I have a somewhat early flight out of there and was wondering if the security there is okay with people bunkering down for the night.

If they're not, does anyone have any recommendations for catching an early flight?

Pretty sure it's not ok to overnight in Changshui.

There is an airport hotel I think sort of walking distance (not close, but walkable).

But best to just book a car service with the people who advertise in the GoK classifieds.

If the airport is open 24/7 (even if there aren't many flights late at night) then I don't see any problems. I have heard of people sleeping overnight there although personally I would never overnight in an airport (did it once due to missing a flight and waiting for the next one scheduled for about 7 hours later) but wouldn't do it again.

if you do take a sleep mat, you can always leave it behind. airport seats are designed to stop people sleeping on them.

Sleep at the airport and when you get back let us all know if you got robbed or kicked out.

If you have a ticket, you should not get kicked out. With so much CCTV and so much light, it is unlikely you will get robbed either. It is not a railway station. Thieves cannot slip out the backdoor into the city streets.

slept in the upstairs Starbucks, 3 nights ago. comfortable enough and no problems

Okay, well I'll try sleeping there overnight, probably at the Starbucks and see how that goes. Thanks for all the replies!

I slept there when I arrived in Kunming...and there were no problem!
So, don't worry! :)

i offer airport transfer even in the early moring. charge 180 rmb(charge 150 for regular time). sleep in the airport louge is a good choice.I have a friend woking as a airport management staff, even the airport staff dont' have a domitary in the airport. and there's no hotel in the walking rang, the nearest is at Banqiao(板桥) which is around 8 km away.