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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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Original poster

To sleep at the airport

54 replies

Ribrabrob · 02/09/2017 22:39

I work shifts in a busy airport. I don't live a million miles away, however I get the train (could drive really, just choose not to) which is a service run by Southern... need I say more?! So as you can guesss it's a little unreliable at times.

I'm doing random shifts recently with the train getting me there too late so need to arrive early i.e. Need to get a train just before midnight which only takes 35 mins in order to be on time to start a 5am shift.

Now, I love airports and im one of those people who can sleep wherever, so would I be unreasonable to sleep here?!

I did it last night, found a random sofa chair thing (in departures/arrivals, not terminal) and there were loads of people doing it so I didn't look out of place. However I did think that because I'm staff it might be a bit weird? Do you think security are watching me? Do you think my colleagues would think I'm weird if they walked past and saw me asleep at 1am and then rocking up for work at 5am?

I actually don't mind doing it and would like to continue it as any time spent in an airport is fine by me (airport/plane geek plus it will save me money sometimes), but if it's considered too odd/unreasonable I'll reconsider.

OP posts:

DorisDangleberry · 02/09/2017 22:42

Why don't you want to drive? Seems madness not to.

dudsville · 02/09/2017 22:44

What about showering and changing? Personally, I'd need my gone and quiet time but if you like it there then I don't see the harm.

LaurieFairyCake · 02/09/2017 22:45

I can't get over you've only got 5 hours between shifts

Original poster

Ribrabrob · 02/09/2017 22:45

It would add about an hour and a half on to my journey. The car park is far away, the other side of the airport, that id need to get a bus from. Plus I like the train journey, chance to chill and not think about annoying drivers, traffic etc :)

OP posts:

Original poster

Ribrabrob · 02/09/2017 22:46

LaurieFairyCake, sorry I think I worded it incorrectly. I don't have 5 hours in between shifts, always at least 10.

OP posts:

YogiYoni · 02/09/2017 22:46

It's my idea of hell but if you think you'll get more rest by doing that then there's no reason you shouldn't. Do you wear a uniform for work? Probably best not to sleep in that, but otherwise I can't see why not.

HeddaGarbled · 02/09/2017 22:50

It sounds grim to me. What are you wearing, what about showering etc? You may think you can sleep anywhere but you can't be getting quality sleep, surely, which could have an impact on your performance at work. Any safety issues there?

Public transport can be a pain when you are working weird shifts, I agree, but I think a mix of public transport, driving and the occasional night in a cheap airport hotel may be more sensible.

Guavaf1sh · 02/09/2017 22:50

Each to their own. Personally I would as a passenger find it weird to see staff sleeping in the airport in a public area

ChasedByBees · 02/09/2017 22:52

It does sound grim - having to leave at midnight for a 5am shift isn't sustainable. Can you ask to change shift times or point out the difficulty? Are there any staff rest areas?

SwedishEdith · 02/09/2017 22:53

Airports are always brightly lit.

HateIsNotGood · 02/09/2017 22:53

Do it. Why not? If any notices or cares why you do it ask them why it bothers them. As long as you turn up for your shifts, clean and ready and do your job well what's their problem. If they persist in making it a problem just explain that Southern are too fucking unreliable to get you to work on time. Don't tell them you're a 'geek' that actually enjoys it tho.

I was virtually born in an airport - pilot dad, early 1960s when global travel was still forming and wide-body planes and the seat TVs, etc weren't even thought of. The stews were nicer and you were grateful to get a hot towel. Jeez in the 1970s loads of us used to crash at Gatwick after a London or Brighton night out waiting for the trains start again.

Bluntness100 · 02/09/2017 22:54

Sounds grim to me too, ten hours between shifts and you sleep on a sofa at your place of work. Rather than go home, go to bed, get showered and changed and go back.

I don't understand how the train takes 35 mins but driving would take you over two hours.

Yes it is weird.

Crumbs1 · 02/09/2017 22:54

Five hours sleep or an hour and a half journey? I'd be tempted to sleep at airport too. It won't be forever but makes your job more doable. Wash in the loos.

Original poster

Ribrabrob · 02/09/2017 22:59

Mixed views so far but interesting all the same, thank you.

Just to be clear I wouldn't wear my work clothes to sleep in (wibu to get airport pyjamas? :D). There are individual toilets and even if I couldn't shower, would at least wash my body with a flannel etc. I'd also shower before coming out.

OP posts:

rookiemere · 02/09/2017 23:04

I'm so jealous of you being able to sleep anywhere - I struggle to sleep on planes and anywhere that's not my bed.

I say go for it, but not every night as I suspect you'll get a deeper sleep at home.

expatinscotland · 02/09/2017 23:05

You'll get loads of people telling you that you are utterly rank for not showering 5x/day.

HateIsNotGood · 02/09/2017 23:10

And for those feeling a bit snooty about it - have you driven into and out of an airport lately? It ain't as easy as turning up to the office car park is it. Where do you think the staff park their cars? Freaking miles away and catch a shuttle bus that's how - if the company you're working for even issues you with Passes to do that. Airports are 24/7 and operated by staff that work those hours, and many aren't on the greatest of wages. So if the alternative is relying on an unreliable train service you're still a bit fucked.

I'm sure the gal knows where the showers are and when she's doing her job to make sure you get your flight the last thing you will be thinking of is where she slept last night.

ragged · 02/09/2017 23:11

You don't need to ask folk on MN, just do what suits you best.
I'm well Jell you can sleep anywhere any time so easily!!!

ilovesooty · 02/09/2017 23:15

In your position I think I'd consider doing this at least some of the time.

plank · 02/09/2017 23:18

If I could sleep I would x

GhoulWithADragonTattoo · 02/09/2017 23:19

Is it allowed? There is risk security think you're sleeping rough if they see you regularly. I don't think there is anything wrong with what you are proposing but I think you might get into trouble.

GreatFuckability · 02/09/2017 23:20

i see no harm at all! i also envy your ability to sleep anywhere, i can't even sleep in my own bloody bed half the time!

sizeofalentil · 02/09/2017 23:20

Bluntness100 - trains and taxis can take you right to the airport, but if you drive, you have to park and normally get a bus or shuttle to the actual terminals. So assuming that.

ooodile · 02/09/2017 23:20

Is there no-one you could ask if it would be ok such as a supervisor or manager who seems friendly? You could casually ask if it would be frowned upon, explaining your situation with the times of trains and if they don't seem fussed it would be a definite green light.

You could give yourself a trial run to see how you felt on your shift, but I reckon after two nights you'd feel pretty rough.

user1471495191 · 02/09/2017 23:21

A lot of airport workers live long distances from the airport and many sleep over. If it suits you and doesn't compromise you, your health or your performance - do it! I can sleep anywhere too. It's a very useful skill to have

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