Albuquerque Airport Guide

ABQ Airport Overview

To help you plan your layover or overnight sleepover, here is a quick run-down about what to expect during your time at Albuquerque International Sunport Airport.

What to Expect

Albuquerque Airport (code: ABQ) is a midsize, three-level international airport with one concourse split into Concourse A (Gates A1-A4, primarily Southwest) and Concourse B (Gates B1-B10, other airlines). A small variety of eateries and shops are on the airside, with limited options on the landside. The airport offers free WiFi, though its service has been described as spotty, and charging areas can be found in both concourses. The airport does not host any private lounges.

Sleeping in Albuquerque Airport

Plenty of travellers have spent the night at Albuquerque Airport and have been able to sleep here. It’s not reported as the most comfortable night’s sleep, but staff have been accommodating in the past, and travellers have found a few nooks where, with a bit of luck, you may get a bit of rest.

Locations & Seating

Unfortunately, most of the seating throughout the terminal has armrests, but some armrest-free seating options are available. If you spot one, grab it, as they tend to be very popular with airport sleepers. According to some reviews, if you are airside and your flight isn’t until early morning, you may be asked to go back landside and re-clear security closer to your flight time.

Landside

• The baggage claim (corner near the exit), check-in, and greetings areas are reportedly good sleeping spots.
• There are three long benches in the foyer of the Tia Juanita Mexican restaurant right before security.
• There are also carpeted floors, which is a more comfortable option than a chair with annoying armrests. If you opt to sleep on the floor, bring a travel or sleep mat to make it a bit warmer and don’t forget your extra layers!
• A traveller has reported that all seating has cushions, making it a tad comfier. One traveller reports the cushions are detachable and someone used them to pad the floor and make their lie-down comfier – this is a good option!

Airside

• Unfortunately, most benches here have armrests. However, a few long, cushioned benches with tables nearby have been spotted next to gate A8.

For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Albuquerque Airport Guide.

To help us keep this guide up-to-date, you can add or update information or write a review to submit airport tips and photos.

Airport Hours

The airport is open 24 hours. The TSA security checkpoint hours are approx. 3:30 AM – 11:45 PM. The airside closes after the last flight, so passengers will be redirected to the landside.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

No dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones exist; however, informal spots may exist around the terminal. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

Cots are not offered to stranded travellers. If this has changed, click here to update the guide.

Airport Hotels

If sleeping in the airport sounds like a nightmare, there are hotels near Albuquerque Airport:

Hotel at the Airport

• Sheraton Albuquerque Airport Hotel – Located opposite the airport terminal. » Check Rates

Hotels near the Airport

• Homewood Suites by Hilton Albuquerque Airport » Check Rates
• Hyatt Place Albuquerque Airport » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels near Albuquerque Airport that can be sorted by price, distance, traveller rating and popularity.

Airport Lounges

There are no pay-per-use lounges at this time.  If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Drinking Water

Free water refill stations are available airside and landside. A reader tells us, “Drinking water fountains and bottle refill stations are available near the Southwest ticketing area where they have the bi-plane model display. They are also available around the corner on the way to the restrooms on the same floor”. (March 2024)

Food & Drinks

Food concessions throughout the terminal operate with varying schedules. At the time of this update, there are no 24-hour dining options. Some of the food options include Black Mesa Coffee / Bakery • Comida Buena • Keva Juice • Panda Express • Rio Grande Brew Pub • Route 66 Lounge • La Trattoria • Schlotzky’s (Temporarily closed) • Watch! Sports Lounge & Grill.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Opinions on charging stations are mixed, with some claiming the terminal is full of electric plugs and others reporting these are nowhere to be found. To update this information, click here to update our guide.

Showers

Not available. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi/Internet

Free WiFi is available at Albuquerque Sunport Airport. Connect to the “sunport” network.

Airport Conditions

If you plan to spend the night at the airport, here are a few things to keep in mind:

• Temperature – Reviews are mixed about the airport temperature. Some report it is chilly, while others say temperatures are relatively comfortable. Arrive prepared, just in case. It’s better to have a blanket than to need one later on. Even a hoodie provides extra warmth if the terminal gets colder.
• Lighting – A few travellers have reported that airport lights stay on all night. Come prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
• Noise – During the day, expect typical airport noise, like boarding calls and general announcements. By night, the situation doesn’t improve, with a reader reporting announcements every few minutes that are: “EXCEPTIONALLY LOUD, even with earplugs” (January 2024). Bring noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to minimize noise.

Safety & Security

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Albuquerque Sunport Airport. However, sleeping in any airport can include a certain level of risk, especially when travelling alone. It’s important to take certain precautions to ensure your safety and the security of your valuables. Here are a few tips:

• Safety First. It’s a good idea to know where the security office is and look for video cameras where you plan to sleep. You can also ask the security personnel for advice on the safest places to spend the night.
• Don’t Seclude Yourself. If you’re travelling alone, we recommend you stay near other travellers or close to security. This will help you feel more secure and deter potential thieves.
• Hide Your Valuables. It’s also important to hide your valuables. Don’t leave them out in plain view, as this could make you a target for theft. Additionally, if you are a deep sleeper, you may want to padlock your bag to something or sleep with your bag up against a wall to make it harder for someone to access zippers and pockets. We have received reports of sleepers who awoke without their phones and laptop bags. The travellers were left with just their headphones and laptop bag strap.
• Stay Alert. It’s best to stay alert and awake if you feel unsafe or uncomfortable. Drink coffee or other caffeinated beverages to help you stay awake, and remember that you can always catch up on sleep during your flight. These simple precautions can help you enjoy a safe night at the airport.

More Airport Information