Sleeping in Airports

Sleeping in New York City LaGuardia Airport

Sleeping in La Guardia Airport
Photo by SleepingInAirports.net / 04Jun2012

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

Locations & Seating

Sleeping in New York City La Guardia Airport Landside
Photo by SleepingInAirports.net / 04Jun2012

This old airport is undergoing a major overhaul; March 2019 saw some renovations being completed (a portion of Terminal B, for instance). In the meantime, travellers agree that the terminals remain dirty and lack amenities, including decent seating. The seating that exists is old and has armrests. The ongoing construction only adds to the issue of finding a clean, comfortable sitting spot. If you can find a decent patch of clean-ish floor to spread out on, a sleeping mat or even an air mattress will provide the necessary cushion and warmth.

The most common sleep spots are the two food courts in Terminal B. You may be able to push together chairs and tables for makeshift beds. You certainly won’t be alone.

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Rest Zones

There are no designated rest zones within the airport.

Hotels

LaGuardia airport hotelsIf you’re looking for a decent night’s sleep, your best and safest bet may be a nearby hotel. Several are within a short drive, offering free shuttle service, and a few are within walking distance. See the hotel section of our Airport Guide for locations, or visit Tripadvisor to find hotel deals at LaGuardia Airport.

Lounges

LaGuardia airport loungesWhile LaGuardia Airport has several lounges, none have designated sleep rooms or rest areas. If you only want to relax in a comfortable seat for a few hours before your flight, check out this list of lounges in our New York City LaGuardia Airport Guide that you can pay to access.

More Airport Services & Facilities

For information about drinking water, 24-hour food & drink options, luggage storage, showers, mobile charging and WiFi, visit our LaGuardia 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 the airport to cool down 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 and gloves provide extra warmth if the terminal gets even colder. 
  • Lighting – It seems lighting stays on most of the night. Come prepared with eyeshades or something else to cover your eyes, such as a shirt or towel.
  • Noise – Daytime sleepers can expect to hear frequent announcements regarding boarding calls and general airport announcements (safety warnings, passenger pages, etc). At night, when there are no more flights, you would think the announcements would be put to rest, but that is not always the case. As a precaution, you should come prepared with earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones.

Security & Safety

Many travellers have commented on the number of homeless people camping out here, especially overnight – it has been such a problem that many news outlets have covered the situation. Between this and the lack of amenities and sleep spots, shelling out for a hotel may be worth your peace of mind.

Sleeping in any airport can include a certain risk level, especially when travelling alone. It’s essential 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. Please 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 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 sharp, 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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Airport Photo Gallery

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