A $20 (£14.95) flight to San Francisco came with an unusual plan for the night. Actor Santeon Brown arrived at the airport with a sleeping pad and settled in on the floor, saving herself the cost of a hotel. The 29-year-old Los Angeles resident shared three TikTok videos documenting her night at the San Francisco International Airport (SFO), explaining how she prepared and why the experience made sense to her.
Brown arrived in San Francisco around 9 p.m. and decided paying for a hotel room for a few hours of sleep was unnecessary. 'First of all, it's free. We got in at night, so it didn't make sense to spend money on a hotel just to sleep, so we stayed here for free', she explained in her first video, posted on 15 October.
Brown cited two additional reasons for her decision: feeling more at ease beyond the security checkpoint and enjoying the novelty of the experience. 'It's kind of fun and, like, relaxing and novel', she explained. 'If you're prepared, you know you're gonna do it. You maybe bring some extra supplies to make sure you're comfortable and situated'.
Her Airport Sleep Setup
Brown shared more details about her preparations in a follow-up Q&A video. For bedding, she used an REI Flash insulated backpacking pad that folds down small enough to fit in a backpack. She explained, 'This is technically an ultra-light backpacking sleeping pad, which is why it's so small', and demonstrated how easily it can be inflated by the mouth.
To stay warm, Brown packed a thermal long-sleeved top, a down jacket, and a cotton sheet for added insulation. She also brought a small facial cleanser and a face towel to freshen up in the morning.
Brown sprayed the floor with Lysol before setting up her sleeping pad to maintain hygiene. Her goal was to make the overnight stay manageable without bulky camping gear. According to her account, she slept for roughly six hours.
In her third TikTok video, Brown documented her morning routine: she woke at sunrise, had tea, journaled, packed her belongings, and left the airport to continue her journey by public transport.
Is Airport Sleeping Safe?
Brown argued that staying beyond the airport security checkpoint gave her more peace of mind because all passengers had already been screened. She explained, 'If you're on the side of the security checkpoint where everyone's been checked and gone through security, everyone's been vetted, you know, no one has any weapons or anything crazy'.
However, security screening does not guarantee that everyone in a terminal is harmless. In November 2013, a gunman opened fire at the Los Angeles International Airport, killing Transportation Security Administration officer Gerardo Hernandez and injuring several other people after entering a secured area. The US Government Accountability Office has also documented security vulnerabilities in public airport areas.
Theft is another concern for sleeping passengers. In May 2025, Philippine airport authorities arrested five suspected members of a group accused of targeting passengers at Ninoy Aquino International Airport, including those who were sleeping or distracted. Although these incidents do not quantify the probability of a sleeping traveller being targeted, they show that security screening does not eliminate all risks.
Brown said she took precautions to keep her belongings close. She travelled with only a backpack, kept it between herself and her companion while sleeping, and, when alone, looped it around her leg or foot to notice if someone tried to take it.
Permission to stay overnight varies by airport. Travellers should therefore check local regulations rather than assume sleeping in a terminal is allowed. This also includes airport operating hours and access schedules. Keeping belongings within reach may reduce the risk of theft; however, airport screening and access policies alone cannot ensure complete safety during overnight stays.
Viewers Question the Idea
Brown's videos received mixed reactions. Some viewers raised hygiene concerns about sleeping on airport floors, citing dirt and debris, while others questioned whether the cost savings outweighed the discomfort.
One commenter, identifying as a flight attendant, wrote, 'As a flight attendant...hell to the naw'. Separately, two viewers shared their experiences after trying it once. One described it as 'one of the worst nights of my life', while the other noted, 'It definitely saves money, but my back was on fire'. Age was also a concern for some viewers. One commented, 'This only applies to people between the ages of 18 and 25. No way in my experience old age will I volunteer to sleep in an airport'.
Others were more receptive, with one commenter suggesting Japan's sleeping pods as an alternative for travellers on long layovers: 'Honestly, Japan has little pods to sleep-US should also. It's chill, I have had long layovers. I like a good nap haha'.
Brown, who is an experienced camper accustomed to basic sleeping arrangements, believes that with the right gear, airport stays can be more comfortable than sleeping in a car or on public land. Her videos show how she prepares for overnight stays, secures her belongings, and keeps travelling while minimising expenses.
