First class flying first became a thing back in 1955 when TWA offered two separate services on its Lockhead constellation aircrafts.

Today, almost all major airlines offer some form of premium seating separate from typical economy seats.

That said, the level of luxury, comfort, amenities and overall pampering can vary drastically by airline.

So we’ve put together our top 12 list of most luxurious airline cabins in the world. This list is not necessarily in descending order from best to worst, but just a collection of the most noteworthy first class flights available in 2021.

Keep in mind that many first class flight offers are being pulled due to the ongoing concern of COVID-19, so we will do our best to keep this list updated as offers become added or discontinued.

Etihad Airways – The Residence

If it weren’t for the windows in the cabin, the Etihad Airways’ Residence, may have you believe you’re actually in some tiny, yet luxurious, hotel room rather than 30,000 miles in the sky.

What gives this cabin that feel?

For starters, the seating. With cozy double beds and armchairs you’ll wish you had at home, sleeping on this plane may even be easier than sleeping on the ground. You’ll also fly in complete privacy, have a bathroom—outfitted with a shower—all your own, and be waited on by a server from the comfort of your cabin. But what really makes this choice stand out is the size. Each of this cabin’s three rooms (yes, three rooms!) is completely private and large enough that you can walk around comfortably, and you can head to your bedroom when you’re ready to call it a day without having to convert any recliners.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York NY (JFK) to Abu Dhabi (AUH) = USD $23,067.35.

🍷🍱 Food and Drink: Customizable meals curated by top chefs (ex. Abu Dhabi farmed caviar and sea bass) and expert wine pairings to go with them.

🖥 🚿 🛎 Perks: Three-bedroom apartment measuring 45 square feet, private shower, 27-inch flat-screen TV, personal butler.

Take a 3D tour of The Residence here.

Singapore Airlines Suite

Singapore Airlines is a crowd favorite when it comes to flying in comfort and being treated like royalty, and we agree that it offers one of the best luxury flights out there. Though more similar to a standard first-class flight than the Etihad Airways experience above, this is still a truly unforgettable cabin.

This flight promises private cabins with lush seats and in-flight accommodations designed to make you feel over-the-top pampered. You’ll only need to share a bathroom with a few people and there are sliding privacy doors in every compartment. Also worthy of mention are the countless storage options provided to guests in each cabin, most of which are padded and closeable to accommodate fragile and delicate items as needed.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York NY (JFK) to Singapore, Singapore (SIN) = ~USD $23,000.

🍾 🥩 Food and Drink: Bottomless Dom Perignon champagne and gourmet meals that can be chosen in advance (ex. Dim sum including lobster dumplings and fish congee).

🖥 🛍 Notable Perks: 32-inch TV, Italian leather upholstery, adjustable lighting, sliding doors, ample storage.

Emirates – First Class

The next time you need to take a long-haul flight and want to really do it right, check and see if Emirates airline of the United Arab Emirates has a First Class route available. Designed in partnership with travel and tech industry giants Mercedes-Benz and Panasonic, these cabins put most other luxury cabins to shame. 

These cabins are surprisingly roomy at 40-square-feet and highly customizable, letting you toggle everything from lighting and temperature to the angle of recline on your seat/bed. And if all of this isn’t enough to help you sleep like a baby, you can step into the shower spa attached to your cabin for a rinse and unwind with a movie and drink. Don’t forget to use the high-end toiletries left for you—like the pajamas, skincare products, and blankets—for the full effect.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Dubai, United Arab Emirates (DXB) = ~USD $13,600.

🥃 🍗 Food and Drink: Regional a la carte meals and canapes (ex. Arabic mezze and grilled lamb cutlets), extensive fine wine selection, and Dalmore King Alexander III whiskey.

🖥 🚿🧴 Notable Perks: Onboard shower spa, Byredo skincare, mini bar, privacy doors, vanity, TV with 4,000 channels, adjustable temp.

Take a 3D tour here of Emirates First Class here.

Air France – La Premiere

Air France takes luxury flying seriously, and it shows. The La Premiere cabin displays all of the class and sophistication France is known for in both design and hospitality. Four private suites in pleasing neutral tones and decadent materials await first-class passengers in La Premiere cabins, and every detail is as luxe as it gets. 

When you fly La Premiere with Air France, you’ll get a memory foam seat that transforms into an extra-long bed, a touch screen TV equipped with free streaming, more storage than you’ll probably need, and curtains for privacy. And of course, the French cuisine is memorable, to say the least. These cabins are known for providing high-quality accommodations and sparing no expense when it comes to in-flight goodies (bathrobes, beauty products, you name it).

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Paris, Charles de Gaulle (CDG) = ~USD $16,500.

🍷 🍖 Food and Drink: French cuisine curated by Michelin chefs (ex. foie gras terrine and simmered veal with verbena) and high-end wine and champagne.

🖥 🛏 🧺 Notable Perks: 24-inch touchscreen TV and entertainment system, extra-long bed, cloakroom, ottoman, bathrobes, and high-end amenities and bedding.

Cathay Pacific – First Class

Cathay Pacific’s first-class cabin boasts the widest seats offered by any airline at 36” across, but that’s far from where the luxury stops. This cabin features ultra-comfortable reclining seats in roomy suites that, while not 100% private, are only connected to the suites behind and in front of them, giving them a secluded feel.

These suites are also notable for having ottoman’s with seat belts in them, or buddy seats, so you can invite another passenger to have a meal with you if you’re traveling with someone. But food is where Cathay really pulls out all the stops. From champagne and caviar on mother of pearl spoons to some of the highest-quality fish and cuts of meat available, inflight fine dining with Cathay is sure to wow even the most difficult-to-impress travelers.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Hong Kong = ~USD $20,000.

🍺 🍲 Food and Drink: Asian-inspired and global cuisine on an a la carte menu (ex. marinated abalone and peking duck with black truffle) and fine tea and alcoholic beverages including Betsy beer.

🖥 🎧 🧺 Notable Perks: Extra-wide seats, cotton pajamas, mattress topper, adjustable television, closet, Bose noise-canceling headphones.

Lufthansa – First Class

Another airline that knows how to spoil its passengers is Lufthansa, a German airline that provides a next-level first-class cabin chock full of services and extras. Routes all around Europe and across the globe are available in limited supply with this top carrier. 

This cabin is a little more unassuming in appearance than some of the others on this list, but don’t take that to mean that it’s any less comfortable. The recliner/beds deserve the attention they get, because they’re somehow even cozier and more inviting than they look, thanks to the German engineering that brought them to life. Lastly, the food is not only incredible in quality and presentation but also curated with inspiration from the region you are traveling to or from, making for a unique dining experience you won’t soon forget.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Frankfurt, Germany (FRA) = ~USD $7,000.

🍷 🍲 Food and Drink: “Vinothek Discoveries” wine selections, caviar service, and multi-course meals (ex. caviar and seared beef filet).

🖥 🎬 🎧 Notable Perks: Personal assistant, amenity kit, ergonomic seating, television with over 100 movies and 200 TV channels, Bose noise-canceling headphones.

Qatar Airways – First Class

Another big player in the luxury flying game is Qatar Airways, the flag carrier of Qatar in the Middle East. Qatar Airways also offers a business class that you’d never know wasn’t top-tier first, called QSuites. Be sure to check this option out too if you’re going to be flying globally in the near future.

What makes this cabin special is not one thing in particular but a collection of many carefully thought-out details. The first thing you’ll notice when you board is how aesthetically pleasing the whole cabin is, with everything in sharp neutrals and rich accent colors. Next, you’ll likely take in the large television that can be found in your mostly-private suite and the countless amenities from Castello Monte Vibiano Vecchio of Italy that await you. Not to be outdone by the others, Qatar also offers stellar food and drink options that passengers can select before flying. The seat isn’t too shabby either, especially when you kick back with your complimentary slippers.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Qatar (DOH) = ~USD $15,000.

🍸 🥗 Food and Drink: A la carte menus featuring vegan and non-vegan choices (ex. parsnip soup and rack of lamb), caviar service, and a selection of alcoholic and non-alcoholic beverages.

🖥 🎬 💻 Notable Perks: Frette linens and duvet, TV with 4,000 movies and channels, onboard Wi-Fi, Bric’s (reusable) amenity kits.

Qantas – First Class

Next on this list is the premier Australian airline Qantas’ first-class cabin. Each swiveling pod is extra-wide and features privacy walls on every side, so you’ll likely see other passengers only when you board and get off the plane. When you’re ready to turn in, ask for the turndown service and watch your recliner be transformed into a plush bed outfitted in Sheridan linens.

This cabin may not have the square footage or total privacy that some of the others on this list can offer, but it does have inflight entertainment, in-seat massages for every passenger, and plenty of storage. And you can’t forget about the fine dining or this airline’s dedication to sustainability. First flyers can enjoy slipping into bamboo socks and opening complimentary hygiene and skincare products free of plastic packaging.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Sydney, Australia (SYD) = ~USD $5,000.

🥂 🍤 Food and Drink: A la carte options and tasting menu-style meals (ex. Lobster cocktail and seared blue eye), award-winning wine and champagne pairings recommended by a “Sommelier in the Sky.” 

🖥 🎬 🍿 Notable Perks: In-seat massages, sustainable amenities, Sheridan linens, inflight entertainment including new release movies and TV shows.

Japan Airlines – First Class

The Japan Airlines first-class cabins are sophisticated and notoriously well-kept, making this another no-brainer on our list. Each seat measures 23 inches across and has its own privacy dividers on every side. Storage is not only ample but thoughtfully designed, and you’ll love the configuration of your cabin when it comes time to kick back with your seat on an ottoman.

Your personal TV is equipped with fan-favorite shows and movies, and you’ll get a pair of Bose noise-canceling headphones to use.  On top of that, Japan Airlines showers first-class passengers in amenities. And if you’re a foodie, you’ll love this airline for both the quantity and quality of its food. You’ll be treated to several appetizers inspired by traditional Japanese cuisine and a lengthy list of (superb) a la carte entrees to choose from.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Tokyo = ~USD $26,000.

🥂 🍣 Food and Drink: Numerous Japanese small plates and entrees (ex. Dainomono and scallop with spicy cod roe) and champagne (including Louis Roederer Cristal).

🧴 👘 🎧 Notable Perks: Choice of hard or soft mattress pad, pajamas, Japanese skincare products, amenities Etro, Bose noise-canceling headphones.

ANA – The Suite

ANA or All Nippon Airways, another Japanese airline, deserves a spot with the best-of-the-best. Each cabin is ultra-private with high walls and sliding doors, roomy for even the lankiest of flyers, and has an extra-wide seat measuring 33 inches across.

Many passengers in this cabin are impressed by the cuisine, which offers both Japanese and Western choices, all expertly prepared and exquisitely presented. Also fan-favorites are the pajamas and cardigans offered on every flight, the high-resolution personal televisions that span a whole wall, and the seat/bed often touted as one of the most comfortable available in luxury flying.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to Tokyo = ~USD $23,500.

🍾 🍜 Food and Drink: Japanese and Western gourmet menus (ex. Foie gras bowl and simmered duck in soy sauce) and drinks including Krug champagne and wine chosen to compliment available dishes by experts.

🖥 💡 🚪 Notable Perks: Sliding door, Samsonite amenity kits, 43-inch 4K TV, adjustable partitions for middle seats, adjustable lighting.

British Airways – First Class

The British Airways First Class cabin is stylish and features staggered cubicle-style seating for increased privacy. Passengers will find many high-end amenities awaiting them at their seats, which are cushioned with foam for long-haul comfort.

British Airways prides itself on providing great service and amenities, including inflight entertainment, pajamas, toiletries, and more. Wi-Fi is available for a small additional charge. The food in this cabin is phenomenal and has been improved upon greatly in recent years, so you don’t want to miss out on what’s cooking. The TV at every seat, though a little smaller than some of the others at 15 inches, comes with ports for your devices and noise-canceling headphones.

💸 Price: Round-trip from New York, NY (JFK) to London, England (LCY) = ~USD $13,000.

🍾 🍤 Food and Drink: Pre-packaged British a la carte cuisine (ex. king prawns and Welsh lamb shank), tea, and Laurent Perrior Grand Siecle champagne.

🖥 🚪 💡 Notable Perks: Sliding door, ottoman, personal adjustable TV, adjustable lighting, Temperley London pajamas, Elemis amenity kits.

Virgin Atlantic – Upper Class

Wrapping up our list of greats is Virgin Atlantic’s Upper Class cabin, which offers first-class travel renowned for its extra-long beds and great crew. This British airline travels to the United States, several parts of Europe, Central America, a few countries in Africa, and select Asian and South Asian destinations. Seats are connected in rows but angled away from each other and with partitions between each.

Meals can be pre-selected (but please note that this feature is not currently being offered due to coronavirus travel restrictions) and there is something for every palate on the menu. Another thing to love about this choice is that it is more widely available than some of the others on this list, though still a little hard to come by at times. The earlier you check for an upper class ticket, the better.

💸 Price: From New York, NY (JFK) to London, England (LCY) = ~USD $18,000.

🍷 🍝 Food and Drink: Gourmet meals that can be pre-selected (ex. spicy butternut soup and seafood linguine), full-service bar serving Berry Bros. and Rudd wine, and Eric Lanlard Mile High Tea with refreshments.

🖥 🎬 🎮 Notable Perks: Adjustable lighting, amenities, personal TVs with movies and games.

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Red eye flights typically depart after 9 PM and arrive at their destination as early as 5 AM and get the name “red eye” from the fact that passengers on them often get little to no sleep and have red eyes by the end. But despite the name and its implications, you can actually sleep on a red eye, and better than you might think. Not all routes offer red eye flights, but many long and/or popular flights (e.g. between big cities, from the eastern to the western side of the country, etc.) do.

A red eye flight might not be your first choice, but there are definitely advantages to flying when most of the western world is sleeping. For one, they are often cheaper, sometimes by quite a bit. Airlines don’t want to fly their planes below capacity if they don’t have to, and they price overnight tickets accordingly. For another, they give you more time at your destination that can be spent on work or leisure. They are also often less crowded because they’re not appealing to as many flyers.

If the idea of saving money and time appeals to you, here are 12 things to do to improve your quality of sleep when you board a plan for a red eye flight.

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Don’t Sit in the Aisle

If you can help it, try not to sit in an aisle seat on your red eye flight. As everyone on your plane gets up in the middle of the night to take turns using the claustrophobic bathroom, you’ll be glad you aren’t seated in the highest-traffic part of the plane. Try to avoid sitting right next to the crew too.

A window seat is obviously ideal, but you’ll want to try to get one of these as far in advance as possible—about 50% of people prefer window seats, but there are only so many to go around. You might be able to switch to an open middle seat if your flight isn’t crowded, which is more likely on red eye flights. But whatever you do, don’t sit too close to the restroom.

Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones (or Earplugs)

Noise-canceling headphones or some good old-fashioned earplugs will be your best friend on a red eye. 

If you find yourself traveling through the night often, it would probably be worth investing in a quality pair of headphones that blocks out all outside noise (i.e. crying babies in the row next to you, chatty aisle neighbors, etc.). Then, put on some relaxing classical music or white noise if that’s what helps you fall asleep at home and you’ll almost be able to trick yourself into thinking you’re not on an airplane. Try a free app like Calm for some sleep-friendly soundscapes.

Just be careful not to abuse the headphones by watching movies or videos when you could be sleeping. If possible, get this out of your system before you board your plane.

Hit the Gym

If you’re lucky enough to have a gym at your airport and you have an hour to spare before your flight, don’t be afraid to use it. Quality of sleep improves when you tire your body out with a good workout session. Moderate exercise done at least an hour before sleeping has been proven to help you sleep more deeply and wake less often. 

Just don’t overdo it—for some, working out too intensely—e.g. cardio, weightlifting, etc.—shortly before going to bed actually has a negative impact on quality of sleep. 

But if you’re gym-less, don’t sweat it. Even a long walk around the airport is great for getting your body ready to shut down. 

Save the Caffeine for the Morning

If you normally go for a second (or third) cup of coffee in the afternoon to power through the rest of the workday, try to refrain on the day of your flight. Experts recommend drinking caffeinated beverages no fewer than four to six hours before you plan to sleep. By depriving your body of the caffeine it expects, you force it to become tired and you’ll easily fall asleep right away when you board your plane.

Try some caffeinated black or green tea instead of coffee if you don’t want to deal with total caffeine withdrawal symptoms, and some hot chamomile or peppermint tea right before bed to promote sleep. 

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Likewise, be careful not to eat anything that’s going to hinder your ability to get some shut-eye on your red eye. You may be fine to eat whatever you want for dinner when you’re sleeping at home, but when you’re sleeping on a plane, your body can use all the help it can get resting.

Avoid heavy foods like cheese and carbs, acidic fruits and veggies, and anything with a lot of added sugar for the best quality sleep. And if you’re eating dinner at the airport, try to grab a bite to eat as early as possible. Many people sleep better after giving their stomachs a few hours to digest a meal.

Clean Up

Part of the reason sleeping on a plane is so uncomfortable is because you often feel dirty. When you don’t get a chance to shower before your flight and then have to board a plane that has seen hundreds of passengers, it’s easy to feel a little—grimy. This is why it’s smart to bring personal hygiene products for red eye flights.

Even if you’re taking a short trip and don’t plan to stay at a hotel, it’s a good idea to pack a small bag of toiletries for your flight. Facial cleansing wipes, a toothbrush, and mouthwash can go a long way in making you feel more comfortable. Mimic your typical nightly routine as best as you can in the airport bathroom.

Change into Something Comfortable

Don’t make the mistake of boarding a late-night flight in your work clothes. Restrictive suits and scratchy tights won’t do you any favors when it comes time to try to sleep through your route because your body won’t be able to differentiate between day and night, work and rest. Bring pajamas or sweats and anything else that makes you feel cozy at home.

You never know how warm or cold a plane will be. Layer up and bring more than you think you’ll need. And make sure your feet are comfortable too—red eye veterans can often be seen sliding on a pair of slippers or thick socks before bed. 

If you have an important meeting or work event to attend shortly after arriving at your destination, it would be a good idea to arrive at the airport in your comfortable clothes and keep your professional clothes nicely packed away in a separate, wrinkle-proof bag. That way, you’re only changing your clothes at the airport once and you lower your risk of losing any articles of clothing in the bathroom.

Bring a Blanket

Many airplanes provide blankets to passengers on red eyes, but why use one of these when you can pack one of your own? Travel blankets fold up to occupy very little space and they are lightweight. Plus, they’re usually more inviting than what the airline has to offer. Try one of these affordable options from TripSavvy’s best of 2020 travel blankets lineup.

You could even try using your travel blanket to sleep at home for a week before your red eye flight. This way, the blanket will feel familiar and your body will associate it with sleep. After all, as you’re probably noticing, getting quality sleep on an airplane is really all about convincing your body that you’re somewhere other than an airplane.

There is also no guarantee that your plane will have enough blankets for everyone. Unless you’re one of the first passengers to board, there is a very good chance that you won’t even get a blanket before they’re gone.

Arrive Early

Still, you should try to be one of the first to board for other reasons.

Give yourself plenty of time to check in and get on your plane. If you cut it close to your departure time, you’ll be rushing to get on the plane and get your luggage put away, and the adrenaline this fills your body with is not exactly ideal for sleeping. Keep the process as frustration-free as possible and avoid potential mishaps by playing it safe and getting there with time to spare. 

Pack Light

Aside from the sleep-friendly items on this list like pajamas and a travel blanket, try to pack as light as possible. By not bringing a bulky carry-on, you’ll give yourself more room to stretch your legs. And by not traveling with too many suitcases, you’ll be able to easily grab your stuff when it’s time to get off your plane and get to a coffee shop as quickly as possible.

Prioritize bringing the things that are going to help you sleep and whatever you must have with you at your destination. Everything else can stay at home.

Put Technology Away

Electronic devices like laptops and e-readers are usually great for long flights, but they have no place on red eyes.

Research has shown that using technology before bed reduces the amount of melatonin in your body. This hormone helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and having less of it in your body at night makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep because your body thinks that you’re supposed to be awake. The blue light emitted by smartphones, laptops, and tablets has been linked with melatonin suppression.

If possible, put all electronic devices away 30 minutes to an hour before you hope to fall asleep. Reducing your stress levels before bed and avoiding artificial light can also help to increase your melatonin levels.

Don’t Forget the Neck Pillow!

Everyone who’s ever flown knows what a difference a neck pillow can make when sleeping. Even if you don’t take many red eye flights, you need a good neck pillow.

Shop around to find the right neck pillow for you. If you like memory foam at home, find one that’s memory foam. Maybe you’d prefer something microfiber that’s soft to the touch, a pillow that wraps around to provide support for your chin, or an inflatable pillow that takes up less space when you’re not using it. Neck pillows are inexpensive and easy to find, but it’s worth taking the time to pick a great one.

If having trouble falling asleep is normal for you, bring an over-the-counter sleep aid for good measure in addition to doing these 12 things. There are plenty of natural options available including melatonin supplements and valerian, a flower that can be taken in low doses to help you relax. You can also take a medication like Tylenol PM or ZzzQuil, but these should be used sparingly as a rule so that you don’t develop a dependence on them. 

Final Thoughts

Getting decent sleep on even a short red eye flight is possible when you take the necessary steps to get comfortable and feel rested before your flight. Doing even just a few of the things on this list is sure to improve your inflight sleeping experience and hopefully reduce some of the apprehension you may feel about flying at night.

So while you are unlikely to get the best sleep of your life on a red eye flight and still might touch down with bags under your eyes, consider purchasing a red eye ticket the next time you fly. And don’t forget to follow these 12 tips for getting to sleep and staying asleep on an airplane.

When you find yourself stuck at the airport overnight due to an unfortunate layover or sudden change of plans, the last thing you want to have to worry about is getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s important that you be prepared for this possibility and have a few tricks in mind for making this uncomfortable experience as comfortable—and safe—as possible. 

Here are 13 things you can do to sleep safely and comfortably the next time you find yourself stuck at the airport for the night.

Pack a Sleep Kit

Get into the habit of taking a sleep kit with you every time you fly. You never know when a flight will be delayed or canceled last minute, and no one wants to have to go 24 hours without brushing their teeth.

Essential toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and hairbrushes are likely already packed somewhere in your luggage, but it wouldn’t hurt to pack these separately so that they are easily accessible. Other items that might make you feel more at home—sound machines, eye masks, slippers, etc.—should also come along. 

A sleep kit is easy to throw together and can minimize the discomfort associated with staying in a new place unexpectedly. Sure, you won’t need to use it at the airport most of the time, but many of the items are probably coming with you on your trip anyway. Don’t pack anything that you wouldn’t typically use to sleep and you won’t need to worry about additional baggage fees.

Keep in mind that some airports provide complimentary toiletries and items such as shampoo and blankets, but you can’t always count on this. You can ask ahead of time before a flight or just play it safe and bring a sleep kit.

Try a Hotel or Sleep Pod

You could always stay in an airport hotel or sleep pod, but not all airports offer these conveniences, and using them is not cheap. However, if these are available to you and you don’t mind investing the extra cash into a night of uninterrupted rest, this is probably the most comfortable you’re going to get. Otherwise, try some of the other tips on this list.

Most nap rooms or sleep pods can be rented by the hour and typically run anywhere from $20 to $40 per hour. Rooms are often upwards of $150. Both of these are often in short supply when they can be found at airports, so get to them as quickly as possible because they are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sleep Near Your Gate

If you’re stuck sleeping in the airport, you’re going to naturally want to look for a restful place to rest in a quiet corner with low foot traffic.

But although no one wants to get woken up all night by lights, other passengers, and staff members, it’s even worse to miss a flight. Don’t give in to the temptation to find somewhere isolated to doze off. Not only is this less safe due to decreased security, but it’s a good way to miss the flight you waited all night for when exhaustion sinks in and you oversleep.

If your flight was canceled or delayed for one reason or another, chances are good that other passengers on your plane are going to be in the same boat as you, and sticking around the people you’ll be traveling with lets you take cues from other passengers when it’s time to go. Benches and seats are obvious choices for comfortable sleep, but you’ll need to claim these fast or you’ll wind up roughing it on the floor.

Change into Cozy Clothes

Take advantage of your packed suitcase and get those sweatpants and hoodies out the moment you learn that you’ll be spending the night at the airport. Find the nearest restroom and change as soon as possible—wearing cozier clothing makes a world of difference in making you feel more at ease. Most people won’t even bat an eye at a tired-looking passenger in pajamas at the terminal.

Visit a Gym or Lounge

Depending on what airport you’re in, you might have access to a top-notch airport fitness center or swanky lounge with a shower. Such luxuries are complimentary with many first-class and business tickets, but any passenger can purchase a pass most of the time. For a relatively small fee, you can get a hot shower at the very least. Some lounges and fitness centers also have pools, saunas, and jacuzzis. You’ll feel almost normal once you’re clean.

Treat Yourself

Treat yourself to anything that will relax you. This could be a manicure or pedicure, a facial at a nearby spa, a movie on your phone, or a comforting meal at one of the many food joints in the airport. Stress and tension are usually already high when flying, and they’re going to be made even higher when you’re inconvenienced by spending a night at the airport. Stick to your nightly routines as closely as possible and you’ll fall asleep much more easily.

Give yourself a break and do a little more for yourself than you normally would. Find somewhere comfortable to settle in and do your best to block out your surroundings. And when you wake up, whenever you wake up, celebrate with a fresh cup of coffee—or two.

Ask for a Cot

Not every situation warrants an airport hauling out the cots, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Often, airports reserve cots for times when large masses of passengers are stranded—perhaps by inclement weather causing many flight delays, federally mandated travel restrictions like what we’ve seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, etc.—, but you might be able to get one even if you just have a long layover. Use a courtesy phone or go to a counter to ask personnel for sleeping accommodations. These are almost always free of charge, but they are in limited supply.

Please note that courtesy cots are just one of many types of accommodations airports regularly provide to stranded travelers. Many airlines also offer hotel vouchers, meal tickets, complimentary shuttle rides, and other services and discounts to passengers whose flights have been delayed or canceled.

Sleep in Shifts

Those traveling in parties of two or more are at an advantage when it comes to sleeping at the airport because they can sleep in shifts. Take turns sleeping with the people in your party so that there is always someone keeping an eye on the group and their luggage. This will make you all less vulnerable to theft and ensure that at least one person is keeping track of the time. Use timers and alarms so that everyone is able to get a bit of shut-eye.

If you’re traveling alone, look for other passengers turning in for the night and set up camp near them. You don’t have to work out a shift sleeping deal with strangers, but solidarity never hurts.

Set Alarms

If your flight has been assigned a new departure time or you know exactly when your layover ends, set an alarm for an hour before this. This will give you time to gather your belongings and get yourself ready to board the flight. If your new flight time has not yet been announced or you’ve been told to stand by, you’re better off taking short naps and getting an update before going back to sleep than turning in for a full night’s rest. 

Again, if you’re traveling alone, sleep near your gate as close to other parties as is possible and comfortable. That way, if for some reason your alarm doesn’t wake you up or there is an unexpected change to the flight, you’ll be woken up when the other people on your plane start moving around and preparing to board. Alternatively, if you don’t have a smartphone or watch, write a note on a piece of paper stating when you would like to be woken up and airport staff or passersby are likely to help you out.

Sanitize Your Chosen Location

The bench you’re going to be calling a bed for the next several hours has seen thousands of passengers come and go. It doesn’t take long to wipe it all down with cleaner, and this extra precaution is well worth it. Ask the airport staff if you can borrow cleaning supplies or sanitize with hand sanitizer at the very least. You’ll be able to sleep more peacefully when you know your area is free of disease-carrying germs. In addition, avoid direct contact with public surfaces as much as possible (i.e. lay your jacket down on the floor or seat before laying on it). That shower mentioned earlier? Might not be a bad idea to squeeze it in after sleeping.

Sleep on Top of Your Stuff

Airport theft is a very real problem, and keeping your valuables safe should be your number one concern when it comes time to sleep at an airport. If you don’t have the option of sleeping in shifts with others in your party and keeping watch over your luggage, you may just have to sleep on top of it. In this case and many others, it pays to travel light.

Many weary travelers use their soft-sided suitcases as pillows and it’s a good idea to keep your arm wrapped around the straps of the rest of your bags. That way, should someone try to take advantage of your compromised situation and swipe a bag, you will be roused awake before they can make off with your belongings.

Remember not to travel with too many valuable items if you can help it. Items that you would not be comfortable leaving unattended in a busy coffee shop while you run to the restroom might not need to come with you to a busy airport.

Store Your Luggage

Some airports can store your luggage—for a fee, of course. If you’re traveling with a lot of bags, traveling alone, or just don’t want to have to worry about keeping track of your stuff all night, it might be worth it to hand over a little extra money to store your luggage until your flight. Look for luggage lockers, and if your airport doesn’t have those, check with the lost or left luggage counter. They might be willing to keep an eye on your bags for a price.

Luggage lockers are surprisingly affordable most of the time. For example, LockerLink lockers by SmarteCarte—found at thousands of airports—are just $4 for the first hour and $1 for every hour after that. You can store your bags for a couple of days or a couple of hours, and you’re likely to sleep much better when you’re not worried about protecting your things. Even if you just rent a small locker for your wallet or purse, you’ll be glad you did.

Keep Your Boarding Pass Close

You may or may not have to answer for yourself if you’re woken up by a security guard.Many security guards let snoozing slide without so much as a second glance, but others take precautions against non-passengers sneaking in and will ask to see your boarding pass to confirm that you are a passenger if they see you sleeping. Rather than try to hide from security somewhere remote and risk being thrown out, keep your pass and identification close by so that you can get right back to sleep if interrupted.

If you travel a lot, it’s not a bad idea to research the different policies and practices in place for stranded travelers at the various airports you frequent. Some airlines are a lot more accommodating of overnight guests than others, and you could use this information to make decisions about where to fly. Airline sleepovers can either be painfully awkward or not that bad, and it pays to know ahead of time what will or will not be available to you when you have no choice but to sleep at the airport.