While it doesn't take that long to travelacross Singapore, compared to bigger countries, having to travel from the west to the east for work every day can be taxing.

That's probably why a Redditor, who's interning near Changi Airport, took to the Internet to ask if sleeping overnight at the airport's public areas is allowed.

The OP explained that they live in Choa Chu Kang and the total travel time daily is about four hours both ways. However, their workplace is a 20-minute bus ride away from the airport. 

“So I have been considering sleeping in Changi [Airport]. There are two parts in each terminal, public and transit. I can only access [the public area]. There are probably many seats there, but I’m not sure if they allow people to sleep overnight,” they wrote, before asking others for tips, including the best places to sleep and ideal charging points.

Many empathised with the OP’s situation, with some sharing that they either used to be or are currently in jobs that require long commutes, eating into their personal time and leaving little room for anything else.

A few advised the OP to use the pay-per-use shower facilities near Hub & Spoke. Others clarified that it isn’t illegal to stay overnight at the airport as long as the space is kept clean.

One netizen penned: “I used to work at Changi Airport and people sleeping overnight is a common sight. Patrolling officers usually don't really care unless you dirty up the place or disrupt the peace. Just remember to have a jacket with you because it gets really cold.”

While one may be asked by security officers to go through routine checks and verify a valid reason for staying at the airport — such as upcoming travel — some said officers generally won’t force people to leave as long as they are not causing any issues and leaving their belongings unattended. 

One traveller also shared that they often sleep at the airport if they land after the trains have stopped, and suggested the OP consider getting a small air mattress, which makes a big difference compared to sleeping on the floor.

There were many who also discouraged the OP from doing this — simply because they felt living at the airport wouldn’t be comfortable if the OP had other options. 

Some suggested carpooling or renting a room near their workplace if budget allows.

“Suggest you just spend the $30 each way (or maybe just one way if budget is tight) on Grab, can ask your parents to sponsor a bit too. Your mental health, comfort and sanity is not worth this small money. You stay in airport also need to pay for shower, and pay for the higher costs of food and drinks,” one netizen opined. 

Others recommended using commute time for naps to catch up on rest instead of sacrificing comfort and proper rest. 

One also offered a game plan, suggesting the OP try it out for a week or two to see how it feels, and if it doesn’t work, simply ride out the long commute until the internship ends.

Would you sleep at the airport just to be closer to the office?

Photo: Changi Airport