An unplanned night in a US airport is common during weather events, when hundreds of passengers are rebooked onto morning flights at once. The experience varies enormously between airports.
The two questions that decide your night are whether the terminal stays open, and whether you can stay airside after the last departure.
Airside access is the key variable
Several US airports close concourses overnight and move remaining passengers to the landside baggage claim level. Since security checkpoints usually reopen around four in the morning, going landside means queueing again before your flight.
Baggage claim areas are open, lit and generally safe, but they are not comfortable. If your flight is not until midday, an airport hotel is worth the cost.
Step by step
Step 1: Ask staff whether the concourse stays open
Gate agents and airport information staff know. Ask before the last flights leave, when there is still someone to ask. Also check when the checkpoint reopens in the morning.
Step 2: Decide between terminal and hotel
Most US airports have hotels within a short shuttle ride, and shuttles often run all night. During major disruptions, book quickly, since rooms near large hubs sell out fast. Free cancellation lets you reserve while you think.
Step 3: Set up for a safe night if you stay
Choose a lit area near other travellers, close to a working outlet. Keep your bag against you, documents on your body, and use headphones rather than sleeping deeply if you are alone. Set two alarms for the morning.
Step 4: Reset before your flight
Find water and food, some concessions open around five. Check the departure board rather than yesterday's information, and allow extra time for the morning security queue, which builds quickly in the first hour.
