Sleeping in airport lounges can be a great way to save money on hotels, but it’s not always allowed. This guide will tell you everything you need to know about sleeping in airport lounges, including which lounges allow sleepers and what amenities they offer.
Can you sleep in airport lounges?
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If you have a Priority Pass membership, some airports have Priority Pass lounges that are open 24/7, which makes it easy to get some rest when you need to. Cardholders can use their lounge visit entitlement to sleep in a Sleep Pod. If the Cardholder uses a Sleep Pod, they will be charged for that as if it were counted as one of their allocated lounge visits.
On Priority Pass’ website page explaining sleep options at their lounges, airports such as Dubai have sleep spaces at the airside of Terminal 1 Concourse D and Yawn Lite cabins. Yawn Lite cabins are similar to sleep pods and a single YAWN lite Cabin comes with a cotton sheet, pillow, and duvet for one (single) or two (double cabin) adults plus one child under 2 years as applicable (space permitting inside the bed).
Below is an example of sleep options you can get at the Priority lounge at Dubai Airport. Please note that some lounges in some airports may not have similar offerings as the Dubai airport lounges with the following options to choose from;
During peak hours:
- A 2-hour stay in a single cabin (max. 1 pax) OR
- A 1-hour stay in a double cabin (max. 2 pax) OR
During off-peak hours 12:00 noon – 22:00 only:
- 1-hour stay in a single cabin plus 15-minute shower use (max. 1 pax) OR
- 3 hour stay in a single cabin.
As mentioned above, each sleep cabin or sleep pod usage represents a single lounge visit within the Cardholder’s existing lounge visit allocation for which the Cardholder will, where applicable, be charged.
If a cardholder registers one guest, they will be charged for one cardholder visit and one guest visit on their account. Only one card per visit per Cardholder will be accepted at the time of registration.
According to Priority Pass’ website, each YAWN lite Cabin is equipped with a single (200 x 70cm) or double (200 x 140cm) bed complete with cotton sheets, pillows, and duvets. Each cabin also includes a power socket, USB charger, and LED light. Additional complimentary amenities include earplugs (on request), wake-up service with hot or cold towel (depending on preference), eye shades slippers, travel adapters & shower use during off peak hours.
How long can you sleep at Priority Pass lounges?
Typically, you can enter a lounge up to three hours before your flight is scheduled to depart. There are various regulations for each lounge, although there may be a limit on how long you can stay. Show the receptionist your physical or digital membership card and boarding pass, and you should be able to access the lounge and the receptionist can also tell you how long the specific lounge allows their clients to sleep.
In general, plan for 2 hours considering that you may waste a whole hour grabbing something to each or finding a spot in the lounge to lay your head. At times, it can be tricky finding a safe spot where you’ll feel at ease closing your eyes with your luggage besides you.
Can you sleep overnight in airport lounges?
Yes, you can sleep overnight at airports lounges that are open at night but you’ll struggle to find them as most of them close at night and are designed to for those looking for a short-term resting spot – not really overnight. A select number of Priority Pass lounges are open 24/7 but even then, they limit the stay to 3 hours and may not be a reliable overnight sleep option in most airports.
For airport lounges that are not open 24/7, it would be best to check the schedule of the lounge you wish to use to see their opening and closing hours. Most airport lounges open 5am till 10pm, however, there are some exceptions.
If an airport lounge is open 24/7, it would be best to check if there are any restrictions on how long you can stay in the lounge. Most airport lounges that are open 24/7 have a limit of 3 hours per stay.
To find out which Priority Pass lounges are open 24/7, you can use the lounge finder on their website. As thepointsguy.com noted on this blog, Sleepbox and Minute Suites are the only sleep options available and accessible to Priority Pass members all around the clock in the United States.
Can you sleep in airport lounges with a guest?
Yes, you can often sleep in airport lounges with a guest. However, some airport lounges may have a limit on how many guests each member can bring into the lounge. For example, the Virgin Atlantic Clubhouse at London Heathrow Airport has a limit of two guests per member.
To find out if an airport lounge has a limit on how many guests each member can bring, it would be best to check the specific airport lounge’s website or contact the lounge directly.
What are some other benefits of sleeping in airport lounges?
Aside from the peace and quiet that airport lounges provide, another benefit of sleeping in airport lounges is that most of them have showers. This can be beneficial if you have a long flight ahead of you and want to freshen up before getting on the plane.
Some airport lounges also offer other amenities such as food and drinks, TVs, workstations, and more. To find out what amenities an airport lounge offers, it would be best to check the specific airport lounge’s website.
What are some things to keep in mind when sleeping in airport lounges?
When sleeping in airport lounges, there are a few things to keep in mind. First, it is important to be aware of the airport’s security procedures. Make sure to keep track of your belongings and never leave them unattended.
Second, be respectful of other guests in the lounge. Keep your voice down and avoid using loud devices such as phones or laptops.
And lastly, be aware of the airport’s rules and regulations. Some airports do not allow sleeping in their terminals and you may be asked to leave if you are caught sleeping.
Can you sleep in an airport parking lot?
Airport parking spaces are considered private property and airports set their own rules on whether you can park and sleep in your car. If the airport allows you to nap or sleep in your parked car in their parking lot, you should note that you’re paying for parking and overnight parking at airports such as JFK ranges from $36 to $47 depending on where you choose to park.
Think of the airport parking lot as a private space that you need to pay for – just the way you won’t drive to a hotel and sleep in your parked car without paying for a room. The hotel parking lots might kick you off if you try to sleep there without paying for a room, as they may believe you’re trying to avoid payment.
Similarly, for airports, it’s up to each individual airport to decide if they want people sleeping in their parking lots and some may see it as individuals trying to avoid the costs of parking. JFK, for example, explicitly states on its website that “sleeping overnight in your vehicle is not permitted” in any of their airport parking facilities.
What are some other airport sleep options besides sleeping in airport lounges or parking lots?
If you’re looking for other airport sleep options besides sleeping in airport lounges or parking lots, there are a few options to consider.
One option is to book a room at an airport hotel. This option is ideal if you have an early morning flight and don’t want to have to travel to the airport the night before.
Another option is to rent a car for the day and sleep in the backseat. This option is ideal if you’re looking for a cheaper option than booking a hotel room, but it’s important to note that not all airports allow overnight parking.
A third option is to take a nap in an airport sleeping pod. This option is becoming increasingly popular in airports around the world and it’s a great way to get some rest without having to leave the airport.
Do you need a membership to sleep in an airport lounge?
No, you do not need a membership to sleep in an airport lounge. However, there are some airport lounges that are only accessible to members.
If you’re not a member, you can still access most airport lounges by paying a day pass or an annual membership fee. For example, the Amex Centurion Lounge at JFK Airport charges $50 for a one-time visit or $99, $299 or $429 for an annual membership.
Some credit cards also offer lounge access as a benefit. For example, the Chase Sapphire Reserve card offers free lounge access to over 1,000 airport lounges around the world.
can you sleep in Dubai airport lounge?
You can sleep at Dubai Airport lounges using the options they have. The Snooze Cube in Terminal 1, Gate C22 rents private compact rooms by the hour with a 2-hour minimum. Sleep n’Fly Lounge in Terminal 3 opposite Gate A1 has igloo-style sleep pods that accommodate up to 2 people. Pods can be booked from 1 hour to overnight, and you can prebook some time slots.
Are you allowed to sleep at airports?
The answer to this question depends on the airport’s rules and regulations. Some airports do not allow sleeping in their terminals and you may be asked to leave if you are caught sleeping.
Most airports have benches or chairs that you can sleep on, but some airports have designated areas for sleeping. For example, the Vancouver International Airport has a “YVR Sleep Zone” in its domestic terminal which is open 24 hours a day and has 10 recliners, 4 armchairs, and 2 private cubicles.
If you’re looking to sleep in an airport, it’s important to research the airport’s rules and regulations beforehand to avoid any problems.
What are some sleep options at airports:
Sleep pods/cabins/minute suites
Some airports have sleep pods that you can rent by the hour. These pods are private and usually come with amenities like a bed, pillow, and blanket. The following airports have sleep pods that you can rent and take a quick nap;
- John F. Kennedy Airport,
- Heathrow Airport,
- Abu Dhabi,
- Munich napcabs/sleep pods,
- Atlanta Minute Suites
- DFW Minute suites
- Charlotte Minutes suites
- Dubai airport
Read this other guide on all airports with sleeping pods
Sleep boxes:
Some airports have sleep boxes that are similar to sleep pods but they are usually less private and do not come with as many amenities.
Blankets and pillows:
If you’re looking for a cheaper option, some airports have blankets and pillows that you can use for free. Check out some top sleeping bags for airport sleep.
Chairs and benches:
Most airports have chairs and benches that you can sleep on. However, these are not always the most comfortable option.
Airport hotels:
If you’re looking for a more comfortable option, you can book a room at an airport hotel. This is ideal if you have an early morning flight and don’t want to have to travel to the airport the night before. Book a hotel near the airport that offers free pick-ups and drop-offs at your terminal and preferably offering free breakfast.
Renting a car:
Another option is to rent a car for the day and sleep in the backseat. This option is ideal if you’re looking for a cheaper option than booking a hotel room, but it’s important to note that not all airports allow overnight parking.
Can you sleep at the airport terminal?
Most airports have chairs and benches that you can sleep on, but some airports have designated areas for sleeping. For example, the Vancouver International Airport has a “YVR Sleep Zone” in its domestic terminal which is open 24 hours a day and has 10 recliners, 4 armchairs, and 2 private cubicles.
If you’re looking to sleep in an airport, it’s important to research the airport’s rules and regulations beforehand to avoid any problems.
What is the best way to sleep at an airport?
The best way to sleep at an airport would be to book a room at an airport hotel. This is ideal if you have an early morning flight and don’t want to have to travel to the airport the night before. Book a hotel near the airport that offers free pick-ups and drop-offs at your terminal and preferably offering free breakfast.
What does this mean to you when planning your next trip?
When planning your next trip, it’s important to research the airport’s rules and regulations regarding sleeping in the airport. Some airports do not allow sleeping in their terminals and you may be asked to leave if you are caught sleeping. However, most airports have benches or chairs that you can sleep on, but some airports have designated areas for sleeping.
If you’re looking for a more comfortable option, you can book a room at an airport hotel. Another option is to rent a car for the day and sleep in the backseat. This option is ideal if you’re looking for a cheaper option than booking a hotel room, but it’s important to note that not all airports allow overnight parking.
Wrapping it up:
In conclusion, airports have different rules and regulations regarding sleeping in their terminals. Some airports do not allow sleeping in their lounges, parking lots or terminals and you may be asked to leave if you are caught sleeping. However, most airports have benches or chairs that you can sleep on, but some airports have designated areas for sleeping. If you’re looking for a more comfortable option, you can book a room at an airport hotel.
My name is Alex Mutuma and I founded this blog, Airport LLC as a way to document and engage with clients in my travel consulting business. Airportllc.com is the only source of over 2,000 fun things flyers could do during layovers.
Over the past 7 years, I have designed and planned tour packages for hundreds of clients and have recently focussed on the mission of changing boring layovers to excellent mini-vacations by giving you the best suggestions on must-do activities when flying over different airports.
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Name: Alex Mutuma
Profession: A professional travel consultant with a focus on airport activities to do during layovers
Email: Alex@airportllc.com
Phone: +1 945 348 889
Website: airportllc.com
Location: 322 Main Packway Street, Boston, US
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