Sleeping in Airports

Sleeping in Houston Hobby Airport

sleeping in houston hobby airport

If you’re dealing with a long layover or an early morning flight departure at Houston Hobby Airport, you might be wondering if it is possible to sleep in the airport. Our guide to sleeping in Hobby 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 Houston Hobby Airport

Locations & Seating

Houston Hobby Airport sleeper
(Photo courtesy of reagan / 06Jan2014)

Travellers report seating here is plentiful and comfortable, though most are equipped with armrests. If you’re hoping to lie down, you will have to look for armrest-free benches, which are limited. Some massage chairs are scattered around, so grab one if you can. Otherwise, the floor is your best bet for some decent shuteye. An extra layer provides some cushion and warmth.

Travellers specifically mentioned sleeping on the floor near Gate 5 or behind the agent counter at Gate 46. It’s quiet when no flights are departing for several hours.

Rest Zones

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

Hotels

houston hobby airport hotelsIf you prefer the comfort and privacy of a hotel room, you’ll have to leave the airport altogether. There are several hotels located within an 8-minute drive of the airport that offer free shuttle service. See the hotel section in our Airport Guide for locations, or visit Tripadvisor to find hotel deals at Houston Hobby Airport.

Lounges

houston hobby airport loungesThere are no pay-to-use lounges at Houston Hobby Airport.

Weather Delays

Houston Hobby AirportA few reviewers reported that in the case of significant weather cancellations, Houston Hobby Airport made cots, sleeping mats, blankets, and toiletry kits available for stranded passengers who chose not to get a hotel room. Depending on the number of stranded travellers, there may not be enough cots for everyone. To locate the areas with cots, ask an airline or airport employee or use a courtesy phone. Note: cots cannot be reserved in advance, and they are not for people whose flights are not cancelled and who choose to stay the night in the airport.

More Airport Services & Facilities

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

Airport Conditions

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

  • Temperature – Expect cold temperatures, especially at night, as 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 – At the time of this update, we have not received reports from travellers related to terminal brightness. Arrive prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
  • Noise – Expect frequent airport announcements and ambient travel noise during the day. At night, some TVs and music continue to play, and staff may be unable to adjust the volume. Still, you can find some peace and quiet at unused gates. Individual cleaners may come through making some noise, but they move on quickly. We always recommend bringing earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones for airport sleeping.

Security & Safety

It seems that airport staff and security are pretty tolerant of overnight sleepers.

At the time of this update, we have no reports from travellers commenting on safety issues at Houston Hobby 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 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.

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