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I’m an airport expert – how to safely sleep at the terminal when your flight has been cancelled

A SLEEP expert has revealed the best way to safely sleep at an airport if your flight has been cancelled.

We've all seen images of snoozing travellers conked out in the terminal.

A sleep expert has revealed the best way to safely sleep at an airport if your flight has been cancelled
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A sleep expert has revealed the best way to safely sleep at an airport if your flight has been cancelledCredit: Alamy

Some bed down on benches while others have no option but to drift off lying on the floor.

But there are a number of tips and tricks to make your airport winks better and less disrupted.

Donna McSherry, founder of airport advice database , told the the first thing you should do is come prepared.

Bringing noise-cancelling headphones, an eye mask and warm accessories will make a huge difference to the quality of sleep you get.

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The second thing to do is scope out a suitable sleeping spot.

Donna recommends heading to arrivals rather than departures, because this is where airports expect people to linger and you'll be less disrupted.

Prioritise comfort and safety when hunting for a place to get your head down.

Though be warned of being booted out of certain sections which may close throughout the day.

And once you've found your temporary slumber spot, it's important to start making security arrangements.

Having a partner allows for sleeping in shifts, so one can be vigilant at all times.

If you're travelling alone, make sure you hide your valuables and you're securely attached to your bags so someone doesn't try and steal them as you sleep.

Airports can be bright and noisy places, so try and utilise packed belongings.

Your bags or a pile of clothes can double as a pillow and bedding and these can be used to block out light and sound.

Despite this, some airlines may provide passengers of cancelled flights with a camp bed.

Others may provide you with a room in an airport hotel as part of a compensation agreement.

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