Can you sleep in an airport if you just arrived and don't have a flight the next day? Is it safe, and is it even allowed?
This is definitely possible, so long as you look like a tourist.Over the last four years I've managed to sleep in three airports without a ticket nor a boarding pass, and this was before going through security. Unlike some of the other answers here, I wasn't hassled at all by security in all the times I've done this.The first time I did this was in Porto, Portugal on Easter Sunday in 2012. Yes. I actually took a picture of the airport during my stay there.I ended up arriving a day before my friend was able to accommodate me at his place up in Braga, around an hour away. Because it didn't make sense to pay for a hostel bed, I spent the night at the city's airport. (Of course, as a consequence my camera was stolen — the first and so far only time that happened to me at an airport. Oh well.)The second time I did this was in Warsaw, back in 2014. I had no place to stay after two nights in the hostel, so I decided to rough it out for a night before moving into a friend's place. Aside from the humming noise of the floor polishers, it wasn't so bad, and the people there certainly didn't mind.The third and latest time I did this was later that year, in San Francisco.I arrived late and couldn't check in until the next day, so with my suitcase in tow I spent the night at the arrivals section. It's unusual to be here at night, though I did manage to speak to a couple of Filipinos who were also roughing it here. Early the next morning I hopped on the BART with no hassles whatsoever, although I did have to figure out how on Earth to use the bathroom when in the wee hours of the morning they were almost all closed.That said, your mileage may vary according to the airport you're in. With respect to JFK, I've slept there after security (as I was connecting from Toronto via Atlanta back to Pittsburgh), but not before, so I can't really comment on it. So far the airports I've been in have been quite accommodating towards people staying the night. Others may not be, but I hope I won't have to encounter them soon. Hopefully JFK will be able to accommodate you somehow, especially if you're in one of the newer terminals.
Why are airline tickets so expensive out of Houston TX?
They aren't expensive at all. You do know we have TWO airports, right? Houston is a hub for Continental. If anything you get a better deal on that airline. EDIT: What does housing price have to do with airline tickets? What a specious argument. Airlines aren't run that way. Take a microeconomics class and get back to me, kid. By the way, my house cost far more than $60k.
What are the worst international airports for connecting flights?
Back in the 20th century, I had a layover at Mohammed Murtala International Airport, in Lagos, Nigeria. Thankfully I splurged on a VIP club admission and got to sit in a poorly air conditioned lounge watching The Sound of Music (1965 movie) and drinking a warm Coca-Cola (soft drink). If that's what the VIPs had, I shudder to think what it would have been like with hoi polloi.
How are Muslim travelers treated on US flights and airports?
Just got back from a trip and am leaving again on Sunday.Answer - same as everyone else. For the record I have TSA-PRE enrollment.Now, as to foreign travel.. I was overseas in August to Australia. Coming back.. same deal. Nothing different.
Anyone Know Anything About Houston, TX?
WOW...Juan is quite comprehensive. All I can tell you is that the Hotel Derek is located in a really great spot (and no, in that area there really isn't much that is more reasonably priced). The hotel is located at Loop 610 & Westheimer which is one block from the world renowned Houston Galleria (Huge mall) and very near many of Houstons' hot spots for nightlife. Take a cab... As far as dining, your hotel is centrally located and you can pick & choose as you like. Sorry, I would recommend some places but I don't know what you like and Houston has it all. If the consierge at the Derek doesn't know about what you are interested in just call the St. Regis Hotel (formerly The Ritz-Carlton & is only a couple blocks away from your hotel) and ask for the consierge...he will answer all of your questions and you are getting a free service as they will presume that you are a guest there & are paying a fortune. I know...dishonesty isn't good but you only have ONE weekend...Make the best of it and please don't think badly of me. Enjoy your trip!
Why don't airlines check passports upon boarding at US airports for international flights?
Well for starters, the U.S. also doesn't make you go through immigration control to leave the country, like most other countries do. I think other countries are much more worried someone will leave the country that shouldn't, and have multiple checks for outgoing, and I would hazard a guess that airlines also get into much more trouble for having someone on the plane they shouldn't for international flights from other countries.In the U.S., all the airlines already require that you show the passport at the check-in counter, so they've already verified you have the right passport/visa to enter the country you're going to, and since we pretty much have the freedom to leave the U.S. whenever we want (as a U.S. Citizen), there's not much need for another check.
Just how safe are international flights from China to the US, everything considered (I am a nervous flyer)?
Let’s say that every time you park your car at night a team of mechanics go over your vehicle, check the computers, measure the tread depth on the tires and start replacing parts that are nowhere near wearing out but because their manual tells them to replace them.Then in the morning, before you leave the driveway, your route to work is cleared of all traffic, a professional driver is behind the wheel and a backup professional driver is beside him, checking every instrument and making minor adjustments to your drive the entire way.A team of people watch your car every inch of your drive and your parking spot is waiting with a crew of people there to open your car door and recheck the systems again before you have to use it again.This is why flying is the safest form of transportation. Airlines are obsessed over passenger safety.You will be fine.