Arriving at the airport is often a source of excitement, signifying that our long-awaited holiday is almost here. But what happens when you unexpectedly have to wait longer for your flight than anticipated?

With the number of travellers heading abroad increasing by millions yearly — seeing 34 million flights jet off around the world in 2023 alone, in comparison to 27 million in 2022 — airports face higher flight delays, which could result in an unanticipated sleepover.

Thankfully, there are various tricks to help you survive your wait. At Trtl Travel, we've got you covered with our top tips to comfortably endure your overnight delay and ensure you're fairly compensated.

What is an overnight delay?

An overnight delay refers to a flight delay that means you can only board an alternative flight the following morning. Essentially, overnight delays mean waiting until the airline can find you the earliest possible alternative flight with available seats — which can sometimes be a lengthy procedure!

Thankfully, there are usually processes to ensure that you're not stranded in the airport overnight if your flight is impacted by an overnight delay.

Why do flights get delayed?

Although airlines do their best to ensure every passenger can board their flight on time and without interruption, this isn't always possible. Unfortunately, some flights may face delays that are sometimes out of the airline's control, like freak weather storms.

There are a variety of factors that can cause flights to be delayed. These include:

• Airport traffic — Airports have become busier and busier over the years, resulting in higher air traffic volumes with multiple flights departing from any airport almost simultaneously. For example, Heathrow Airport sees over 1,300 inbound and outbound flights every day! Delays with other planes can have a knock-on effect. Air Traffic Control may delay a flight if they feel conditions are unsuitable due to other planes in the area.

• Weather conditions — If a plane cannot safely take off due to adverse weather conditions, an airline has no choice but to delay the flight until the weather improves.

• Aircraft preparation — Each aeroplane undergoes thorough preparation between flights to ensure it is safe to fly again for the next journey. Sometimes, this process can take longer than anticipated due to technical problems or messes that require cleaning before the next set of passengers can board the aircraft.

• Late crews — No flight can safely depart without the correct number of crew staff. Late crew members or industrial strike action can lead to flight delays if the airline cannot find a replacement staff member(s) before the plane is due to board.

• Bird strikes — Yes, we're serious. While this may not sound like a cause for concern, birds flying into aircraft can often lead to delays as the airline is responsible for identifying any potential damage that may have been inflicted on the plane.

• Luggage delays — Although flights can still take off without every passenger's luggage, some airlines may choose to delay a flight if multiple passengers have been affected by connecting luggage delays.

Can you stay in an airport overnight?

So, your flight has been delayed, and the next available flight isn't due to take off until tomorrow morning. You're facing an overnight layover and wondering, can you sleep in an airport? The good news is that you can usually stay in an airport overnight. Of course, doing so will mean sleeping on the floor or on one of the (not so comfy) benches. 

However, it is important to note that some smaller airports close overnight, meaning you will need to find somewhere else to stay. You can find out whether this applies to your airport by speaking to the customer service department or looking at the airport's opening hours on their website.

How to survive an overnight delay?

While an overnight delay is never ideal, there are ways to make the wait a little easier.

Stay calm

It can be overwhelming to find out that your flight has been delayed and that you won't be able to fly out until the following morning or later, but it's important to keep calm and assess the situation to find the best accommodation and food options.

Check with your airline for accommodation options

Although you are free to sleep in the airport if you want to, the better option is to speak to your airline and find out whether they can assist you with finding alternative accommodation overnight. This is especially important if you're flying from a small airport that closes overnight, as you won’t be able to sleep in the airport itself.

Find a comfortable spot in the airport

If you are staying at the airport, we recommend finding a comfortable spot where you can wait until morning. One of the best places to be during a delayed flight is the airport lounge, which has comfortable seating options and free food. This usually comes at an additional cost, but you can sometimes gain access for free if your flight is delayed due to an airline issue. Ask your airline representative nicely whether you can enter the lounge.

Bring the essentials with you

Spending the night in an airport is always going to be different from sleeping in a 5-star hotel, but there are some essentials that you can bring with you to get a more restful sleep. 

A good quality travel pillow, like our Trtl Pillow, offers comfort in even the most uncomfortable locations. Designed for full neck and shoulder support, the Trtl Pillow makes sleeping in an airport chair feel like you’re sleeping on the softest pillow.

Stay connected with your loved ones

Ensure your devices are charged throughout the night so you can stay in contact with your friends and family. Not only will this help pass the time and keep you entertained, but it will also make sure that your loved ones know you're safe and what your next move is going to be.

Keep yourself fed and hydrated

During an overnight delay, it's essential to make sure that you have access to food and water. Some airlines will provide vouchers to redeem free food. Speak to your airline representative to see if they can help you find food without paying for it yourself.

Pack toiletries in your carry-on

You will usually be unable to access your luggage after it has been checked in and processed by security. Because of this, we recommend bringing any toiletries you might need in your hand luggage. This includes toothpaste, hairbrushes, and roll-on deodorant to help keep you feeling fresh during the night — and don’t forget any medication you might need to take!

Protect your valuables

Most airports have security to ensure that travellers are safe during their stay. However, this only partially removes the risk of running into someone with bad intentions. Because of this, it's crucial to keep your valuables well protected and not leave your belongings unattended when you go to the bathroom, for example.

Can you leave the airport during a layover?

Whether or not you are free to leave the airport during a layover depends on the type of flight you're waiting for. 

As with anything concerning international flights, leaving the airport during a layover is a hassle. Airports are typically seen as 'neutral ground', meaning you're free to stay within them without a visa. However, setting foot outside could land you in trouble for breaking airport laws. This can complicate walking out of the airport and stretching your legs.

On the other hand, domestic flights are usually fine for leaving the airport as often as you like. If you are waiting for a delayed connecting flight, remember to get your second boarding pass printed before leaving the airport. Other than that, you're free to go!

How long can a flight be delayed?

A delay of any length is the last thing you want when you're jetting off abroad or, heaven forbid, heading home at the end of the holiday. But just how long can a flight be delayed?

Well, the bad news is that — technically — a flight can be delayed indefinitely as it's at the airline's discretion. The good news, however, is that any delay lasting more than 12 hours will typically be treated as a cancellation, and passengers will be boarded on the earliest available flight to the same destination.

Can you compensated for a delayed flight?

The even better news is that you can receive compensation for a delayed flight. As a general rule, the longer the delay =, the better the compensation. However, official regulations surrounding flight delay compensations vary from country to country.

With that being said, there are some similarities between rules that airlines have to follow when they delay a flight.

Here's what you could be owed if your flight is delayed by the airline:

One-hour delay

Unfortunately, if your flight is delayed for an hour, you do not qualify for compensation. While this is annoying and can put a damper on your holiday plans, accidents can happen, and airlines will always prioritise safety over convenience. However, if your delay is extended for more than two hours, you’ll be entitled to free food and beverages that should be provided by the airline.

Six-hour delay

For the unfortunate souls facing a six-hour wait for their flight, the good news is that — should you want to — you are free to cancel your ticket for full reimbursement in most cases. You could, alternatively, swap your ticket for a different flight at another time or date.

Twelve-hour delay

Spending twelve hours waiting for a flight isn't really anyone's idea of fun. Still, the good news is that most airlines are responsible for finding you suitable accommodation for the night — including transport to and from the airport.

How can you avoid an overnight delay at the airport?

While there's no guarantee that your flight won't be hit with delays, there are ways to lower your chances of being stuck waiting overnight.

Book an early flight

Flights that depart in the early half of the day are far less likely to be delayed overnight. In contrast, those taking off in the evening stand a far higher risk of overnight delays.

Go direct

Boarding a non-stop flight significantly lowers the chances of being held up at the airport overnight. While delays could still happen, they are far less common.

Be proactive and use travel agents

Although booking your flight with a travel agent doesn't prevent your plane from experiencing delays, it does mean you're protected from sleeping on a cold, hard airport floor. Travel agents offer ATOL-protected holidays, meaning you're covered in the event of a delay. This means you'll sleep like a baby in the comfort of a nearby hotel.

Fly the right way with Trtl Travel

When it comes to surviving lengthy flight delays, staying comfortable while waiting for your new flight is crucial. This is especially true during overnight delays, where getting a good night's sleep is far more challenging. 

That's why our Trtl Pillows are designed to leave you feeling refreshed and rested when you reach your destination, whether you choose to sleep in the airport or on the flight.

To find out more helpful tips and tricks for all things flying, check out our blog page.