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Have a long delay or layover? This airport ranked best for sleeping in.
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There’s nothing like a long layover or unexpected delay to make you feel like Tom Hanks in “The Terminal.”
Spending long hours at the airport is a source of dread for many travelers, especially for those without lounge access. Finding a quiet gate to wait at can be a challenge, and even then, you’re sitting in those uncomfortable seats until you resign to sleeping on the floor. Then, there’s the hunt for outlets when your electronics inevitably die.
As it turns out, not all airports are equal when it comes to waiting out long periods of time, according to a recently released study by Australian mattress company OneBed. The study examined major airports around the world on factors such as passenger density based on traffic and airport size, the number of free dedicated resting areas and sleepability ratings from traveler reviews.
“With global tensions, wars, and constant travel disruptions, airports are no longer just transit points – they’re essential places for genuine rest,” Dylan Tollemache, co-found and CEO of OneBed, said in a statement to USA TODAY. “Comfortable layovers have become a necessity, not a luxury, as travelers face increasingly unpredictable travel plans.”
Here are the best airports for sleeping, according to the study.
10. Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, the Netherlands
One of Europe’s main hubs main hubs, Amsterdam Airport Schiphol, ranked 10th for having five dedicated free resting areas.
9. Istanbul Airport, Turkey
As the largest airport in Turkey and the busiest out of the top 10, Istanbul Airport offers three free resting areas and is ranked high among passenger reviews for sleepability.
8. Toronto Pearson International Airport, Canada
Toronto Pearson International Airport is Canada’s busiest but remains a relatively comfortable airport for travelers to rest, thanks to its moderate passenger density. However, there are only two dedicated areas to nap.
7. Chengdu Tianfu International Airport, China
Chengdu Tianfu International Airport boasts the lowest passenger density on the list with a spacious layout, offering travelers a good chance to score a quiet spot to rest.
6. Beijing Capital International Airport, China
Although it has the highest passenger density on the list, Beijing Capital International Airport still has five rest areas for travelers to wait out their long delays or layovers.
5. New Bangkok International Airport, Thailand
New Bangkok International Airport is Thailand’s main airport, making it a busy airport for travelers to navigate. Despite this, it has three free rest areas and is still ranked high among traveler reviews for sleepability.
4. Orlando International Airport, U.S.
As the only U.S. airport that made the top 10, Orlando International Airport had the highest traveler ratings on the list and low passenger density.
3. Frankfurt Airport, Germany
Frankfurt Airport is known as Germany’s busiest hub but has six dedicated areas for passengers looking for a place to rest.
2. Soekarno–Hatta International Airport, Indonesia
Although this Indonesian airport has a high passenger density, it also offers seven rest areas – the second-most on the list – for travelers to pick from.
1. Seoul Incheon International Airport, South Korea
With eight resting areas and a low passenger density, Seoul Incheon International Airport scored the top spot as the ideal airport for travelers looking for a place to rest during a long layover or delay.