HOW TO SURVIVE OVERNIGHT AT THE AIRPORT

One of the most aggravating subjects for long-haul travellers are overnights at an airport. This normally occurs for a number of reasons and occasionally due to personal choice, budget, or failure to meet an airline’s policy for free overnight hotel stay. Either way, it is probably the last experience I look forward to and in fact I dread it! I try to schedule overnight flights to avoid this layover transition altogether, but sometimes it is impossible to avoid when travelling from one end of the world to the other.

Often, travellers will choose to remain at the airport anywhere from six to twelve plus hours if they are arriving before midnight and there hotel check-in is not until the following morning. In that case, it really does not make sense to book another night at a hotel with 24/7 check-in for instance when previously plans are already made. Also, another common scenario is when there is a restrictive booking. One particular Asian airline, for instance, will only provide free hotel stay if the layover is eight hours or longer. Now, you might not be able to meet that sum of hours and you are now stuck at the airport because who has energy at this point?

If any of these situations you have faced before, then you need to prepare for the worst. There is one product you must bring and yes, it is mandatory! The product I am referring to is your power bank. I have been overnight at airports and had to keep myself awake as I kept my drowsy eyes locked on the charging station considering my phone was more then ten feet away from me. You don’t want to be worried about someone snatching your phone, so please just always carry a power bank with you! You never want to be stuck during a layover especially with a dead phone.

Now, if you are actually planning to sleep properly, then you should have packed a few sleep aids. First, you’ll want to block out the noise and light. Whether you use standard ear plugs or noise-cancelling headphones, you’ll definitely want to tune out your environment and forget that you are actually sprawled out on a bench. A sleep mask, hat, or other soft eye-covering would also be of great help. I’ve even seen people wearing sunglasses when there passed out at the airport, so who’s judging anyway?

As far as comfort, there are many convenient forms of product you can pack to make this seating arrangement more comfortable. I first would search absolutely everywhere for a bench without those awful arm rests. Then, you can lay out normally without having to conform your body to the seat, hence avoiding waking up with cramps and sore muscles (been there, done that!). Inside, you’re carry-on should be one or two of the following products: a neck pillow, a mat, micro blanket, or sports wear because you should be dressed comfortably as well. The products mentioned usually are built for travellers nowadays, meaning they will be fold-able, collapsible, micro in size, or able to deflate.

These are some basic staple products and tips needed for surviving sleeping at an airport. I look forward to discussing more of these products specifically in upcoming posts as well, so keep your bright eyes open!