Sleeping at Hongkong Airport

Going back to Vancouver this time, we took Cathay Pacific from Jakarta. The transit was Hongkong airport. We had option for shorter transit but more pricey. But the more expensive option also means arriving Vancouver at night time which I don't prefer. In the end, we opted for a cheaper tickets.

As soon as we purchased the tickets, I started looking for more information on spending a night at Hongkong airport. There are paid lounges available for rent hourly. The amount we save for the cheaper tickets could not cover for spending a night at any of the lounges. So we toughed it up and prepared to sleep on the benches.

Find Out Information First

If you're planning on spending a night at Hongkong airport, search for the latest information on sleeping area. Those places are usually limited and based on first come first sleep. 

I found a list of gates that was said to have sleeping area. We searched some of the areas and in the end decided that gate 7 was better. The area is a bit more secluded so less people walking pass.

Having the information handy is useful especially for a huge airport like Hongkong Airport. Without the notes on hand, we would have to spend lots of energy going from one end to another.

Monitor The Area

If you found the resting area but the benches or loungers were taken, don't give up yet. We noticed people changed on some loungers we had our eyes on. So we circled back later on and got lucky securing a lounger.

Bring Blankets

This was our fourth times sleeping at an airport. So far the inside terminal (after security check point) of Changi Airport was still the best. There were comfortable loungers that allow us to sleep comfortably. Unfortunately we were not prepared with jackets so our sleep was disrupted. 

Airport terminal could get pretty chilly especially at night time when it's empty and less people. We decided to bring a duffel bag with blankets. I think that was the best decision ever ! The blankets kept us warm and made us felt less "naked" sleeping in public area.

Armed with all those we were still awake until the busy Hongkong airport quiet down around 1 am. Keeping those ideas in mind and stay positive would make the experience better. In the end I personally thought it was not very bad experience. Definitely better than the time sleeping at Taipei airport on straight chair with all sort of announcement around us.