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Delays at an airport can make for an uncomfortable experience, with passengers forced to sit or stand for hours until they can board their flight. On July 21, the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) issued ground stops at 10 East Coast airports, with over 7,300 delays nationwide.

But there might be a more comfortable way for travelers to pass the time while waiting for a flight. On July 22, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) confirmed that people are allowed to bring a hammock into the airport. However, the agency cautioned that travelers should check with airports about how to use them.

TSA Cautions Travelers Who Plan To Bring Hammocks Into Airports

In a July 22 post on X (formerly Twitter), TSA shared four images of travelers lying in hammocks in airports, adding that it is not banned.

“Nobody said you couldn’t bring a hammock to the airport,” the agency wrote.

TSA added, however, that travelers should check with the airport before setting up camp.

“To reduce tension, or to avoid having a falling out with the airport, check with them about where you can and can’t hang your napping apparatus,” TSA wrote.

TSA’s announcement, which falls on the unofficial holiday “National Hammock Day,” was shared on the subreddit “hammockcamping.” Several people weighed in, with some pointing out that while TSA controls what travelers bring through a checkpoint, it does not control how passengers use something like a hammock once they are past security.

The last traveler shared an image of a hammock they set up at an airport, adding that a police officer eventually told them to take it down.

The traveler said they did not remember which airport this occurred at; however, the carpet appears to have the same design as one in Concourse F at Hartsfield-Jackson Atlanta International Airport (ATL).

In another post on Reddit, more travelers shared their successful “hangs” at airports, which may offer insight into where it’s allowed — though, as TSA said, travelers should check with each respective airport’s management to ensure it’s allowed and where they can do it inside the terminal.

Travelers Shared Their Experiences With Setting Up A Hammock At An Airport

In a post shared in July 2022 on the subreddit “hammocks,” travelers gave their stories of where they set up the camping amenity at airports.

The post states, “How many of you have hanged in airports? Do we have a list of ‘hangable’ airports somewhere?”

One traveler, whose username is “AirportHanger,” shared images of themself in a hammock at Dallas-Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Newark Liberty International Airport (EWR). Also, at Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD), which they called their boldest “one ever,” since the hammock’s straps spanned the length of the gate.

And it seems the practice isn’t limited to the U.S. The traveler stated they’ve done it at airports outside the country, sharing images of their hammock at Humberto Delgado Airport (LIS) in Lisbon, Portugal, and Copenhagen Airport (CPH) in Denmark.

Another person stated they “hung” at Daniel K. Inouye International Airport (HNL) in Honolulu, Hawaii, Chicago O’Hare International Airport (ORD), and Minneapolis-Saint Paul International Airport (MSP).

The traveler also said that they’ve done it successfully at two airports in Canada. One of which is Vancouver International Airport (YVR), and the other is Halifax Stanfield International Airport (YHZ), which they said they napped at for five hours when their flight was canceled.

“I’m sure I’ve done this [in] other spots. Any layover longer than 2 hours and I’ll search for a hammock spot,” the traveler added.

And this isn’t the first time the TSA has mentioned hammocks at airports. On “National Hammock Day” in 2025, the agency shared an image on Facebook of a traveler’s hammock in an airport.

“Why sleep on a bench when you can sway the stress away? Some travelers pack snacks. Some bring books,” TSA wrote. “Then there’s this legend who packed peace of mind and two carabiners. Not all heroes wear capes, some just find the right columns.”

For those who are stuck in the airport for hours and need to get some shut-eye but don’t want to bring a hammock, there are other ways to get (somewhat) comfortable.

Tips For How Travelers Can Sleep More Comfortably In Airports

Therapedic, a U.S. manufacturer of mattresses, published a “survival guide” to sleeping in airports. Firstly, it recommends that travelers be mindful of how they dress — erring on the side of comfort.

“It might be wise to dress in a way that keeps you looking presentable(however you define that) but also comfortable enough that you can lounge across airport seats or even the floor,” the guide states.

In addition, it recommended items for travelers to bring in their carry-on to make the experience more comfortable and hygienic.

The guide also recommends that people should seek out a good location, with consideration of lighting, noise and other factors.

“Consider conditions such as activity and noise level(public announcements); proximity to amenities such as the restroom, food, or even Airport Security; seating or make-shift bedding options; overhead lighting(some parts of airports are lit differently),” the guide states.

For travelers wanting to ensure their luggage is safe while they sleep, Therapedic suggests a few options. Travelers can keep a body part over their luggage as they sleep, ask airport staff to store it in the “left luggage” area, or even tie their bags to themselves. Lastly, travelers are urged to ask airport staff for blankets, pillows, or accommodations.

A good starting point for finding out the rules for sleeping — before contacting an airport — is the website SleepingInAirports, which has a comprehensive database of guides to sleeping in hundreds of airports.