How to sleep well at the airport? Try the "Boy Scout Mode"

By Rita

Have you ever taken a red-eye or late-night flight, or been stranded at the airport due to weather conditions? Saving money on a night’s hotel stay is the goal for most travelers who end up sleeping at the airport. But what should you prepare in advance, where is the best place to sleep, and how can you make it comfortable? These preparations actually make a big difference. The website Roadwarriorvoices has compiled “10 Tips for Sleeping Well at the Airport”, which might help in these unavoidable situations.

▲ Sleep capsule at Helsinki-Vantaa Airport (Photo / Helsinki Airport Facebook page)

1. Go full Boy Scout mode!
Don’t forget to pack an eye mask and earplugs before your trip. Snacks and water are also essential, as are a toothbrush and face lotion—so you won’t look too terrible when you wake up.

2. Stake out your spot quickly
Sometimes the boarding gate isn’t the best place to sleep, especially with those annoying armrests. Check out other gates to scope out the environment, or visitSleeping in Airportsthe website that lists hundreds of gates and the best “sleeping hotspots.”

3. Ask questions
Before sleeping, ask airport staff about terminal opening hours—some areas may close overnight, even at larger or international airports. It’s better to check beforehand (getting locked in would be a disaster).

4. Still asking questions
Ask airport employees if there are any fold-out beds available. These are usually provided for passengers delayed by flights. You can plead your case—they might at least give you a pillow or blanket if they can’t offer a bed.

5. Look for airport lounges
Lounge day passes typically cost around NT$1,000. It might be worth spending a bit to sleep there—the chairs are usually more comfortable, and there are snacks and other amenities. But again, confirm lounge opening hours so you don’t get locked in. You can refer to the app “LoungeBuddy,” which has information on airport lounges worldwide.

6. Think outside the box
Some areas in the airport are surprisingly quiet, such as 24-hour meditation or yoga centers. Approach them with humility and respect for others using the space—it could work. Or look for children’s play zones made of foam mats.

▲ Comfortable sleeping spots at Taoyuan Airport (Photo / Reporter Yu Ru)

7. Swallow your pride
After all your efforts, you might still end up sleeping on the floor. Accept it. A hoodie can come in handy—using the hood as a soft pillow for your head.

8. Stay safe
Keep your wallet, phone, boarding documents, and passport in your pockets and hold them close, or store them in a locked suitcase with the zipper side facing you—or wrap your legs or arms around your bag.

9. Consider getting a “real bed”
Some airports in Europe and Asia offer short-term rest areas, such as Munich’s NapCabs, Helsinki’s sleep capsules, or mini-hotels at London Gatwick/Heathrow and Amsterdam Schiphol.

10. Keep an open mind
Tell yourself it’s just part of the journey.