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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

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:
Minkyfluffster · 02/09/2017 23:24

Can you not get a cheap deal in a hotel? I use the premier inn for £35, being airport staff you should be able to get a great rate?

Copperbeech33 · 02/09/2017 23:32

I think your colleagues are more likely to think you are weird for trying to get to work on Southern trains.

Squarerouteofsquirrel · 02/09/2017 23:33

I wonder if this is a thing amongst airport workers. You can't be the only one having to get in early like that.
Might discover if you do it often enough that most of the other people sleeping are your co airport workers.

Travelledtheworld · 02/09/2017 23:35

Who said "cheap airport hotel". ( hollow laugh) ?

I have often pondered the feasibility of living at LHR T5. It's so lovely and spacious.

I quite understand where you are coming from OP.

HateIsNotGood · 02/09/2017 23:39

Hey OP - I'm sure I can't say anything more that would sway the flight-takers thinking without aggravating them but wtf are airport PJs? That would be 'gold' wouldn't it to employers generally.....don't worry, we already own your ass, so here's some company PJs!!

Cracks me up that people think the whole employment world has HR departments and supervisors that care about the circumstances of their underlings. Nope it don't - if it did everyone would be paying a lot more for absolutely everything, including their cheap flights to wherever. Rightly or wrongly, that is true.

I suggest some trackie bottoms and similar topwear as Airport PJs. Keep up the good work.

Emmageddon · 02/09/2017 23:41

Is there no staff accommodation available? Or cheap rates at the nearest budget hotel? Is there anyone who works the same shifts that you could share a room with?

I think you'd be flagged up to security as a possible rough sleeper, as (presumably) you'd have no suitcase with you.

I do think it's weird, I couldn't imagine not actually going home from work between shifts, and the thought of having a wash in a public toilet, rather than a shower in the privacy of my own bathroom, makes me feel a bit itchy. But that's just me.

expatinscotland · 02/09/2017 23:47

'Can you not get a cheap deal in a hotel? I use the premier inn for £35, being airport staff you should be able to get a great rate?'

Haaahahaaa! Cheaper rates at hotel. Where is this 35 quid Premier Inn, haven't seen the likes of one of those in spitting distance to any airport in years and still, it's 35 quid.

People really think there is staff accommodation and/or 'cheap rate' hotels for staff like this? Dear god, there are some highly naive people out there.

Emmageddon · 02/09/2017 23:53

We've just booked a Travelodge for 31 quid, it's only 4 miles from Stansted airport, for next month, so there ARE cheap rates. Mind you, that's the book in advance, no cancellation rate, but it's still cheap.

MainFlamingo · 02/09/2017 23:57

Don't some airports have those little 'pod' type beds that you can hire to sleep in for a few hours? Like a mini hotel and cheaper because you only pay for the hours you need. Would that be an option? Personally I wouldn't fancy crashing overnight on a chair in the airport.

expatinscotland · 02/09/2017 23:57

And 4 miles away so you need to get to the airport still. And it's still 31 for someone on a meagre wage - several times a month. That's in no way feasible.

antimatter · 03/09/2017 00:00

if OP uses Southern then she works at the Gatwick airport.... unlikely one can get a hotel there for £31

I would try to do it no more than once a week

Biber · 03/09/2017 00:04

We've just booked a Travelodge for 31 quid, it's only 4 miles from Stansted airport I think I've been there. It has quite large grounds with rabbits if it's the same one. I did pick up a nail in my tyre from the drive, that was less good. Obviously previously a better hotel, not a Travelodge. Enjoy

OP, if you can sleep OK, can keep amused whilst not sleeping between shifts, are OK with washing facilities, why not?

Maybe though, if there is anyone in security you could have an unofficial chat with, let them know you'll be crashing there fairly regularly. The transport situation sounds abysmal.

Frazzled74 · 03/09/2017 00:06

What time are your shifts starting and finishing? Can they be tweaked to fit in a bit better with shift times? If you need to leave at 12 for a 5.30 am shift then I would say sleep at the airport if no other option

ShatnersBassoon · 03/09/2017 00:09

Isn't there a more private staff area where you could have a sleep?

ShotsFired · 03/09/2017 00:14

There's a site called "sleeping in airports" that has tips for doing so in dozens of places. OP might find something useful?

Nuttynoo · 03/09/2017 02:10

As you're staff could you not sleep in a staff room or first class lounge somewhere? Might be safer.

hellokittymania · 03/09/2017 02:18

I'm really surprised that airports in the UK don't have facilities for people to go and rest and shower and have a snack etc. in the arrival or departure areas. Even in Manila, there is an area for you to go and you can rent a room for seven hours or even just rent a bunk, but you have access to a shower free snacks and other things. It's really convenient.

IClavdivs · 03/09/2017 02:56

Pretend you're rehearsing for a female remake of Tom Hanks's "The Terminal".

A friend swore blind that many years ago she read that Michael Caine lived in Orly Airport for several months (now, there's not many people know that). I've never been able to find anything to corroborate this, but if it's good enough for Sir Michael...

Maybe it was James Booth, because we were talking about "Zulu" at the time, but I'm positive she said Michael Caine.

AlmostAJillSandwich · 03/09/2017 03:20

I think as a novelty id quite like it. I dont like going to sleep in the quiet very often, i like background noise. Pop on a sleep mask the lights wont be an issue either. Im a bit scared of the dark due to nightmares, ive halucinated some terrifying things waking in the dark mid of the night disoriented. I once had the lights on 24/7 for at least 6 months straight. A dark quiet sleep is nice occasionally, but i hate being alone too, id feel nice and safe in an airport lounge in a comfy enough chair.

Samsara123 · 03/09/2017 04:03

I'd don't think OP means spending the whole working week at the airport, even if still sleeping for the 4 hours or so at the airport. Plus, on waking after having a nap, a shower is not a requirement, people are obsessed.

LindaMariano · 03/09/2017 04:28

Considering the alternatives it's a great idea and if it's saving you money then it's a no brainer. Who cares what other folk think! Go for it.

jobergamot · 03/09/2017 04:57

Are you single and child free? Assume this arrangement has no impact on anyone else in your life?

I'd be getting a new job myself!

Crunchymum · 03/09/2017 07:28

How often do you do the shifts that you need to do this OP?

Notevilstepmother · 03/09/2017 09:32

I would.

www.sleepinginairports.net/

Minkyfluffster · 03/09/2017 09:48

Expatinscotland The £35 Premierinn is my corporate rate at Gatwick, it's the premierinn inside the airport. Why would I lie ffs? I can get the Hilton (again inside the terminal) for £60, there are other offers but generally I stick to these two. I don't work in the travel industry btw.

Staff at airports can get staff rates on hotels. Again why would I lie? My friend who works checkin at Heathrow and another friend works for world duty free and regularly stay over if working double shift or out on a staff night out. I am not naive thank you very much