The best and worst airports to sleep in
Posted December 14, 2011 8:43 am.
This article is more than 5 years old.
VANCOUVER (NEWS1130) – Christmas can be a busy — and very expensive — time of year to travel. But there are ways to save money while travelling, especially if you are willing to go “sans hotel.”
The Guide to Sleeping in Airports offers tips and ratings of the best and worst airports in the world to spend the night.
“Basically just be prepared,” says founder Donna McSherry. “Nowadays, a lot of airports have armrests on the seats. So, unless you bring your own wrench and screwdriver to take them apart, you’re going to have to sleep on the floor.”
McSherry’s top tips include bringing something comfy to sleep on. “If you bring an inflatable raft, for example, they are two dollars and you can just blow them up and you have a nice cushioned spot to sleep on the floor.”
“You might want to bring a blanket and little pillow, bring some water and food. Depending on the airport, some are open 24 hours but the food facilities are shut down,” she adds.
She also suggests eye shades and ear plugs, something to read, a personal music device with large headphones and disinfectant wipes to make your bed for the night a little less germ and grease-covered. Also, dab of Vicks Vapour Rub under the nose can block out any bad smells.
An alarm clock or a pen and post-it pad can also come in handy; if you are travelling solo, write a “Wake me at 5 a.m.” note and stick a few on yourself and the seats around you. McSherry says it works; people will wake you!
A fair warning: Be prepared for less-than-supportive airport guards who will ask why you aren’t like normal people and demand to see your travel documents and tickets.
When it comes to sleeping in airports overnight, some are better than others. These airports have been voted the 2011 Top 10 Best Airports to sleep in:
1. Singapore Changi
2. Seoul Incheon
3. Hong Kong
4. Kuala Lumpur
5. Amsterdam Schiphol
6. Munich
7. Vancouver
8. Zurich
9. Frankfurt
10. Toronto
The 2011 Top 10 Worst Airports to sleep in:
1. Manila (Terminal 1)
2. Paris Beauvais
3. Reykjavik Keflavik
4. Bergamo Orio al Serio
5. Kiev Boryspil
6. Frankfurt Hahn
7. London Luton
8. Pisa
9. Paris CDG (Terminals 3 and 2A,B,C,D)
10. LAX Los Angeles
