Sleeping in Airports

Long Island Airport Guide

sleeping in long island airport
(photo courtesy of a guest reviewer / May 2023)

Whether you have a layover, overnight sleepover or you are just quickly passing through, our Long Island Airport Guide is a great place to start planning your visit.  Here, you’ll find information on services and facilities available inside the airport – including details about airport lounges, WiFi, mobile charging points, lockers, 24-hour food options, nearby hotels, and everything in between.

After midnight, the place is real dead and I got some quality Z’s. – a traveller

ISP 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 Long Island MacArthur Airport.

What to expect

Long Island Airport (code: ISP) consists of a small but modern terminal with a small selection of eateries and shops on both sides of security. Flight schedules may dictate the operating hours of these services, so plan accordingly. WiFi is available to help pass the time. There are no private lounges at this airport.

Sleeping in Long Island Airport

long island airport guideAfter security checkpoints close for the night, all passengers are restricted to the landside areas, and security must be re-cleared the next day when the checkpoints open. A reader (August 2018) mentioned there are numerous benches to lie on (without armrests!). Reviewers also report that the airport is very quiet at night. Bring a travel blanket and pillow for extra comfort! For uninterrupted sleep, there are hotels near the airport that provide an airport shuttle. See Airport Hotels in the guide below.

Read the latest traveller airport reviews for more tips. For more airport information, continue scrolling down to explore more in our Long Island 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.

In this guide we may refer to locations as “landside” and “airside”. Landside is the public area of the terminal located in the non-secure zone, before security. Airside is the secure area of the terminal that you must reach by going through security.   

Airport Hours

The terminal is open 24 hours a day. The TSA security checkpoint opens at 3:45 AM and remains open until the last scheduled departure.

Rest & Relaxation Zones

There are no dedicated sleeping areas, quiet areas or rest zones. If this information has changed, click here to update this guide.

Cots

The airport does not provide cots 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 Long Island Airport that provide free airport shuttle service:

  • La Quinta Inn & Suites Islip MacArthur Airport   » Check Rates
  • Hilton Garden Inn Islip/MacArthur Airport  » Check Rates

For more options, visit Tripadvisor to see a list of hotels on Long Island, search for deals and read traveller reviews.

Airport Lounges

There are no pay-per-use lounges at this airport.

Drinking Water

Water bottle filling stations with filtered water are available in the terminal. Locations include:

  • Airside, between Gates A2–A3
  • Airside, between Gates A6–A7
  • Airside, past the TSA security checkpoint in the Veterans Memorial Concourse
  • Landside, Ground Transportation Center

Food & Drinks

Food concessions operate on varying schedules. Many locations open early in the morning to match flight schedules (some around 4:00–5:00 AM), and there are no 24-hour dining options.

Luggage Storage & Lockers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

Mobile Charging

Power outlets and charging plugs are available in seating areas near the gates and in some dining areas.

Showers

Unavailable. If this is incorrect, click here to update this guide.

WiFi / Internet

Free WiFi is available. Connect to the “optimumwifi” network, open your browser, select “GUEST,” and follow the instructions.

One hour of access is free. Additional access costs $4.99 per calendar day.

Security & Safety

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 located 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 woke up 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

More Services, Facilities & Things To Do On A Layover

Note: Locations, hours, and rates may change. Information is provided for general reference only.

Art in the Airport – Local artwork is displayed in the Art Gallery in the terminal atrium. Location: Landside, near the arrivals exit.

ATMs / Cash Machines – ATMs are available. Fees may apply. Locations: Landside in the main terminal across from the Law Enforcement Office • Airside in the Veterans Memorial Concourse near Gate A5, in front of Starbucks.

Baby Care Facilities – A Mother’s Room is available for feeding and caring for infants. Amenities include changing tables and seating. Location: Airside, Veterans Memorial Concourse near the East Checkpoint, across from Starbucks.

Duty-Free & Shopping – Duty-free shopping is not available. Shops include CNBC News Shop • Heritage Booksellers • Paradies Gift Shops (two airside locations and one landside) • End Getaway (landside).

Live-brary – A kiosk from the Suffolk County Public Library allows cardholders to download ebooks, audiobooks, music, and movies to a mobile device. Location: Main terminal.

SIM Cards – A reader has asked us to include where to buy SIM Cards. If you know, click here to update this airport guide.

Airlines
Long Island Airport is served by the following airlines: American Airlines • Frontier Airlines • Southwest Airlines.
Airport Transportation: Getting To/From The Airport

Bus

MacArthur Airport is served by Suffolk Bus Route S57, 7 Bus (service to/from NYC) and the Hampton Jitney.

Car Rentals

The following car rental companies are available at Long Island MacArthur Airport: Avis • Budget • Enterprise • Hertz • National • Thrifty. Location: Baggage Claim area.

Hotel Shuttles

Several area hotels provide airport shuttle service: Clarion Hotel & Conference Center   •   La Quinta Inn & Suites by Wyndham Islip – MacArthur Airport   •   Hampton Inn Long Island/Commack.

See also Airport Hotels above.

Taxi

Village Taxi has a representative on-site outside baggage claim to help arrange a taxi ride. Visit the airport’s taxi website to see a list of prices.

Train

The Ronkonkoma Station is just one mile north of the MacArthur Airport. Village Taxis can deliver you from the airport to the train station for $5.00 (as of this update). From the Ronkonkoma Station, you can connect to New York City (with hourly service).

Last updated: 2026-03-11

This guide is for informational purposes only to assist with your planning.  All information, including rates and hours, is subject to change at any time without notice.   The information in this airport guide is based on information collected and/or received from the airports, lounges, hotels, transportation providers, and their websites. We are not representatives of any of the above-mentioned service providers. To report errors or to add/update any items mentioned in the guide: update the airport guide or  write a review.