a good idea to bring an eye mask, scarf, or sunglasses to help you sleep. Earplugs and headphones are also a must to help reduce noise.
8. Arrange things before going to bed
How to place your belongings in a way that is both comfortable and safe is also something to keep in mind. With luggage, keep it as close as possible. And obviously, use a soft bag as a pillow. Small personal items such as music players, phones, wallets, etc., you should note to put them in a place that is least likely to be seen or taken out. As for large luggage, put them under your feet and use your feet to curl them if possible.
9. Only eat light meals
Airport food is often served as fast food such as sandwiches, pizzas... These foods are very greasy and can easily cause indigestion. So instead of eating fast food, choose foods rich in carbohydrates, a little protein such as a small sandwich, a banana, a little rice. And remember to stay away from stimulant drinks. Instead, mineral water is the best choice.
10. Wear flexible clothing
Sleeping at the airport, of course, you will not have much time to change clothes. Therefore, choose light and flexible clothes. It is best to wear sports clothes. The air conditioning system at the airport is quite good, even in some places it is very cold. So do not dress too warmly but do not dress too lightly.
