7 Safety Tips for Women who have to spend the Night at the Airport

Travelling is all about freedom and exploring the beautiful world around you, however it also sometimes entails spending unplanned time at the airport. So, one day you may find yourself in the situation where you have to spend the night at the airport.

If you are a female traveller you should consider taking some extra precautions when you are travelling, especially when you are travelling alone.

Keep these 7 safety tips in mind, even when you are not spending the night…

> Always know where the security is located. Walk around the airport so you can get an idea of the layout and know exactly where the nearest security station or guard is located.

> Find out what the local emergency number is. The numbers will change depending on the country you are in, so Google it or ask someone in the airport and save it to your phone.

> Never sleep alone. It might be nice to find a quiet area with no one around, but it also invites possible thieves to take advantage of the situation.

> Head to the areas that are brightly lit. This follows the same pattern as the previous tip, rather stay away from the dark corners and head towards the light – don’t forget to bring an eye mask.

> Always ensure that someone knows where you are. Whenever you travel alone send a quick message to a family member or a friend just to let them know where you are and that you are safe.

> Research the airport you’ll be spending the night at. Read reviews from other travellers who have stayed at the airport so you can know exactly what to expect.

> Trust your instincts! If something feels wrong to you then it most likely is. Even if it means spending a little extra money, rather stay at a hotel if you’re worried you’re not safe.

Taking a nap in the comfort of your own home is one thing, but sleeping at the airport overnight is another! Use these 7 safety tips to stay safe.

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If you’ve spent the night at the airport you’ve probably had these thoughts

We’ve all been there. Desperate to save money, we book the cheapest flights we can find, only to realise that it will require you to spend a huge amount of time in an airport. You probably shrugged at the time. Whatever, I can spend a night in an airport to save a bit of cash, you think. But then the time comes. And it looms over your trip like a black cloud, because the airport at night is a horrible scary place. Like something out of a zombie movie, it’s dark, there are tired people everywhere and going to sleep is just not an option.

Brace yourself, because you’re in for a world of weird…

The first few hours are a breeze. Shops are open, beers are flowing, people everywhere – this is going to be great!

You’ll think you’re real suave wandering through the store for the sixth time and trying on your ninth perfume until you smell like a gym locker room.

You’ve finished your book. You’ve watched everything on your laptop. You’ve never been so bored in your entire life.

After succumbing to delirium, you buy ridiculous airport clothes that only appeal to the sleep deprived.

You’ve never envied anyone more than those lucky buggers who are queuing for their flights.

That guy in the red cap looks creepy. Please don’t come over…

At some point you’ll realise that shops actually do close at the airport.

You’ll stare at the airport departure board every ten minutes in the hope that your plane has been moved forward 14 hours.

Eventually, you’ll begin to feel like the airport is your domain.

That moment will pass and you’ll be left crying alone near an empty departure gate.

You’ll find others who share your plight.

But abandon them after becoming tribal over some sacred power outlets.

You’ll lie on the stinking carpet questioning every decision that got you to this low point.

As night settles, you’ll begin to question your sanity.

You’ll start to suspect that everyone’s out to steal your stuff…

Years of Tetris will prepare you for sleeping wedged on an awkward chair.

But every noise is someone sneaking up on you…

Which means sleep is not an option.

When you finally board your plane, you can’t help but cry tears of relief.

Don’t want to spend a ridiculous amount of time on a stopover? Just spend that tiny extra bit of money and arrive at the airport on time. Airport Shuttle can get you to or from Cape Town International Airport quickly and comfortably – all at an affordable price!

How to sleep in an airport

Can you really sleep in an airport and how do you do it? Well, here are a few tips that have been gathered over the years to get you started on your airport sleeping adventures.

1. Always have a backup plan
This is the most important tip for anyone who voluntarily sleeps in airports. Some airport officials won’t like the fact that you are sleeping there, although you won’t necessarily be kicked out. So, you need to be prepared to answer questions and present your outbound airline ticket. It seems like the airport officials don’t appreciate people using the airport as their own personal hotel rooms!

2. Be prepared
When reports of an upcoming storm or erupting volcano are in the news a few days before your trip, you really have no excuse but to go to the airport prepared for a longer than normal airport stay. Here are some items for your airport survival kit:

- Cheap inflatable raft
- Eye shades (sunglasses will do)
- Ear plugs
- Bottle water
- Snacks
- Entertainment (iPod, laptop, books, magazines)
- Headphones
- Alarm clock
- Disinfectant wipes or hand sanitizer
- Blanket or pillow (sleeping bag)

Quick Tip: If you are flying by yourself write a note saying “Wake me up at 7:00pm” and stick it on yourself. It works, people will wake you up!

3. Be safe
Whether you are sleeping in the airport by yourself or with friends or family. It’s always good to know where security is. Know where the office is and look out for cameras in the spot you decide to sleep. If you are alone it is recommended that you sleep near other travelers, you don’t want your laptop or cellphone to go missing.

4. Get  there early
If you are staying at a busy airport overnight, you should try and get there early to get a good spot, especially during peak season. Some airports are so popular that they look like refugee camps on an average night.

5. Scope it out
Finding a good spot may be your biggest challenge. If the situation looks bad, explore the airport and different terminals. Consider seating, temperature, announcements and people traffic when you are looking for the best place to spend the night. You may need to get creative such as sleeping on luggage conveyor belts and in wheelchairs. 

6. Just park it!
Whether you are stuck in the airport for the night or you choose to be there, there may be a chance that you will be uncomfortable and unhappy. If you are travelling on a budget consider renting a car and sleeping in it for the night instead of wasting money on a hotel.

7. Protect your bags
A major concern when sleeping in an airport is obviously getting robbed while you sleep. So, you’ll need to come up with a way to make sure no one can access or take your bags. Its best to sleep with your bag zippers facing the floor or yourself, because gaining access will make a noise and wake you up.  Or try sleeping with your arms or legs over your bags, so that you will be woken up if they move. Your last resort may be to chain your bag to your leg or arm.

8. Act innocent and behave
Even if you sleep at airports on a regular basis, don’t act like a professional! Act like you really don’t want to be there and there is absolutely nowhere else to go. Crying helps a lot. However, remember the airport is not a hotel and the system should not be abused.

9. Late night snacks
Because many of the food concessions and restaurants close at night, you’ll want to stock up on water and late night snacks before they close. There are been times when generous vendors will give away their unsold food to desperate looking people wandering aimlessly around the airport

10. Dress for the occasion
Dress in layers. Have clothes that you will be comfortable if it is unbearably hot or extremely cold. Pack a hat and fleece blanket in your carry-on, you think that sounds silly, but the airport can be a cold place day or night.

11. Keep quiet
Always be considerate of your fellow airport sleepers. Just because you can’t sleep doesn’t mean others should be awake too. Take a hint when sleepers look at you with death stares – you’re too loud!

Sleeping in the airport can not only be extreme budget travel, but it can also be an adventure! So, enjoy it and have fun. 

For a reliable and affordable shuttle service to and from Cape Town International Airport, book a taxi with Airport Shuttle today!