Red-Eye Flights: The Ultimate Guide to Surviving Overnight Travel
Red-eye flights are my favorite way to travel. It wasn’t always, though.
I often booked red-eye flights because of their endearing price point. Still, I found myself actually dreading the flight when it finally arrived.
After several years of travel, I’ve figured out how to make the experience less daunting. And now, I find red-eye flights quite enjoyable.
Here are some tips and in-flight essentials on how to make your next red-eye flight an enjoyable experience
Summary
What does “red-eye” flight mean?
A red-eye flight is a flight that leaves in the evening or late at night and arrives at your destination sometime in the morning. Essentially, the flight operates around the time when you’d usually be sleeping.
The term “red-eye” describes the puffy, red eyes people get from late-night travel. This doesn’t have to be you, though. I’ve compiled a list of everything you’ll need to know and purchase for a successful red-eye flight.
No need to be miserable! Just take the necessary steps, and you’ll soon find it’s your new favorite way to travel!
Why are red-eye flights better?
1. They are often cheaper.
Because of their not-so-traveler-friendly flight times, red-eye flights are often cheaper than flights during regular daytime hours. Also, you’re saving money on accommodation by spending the night on the plane!
2. They offer faster check-in.
Airlines don’t operate as many flights during the night as they do during the day. Because of this, you’ll experience much faster check-in times and fewer delays in getting to your gate!
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3. They’re not as crowded.
Airports are far less busy at night, so you’ll find everything much more efficient. Plus, usually, the flight will be carrying fewer people, too. Talk about all that extra legroom!
4. You’ll save a day’s worth of travel time.
You’ll have the ability to enjoy the entire first day of your trip! Arriving at your destination first thing in the morning allows for a full day of venturing off and exploring. You won’t feel like you used up a travel day.
5. Red-eye flights tend to run on time.
Because fewer planes operate at night, you’ll experience far fewer delays. You’ll find that most flights actually take off on time!
Preparation For Your Red-Eye:
It’s important to pack smart.
Pack all your sleep essentials and hygiene products in your personal bag or carry-on luggage. Remember, you’ll want to be as comfortable as possible.
Pre-book your seat.
Pre-booking your seat allows you to pick the most optimal spot.
Personally, I always go for the window seat because no one will need to bother me to use the restroom or move about the cabin.
This also gives me control of the window shutter, so I can close it and not worry about the sunrise light blinding me mid-snooze.
Wear warm, comfortable clothing.
You’ll want to wear something warm and comfortable during your red-eye flight. I’m generally always cold on flights, so bringing an extra blanket or puffy jacket is helpful. I don’t worry about looking cute on flights. The baggier the clothes, the better!
Drink water and avoid caffeine & alcohol.
If you’re planning on getting some much-needed slumber on your red-eye flight, avoid caffeine and alcohol several hours before your flight.
Also, as an important rule of thumb, staying hydrated before your flight is essential because the air on planes is so drying. There’s nothing worse than a cottonmouth or a scratchy throat when trying to be comfortable on a plane.
Take a sleep aid.
Ashwagandha, passionflower tea, valerian root, magnesium, or GABA sleep supplements are all great options to help you fall asleep.
Recommended sleep aids for your next red-eye flight:
In-Flight Essentials:
Keep the essentials handy w/this super cute travel bag!
An overnight bag. It’s best to stick to your nightly routine when first boarding an evening flight.
As soon as the seatbelt sign turns off, I usually get up to the bathroom, where I do my nightly routine before bed. I use face wipes to cleanse my face, brush my teeth, freshen up with some deodorant, take my contact lenses out, and voila!
A travel pillow. A red-eye flight must. The last thing you want is to wake up with a stiff neck!
I love this eye mask! It’s designed to fit the face perfectly and not put any pressure on the eyelids.
It blocks all light from coming in and can even be synced to your phone via Bluetooth!
Fluffy socks.
Nothing says “comfort” more than a nice pair of fluffy socks to keep your feet warm and comfortable during your red-eye flight.
Dr. Scholl’s Spa Socks w/Vitamin E & Lavender Essential Oil for the perfect in-flight slumber!
Don’t forget to pack these!
Noise-canceling headphones.
While red-eye flights tend to be less noisy than daytime flights, you still may be sitting next to some noisy chatterboxes. Bring along some noise-canceling headphones and ensure you get some good shuteye.
Airplane Foot hammock.
This thing is a dream! Sitting in an airline seat can get extremely uncomfortable, making it tough to sleep during your red-eye flight. A foot hammock helps alleviate some tension off your lower joints and lower back by lifting your feet into a reclining position.
Recline your feet during your flight!
How to Look & Feel Fresh After Your Red-Eye Flight:
Get some sunlight ASAP.
Once you get off the plane, get yourself outside and into some natural light as soon as possible. The light dramatically reduces melatonin levels in the body, forcing you to feel more awake and energized!
Change into some fresh clothes.
Swap your comfy travel clothes for some new, clean attire.
Wash up.
You did your nightly routine before the red-eye flight. Now, do your morning routine! Sticking to habits helps trick your mind into thinking you got a full night’s rest. After all, it is the start of a new day!
Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.
Dehydration can worsen feelings of jet lag, so keep yourself hydrated throughout the day.
