Sleeping in Salt Lake City Airport
Overview
Salt Lake City Airport (SLC) is open 24 hours, and travellers have found places to sleep both before and after security. The newer terminal has some surprisingly comfortable cushioned seating, particularly around the main departures area, although finding somewhere to stretch out can take a little searching.
For an overnight stay, the biggest complaints are bright lighting, music that continues through the night and occasional announcements. Some travellers have managed several hours of sleep, while others have barely slept at all. If you’re facing a long layover or an unexpected night at SLC, bring an eye mask, earplugs and an extra layer. Private sleep suites are also available inside the airport.
We got stranded so no choice, if you know you are staying bring eye covers and ear plugs:)” (Traveller review, September 2024)
Can You Sleep in Salt Lake City Airport Overnight?
Yes. Salt Lake City Airport is open 24 hours, and travellers have reported sleeping in both the public terminal and the secure departure areas. Overnight sleeping is generally tolerated, although there have been occasional complaints about staff interactions. The main security checkpoint operates from 3:30 AM until 1:00 AM. If you’re already airside, traveller reviews describe remaining there overnight without being asked to leave. However, if you arrive after security closes or need to collect checked luggage, you’ll have to wait in the public area until screening reopens. Airside access is not guaranteed throughout the night, so plan accordingly if you’re arriving late or departing early.
Sleepability Verdict
Sleepability: Tolerable
Salt Lake City Airport offers better sleeping opportunities than its rows of gate seating might suggest. Cushioned benches, padded chairs and lounge-style seating around the main departures area give travellers a chance to rest without resorting to the floor. The terminal is generally clean, and several travellers describe feeling safe and being left undisturbed. Unfortunately, comfort doesn’t always translate into sleep. Bright overhead lights remain on overnight, background music can continue until morning, and announcements and cleaning occasionally interrupt the quieter hours. Gate seating often has armrests, leaving the carpet as the alternative if you want to lie flat. The more comfortable seating makes SLC worth exploring before settling on the floor, but don’t expect a particularly dark or quiet night.
I couldn’t sleep with the music and bright lights so really didn’t sleep much at all.” (Traveller review, September 2024)
Traveller Reality Check
Based on Sleeping in Airports traveller reviews, these are the most frequently reported advantages and drawbacks of sleeping at Salt Lake City Airport.
Sleep Advantages
Sleep Drawbacks
Best Places to Sleep
The most promising sleeping spots are around the main departures area just after security, where travellers have found cushioned benches and large padded chairs. Concourse B and a few public areas before security have also been mentioned, although the quality of seating varies considerably.
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This is one of the most consistently recommended areas for sleeping at SLC. Look for the lounge-style seating and cushioned benches in the main departures area as you head towards Concourse A. Travellers have found enough space to stretch out on some benches, while others have used large padded chairs or moved chairs together to make a makeshift bed. The seating closer to the interior has been described as warmer than the spots beside the windows. Some chairs also have electrical outlets nearby. This area is worth checking before walking all the way to a distant gate.
Seating: Cushioned benches, wide padded chairs, lounge-style seating
Noise: Background music and announcements overnight
Lighting: Bright throughout the night
Temperature: Cooler beside windows
Power: Outlets near some seating
Terminal, Airside, Concourse A – Food and Seating Areas
A September 2024 traveller stranded after a missed connection was directed by airport staff to a food area with padded benches near Gate A23. The benches offered somewhere to lie down, but the bright lighting and overnight music made sleeping difficult. This may be useful if the main departures seating is occupied, particularly if you’re already waiting for a flight from Concourse A.
Seating: Padded benches and some armrest-free seating
Noise: Music continues overnight
Lighting: Bright
Terminal, Airside, Concourse B – Gate Areas
Concourse B has been mentioned by several travellers looking for quieter places to sleep. One traveller deliberately chose this concourse because they expected less overnight activity than in Concourse A. However, most of the gate seating had armrests, making the carpet the only practical place to lie flat. A November 2021 traveller slept on the carpet near Gate B19 without being disturbed. If you’re considering this area, bring a sleeping mat or something padded to put beneath you. The long walk to Concourse B may not be worthwhile if you haven’t checked the more comfortable seating near security first.
Seating: Mostly armrest chairs; carpet for lying flat
Noise: Music, periodic announcements and cleaning
Lighting: Remains on overnight
Temperature: Can be chilly
If you cannot get through security, look for the seating in the southeast corner of Level 3, near the American Airlines check-in kiosks. A February 2022 traveller described unusually shaped but comfortable couches and chairs, with restrooms and electrical outlets nearby. This was a useful alternative for someone waiting overnight with checked luggage. The seating arrangement may have changed since that review, but it’s worth looking for if you’re spending the night before security.
Seating: Couches and padded chairs previously reported
Temperature: Chilly
Power: Outlets nearby
Terminal, Landside, Level 2 – Baggage Claim
A May 2022 traveller reported sleeping on a mat in a far corner of baggage claim, behind the seating near a heating vent. The location provided warmth and some separation from the busier parts of the terminal, although the lights stayed on throughout the night.
This is an older, individual traveller recommendation rather than an established sleeping area. It may be worth checking if you’ve collected your luggage and cannot return airside.
Seating: Chairs nearby; floor space previously used
Lighting: Bright, especially in the morning
Temperature: Warm near the heating vent
Power: Charging ports reported near seating
Airport Sleeper Essentials
Cots
Salt Lake City Airport does not provide cots for stranded travellers. During major delays or cancellations, ask your airline whether it can provide hotel assistance or blankets.
Food Available Overnight
Food options are limited overnight, but there is at least one confirmed 24-hour coffee shop after security.
Terminal, Airside, Concourse A Plaza
- Starbucks – Open 24 hours, although hours may change with flight schedules.
Before Security
The Starbucks on the terminal ground level closes at 10:00 PM. Vending machines are available in terminal areas and the parking garage, although individual locations and stock may vary. If you’re spending the night before security, buy food and drinks before the concessions close.
Luggage Storage
Salt Lake City Airport does not have luggage storage facilities or lockers. If you’re sleeping in the terminal, keep your bags immediately beside you or secured to you while you sleep.
Showers
Showers are available inside the Delta Sky Club lounges after security, subject to lounge access and operating hours. There are no public shower facilities for travellers sleeping in the terminal.
Airport Lounges with Sleep Facilities
Salt Lake City Airport has two Delta Sky Club lounges, in Concourses A and B. Both provide lounge seating, but neither offers dedicated sleeping rooms or overnight accommodation. The newer Concourse B lounge has a variety of seating arrangements and quieter nooks, which may be useful for resting during a daytime connection. Lounge access is restricted to eligible travellers, and the lounges close at night. For locations, hours and access requirements, see the Salt Lake City Airport Guide.
Safety & Security
Most travellers describe Salt Lake City Airport as clean and generally safe for sleeping. Several reviews mention being left undisturbed by staff, including during overnight stays in the departure areas. Experiences with airport staff have not been entirely consistent, however. A traveller in June 2020 described being forcibly awakened by police, while a May 2025 reviewer complained that staff would not allow them to sleep. These experiences contrast with the more positive reviews from travellers who slept overnight without interruption. If you’re sleeping alone, choose an area where other travellers or airport staff are nearby. Keep your passport, phone and valuables secured, and avoid leaving luggage unattended even if you’ve found a quiet corner.
I couldn’t sleep with the music and bright lights so really didn’t sleep much at all.” (Traveller review, September 2024)
Frequently Asked Questions
A Quick Note
Airport conditions change regularly. This guide is based on airport information and traveller reviews, but seating, terminal access, operating hours, security procedures and sleeping conditions can change. Use this guide as a starting point and be prepared for conditions to differ when you arrive.
Help Keep This Guide Current
Have you slept at Salt Lake City Airport recently? We’d especially like to know whether the cushioned benches near security and the couches by the American Airlines check-in area are still available. Tell us about overnight access, staff interactions or any new sleeping spots you’ve found.
Write a review and share your tips or photos to help the next tired traveller.