Many of us have been stuck overnight in airports without the benefits of a reserved hotel room. Others simply choose to save money by nodding off in the airport waiting areas rather than spending the money for a real bed. The Sleeping in Airports Web site is proof that virtually everything can be found on the web.
The site has compiled a list of the top 10 airports for unexpected overnights — their Golden Pillow Awards. And the winner is Singapore’s Changi airport. According to Sleeping in Airports:
Singapore’s little city within a city remains the reigning mother of all airports that airports around the world should emulate and airport sleepers must visit on their sleeping travels. Sleepers worldwide will be brought to tears of joy when they discover all of the wonderful amenities available in Singapore. Throw away those inflatable rafts for this trip, my friends, because there are comfortable seats all over the place. In addition to those typical amenities that we rave about at other airports such as internet cafes, prayer rooms, shopping, and good eats, add these upgrades available at Changi: free mobile charging, free tours of the city, alarm clocks on the chairs, a swimming pool and Jacuzzi, massage and spa facilities, live bands, extensive gardens, a special “official” napping corner, and free movies — all at the airport.
Runners up of the Golden Pillow Award go to (in alphabetical order):
2. Amsterdam, Netherlands
Why? Children’s play area, internet, showers, in-transit areas with comfortable sleeping chairs (although pre-check-in seats are horrible) and a casino to make your stay here go quickly.
3. Athens, Greece
Why? As a new airport there are reports of it being “pleasant” and luxurious in comparison to other European airports. Padded benches, free internet, clean.
4. Auckland, New Zealand
Why? Few announcements, movable chairs and benches, comfortable couches, showers, mini-theatre with lounge chairs.
5. Helsinki, Finland
Why? Showers, benches and couches, internet
6. Hong Kong, China
Hong Kong really gives Singapore a run for its money. I’m hoping that one year it comes in first, just so that I can change Singapore. I’m sure it’s nice and all…but time for a change me thinks. Why? Cushioned benches, overstuffed single chairs, showers, courteous staff, free internet, e-message board, children’s play area, TV lounge.
7. Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Why? So quiet they play soft classical music to liven things up a bit, the Traveller’s Lounge at US$ 17 gets you access to free food, tea, coffee, beer, internet, magazines, TV, access to massage chairs, mini golf putting green and showers.
8. Oslo, Norway
Comfortable benches, good temperature, 24 hour convenience store.
9. Seoul Incheon, South Korea
Why? Comfortable couches sent from the “Almighty” and that are “restful, stress-free and designed with the comfort of passengers in mind,” lots of available seats, free internet, showers, possibility of 5 hour+ naps, free lockers, children’s play room, massage room, game room, “slumberettes,” telephone numbers throughout to customer relations should you be anal enough to want to “complain” about anything you find not to your liking.
10. Vancouver, Canada
Having stayed overnight here myself I don’t know why it ranks high. I would prefer to veto this, but I guess you all had a better time. Why you like it? Free WiFi, comfortable seating.
There are no US airports on this list. Do any of you have suggestions here in the US, or have other airports that should be added to the list? Or do you have any amusing overnight airport experiences?
Charlie Leocha is the President of Travelers United. He has been working in Washington, DC, for the past 14 years with Congress, the Department of Transportation, and industry stakeholders on travel issues. He was the first consumer representative to the Advisory Committee for Aviation Consumer Protections appointed by the Secretary of Transportation from 2012 through 2018.
