Sleeping in Glasgow International Airport

If you’re dealing with a long layover or an early morning flight departure at Glasgow International Airport, you might be wondering if it is possible to sleep in the airport. Our guide to sleeping in Glasgow airport provides essential information for seasoned airport sleepers and newbies to help travellers arrive prepared for the experience.

We keep this guide up-to-date with the help of airport sleepers who have generously shared their experiences and airport reviews. If you have any tips or photos to contribute, please take a moment to write a review. Your feedback will help us stay informed about the latest advice for future sleepy travellers.

Sleeping in Glasgow International Airport

Locations & Seating

This airport is generally friendly to overnight sleepers. There is a decent amount of comfortable seating throughout the terminal, including benches and couches. Consider pushing a few chairs together for a makeshift bed.

Here are good sleep spots that travellers have reported:

Floor 2’s food court is where many overnight sleepers congregate once restaurants close for the night.
Terminal 2 had some carpeting where travellers spread out, but a recent review suggests this area may be temporarily or permanently closed.
Landside, there are rows of benches near the Tesco Express.

Rest Zones

At the time of this update, there are no designated rest zones within the airport.

Hotels

If you’d prefer privacy and comfort, you’ll have to exit the airport for a hotel. Luckily, the Holiday Inn and Holiday Inn Express are within walking distance. See the hotel section in our Airport Guide for locations, or visit Tripadvisor to find hotel deals at Glasgow International Airport.

Lounges

Glasgow International Airport has one pay-to-use lounge, but it does not have a designated sleep room or rest area. If you only want to relax in a comfortable seat for a few hours before your flight, our Glasgow International Airport Guide has the details.

More Airport Services & Facilities

For information about drinking water, 24-hour food & drink options, luggage storage, showers, mobile charging and WiFi, visit our Glasgow Airport Guide.

Airport Conditions

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

Temperature – At the time of this update, we have not received reports from travellers about terminal temperature. Still, you can expect the airport to cool down at night as the air conditioning continues to run and fewer people are inside. Arrive prepared with a blanket or even a sleeping bag. A hoodie provides extra warmth if the terminal gets even colder.
Lighting – The landside zones, particularly, seem to be brightly lit throughout the night. Come prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
Noise – Noise seems to be the biggest complaint, especially overnight. Even if you are getting some good shuteye on a comfortable couch or bench, restaurant crews arrive between 2:00 AM – 3:00 AM, chatting and playing loud music. Occasional cleaning crews come through, too. If you can find a quieter corner, you may have better luck. Come prepared with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.

Security & Safety

Travellers report that the airport staff is generally tolerant of sleepers. Security guards seem to mill about for much of the night, adding to the sense of 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.

Pro-tip: If you sleep in the public zone, don’t be surprised if you receive an early morning wake-up call. Security is known to make the rounds, waking people up as travellers arrive for morning flights.