The Unexpectedly Unsafe Place In An Airport Solo Travelers Should Avoid Sleeping In

For many solo travelers, sleeping in an airport is normally a last resort due to a delayed or canceled flight. However, if you're not stuck at one of the airports with sleep pods, you may be tempted to find the airport's meditation or prayer room and catch a few zzz's before your plane. This can be potentially dangerous though, as you could be robbed while you sleep in such an isolated room. Moreover, depending on where you travel, sleeping in the airport's prayer room could also be seen as disrespectful, particularly if other travelers are praying. Because of this, you may be asked to leave the room by airport staff after settling in for a few hours of slumber.

Rather than sleeping in a secluded area, you're much safer sleeping in public near your gate or in the departures lounge around other travelers. If the airport is empty, look for a quiet corner in the departures area where you are visible by CCTV cameras and where potential criminals may think twice about taking your valuables. Although airports are generally secure, being a sleeping solo traveler can make you a target for an opportunistic thief, especially if you are sleeping in an area before security.

Outside of the United States, many international airports in Europe and Asia have reclining chairs or flat benches for transit passengers waiting between flights. If you're stuck snoozing in an airport with horrible seats with immovable footrests, consider paying for access to the benefits of an airport lounge, especially if it is open overnight. Many lounges have lockers for luggage, food, alcohol, and showers, as well as a dedicated and safe sleeping area for transit passengers.

If you think you'll be spending the night at the airport, pack your carry-on appropriately so you're prepared to stay. Since you likely won't know how many travelers or unsavory characters there are before you arrive, having a backup plan is critical. Be prepared to be kicked out, woken up every few hours, and most importantly, protect your valuables such as credit cards, cash, and your passport. You'll be less stressed if you do some research before you head off to an unfamiliar airport.

If you're arriving at the airport the night before an early morning flight, check to see if you are allowed to stay overnight. Although it is legal to stay in many airports in the U.S., internationally, some departure areas of major airports such as Tokyo Narita and Sydney are not open 24 hours and you'll not be allowed to stay overnight. Be sure to keep your boarding pass and identification on you at all times, as security may try to question you or give you the boot. You might have to go to a different terminal or find a different part of the airport that is open to travelers, such as the arrivals area.

Outside of the airport environment, your biggest hindrance will likely come from your luggage. You may be tempted to leave your bag in a quiet corner while you grab a coffee or snack or use the restroom, however, anyone who has visited an airport will know travelers are not allowed to leave baggage unattended. You will have to take your luggage everywhere you go during the night, including checked luggage if you arrived too early to check it. Most importantly, before you get some sleep, you should also protect your luggage and valuables by locking them, wrapping them around your ankle, or using them as a pillow.

For adventurous travelers or those on a shoestring budget, sleeping in an airport terminal is a way to save a few dollars without paying for an expensive airport hotel. However, even if you can find a relatively comfy nap area (that is not the meditation or prayer room), be sure not to oversleep or miss your flight in the morning. Make sure your devices are charged up, and don't forget to bring a portable charger in case the power outlets are all in use or are far from your sleeping area.

And be sure to have a morning backup plan as well, in case you forget to turn your volume up. If you have an early morning flight, write a note with instructions to wake you up at a certain time. It's very likely someone will see the note and give you a light shake. Ideally, set your wake-up time early enough to grab a bite to eat and maybe even a shower. Massive hubs such as Abu Dhabi, Incheon, and Istanbul all have showers available for travelers. Having slept in airports before, having a shower the morning after and changing into clean clothes made a huge difference to my mood and helped me start my day on the right foot.

Spending the night at the airport will likely leave you tired and groggy. If you're planning to drive once you get to your destination, be aware that a lack of sleep can increase your chances of being in a car accident. According to Johns Hopkins, sleep deprivation leads to 6,000 deadly car accidents each year. Once you're airborne, try this cool in-flight hack to comfortably catch up on sleep so you're more alert and ready to take on the day ahead once you arrive.