Red eye flights can be a necessary evil for long-haul travel. They can be a great option for those who want to maximize their time, reduce accommodation costs, and avoid airport crowds, but traveling overnight comes with its own set of difficulties. True to their name, red eye flights can be exhausting, but we’ve gathered some of the best tips from our red eye experts to help you get to your next destination without arriving sleep-deprived.
Pack Yourself a Sleep Kit
To make the journey as comfortable as possible, bring a sleep kit with some of the things that help you sleep comfortably at home. Many travelers bring a sleep mask, neck pillow, or noise-cancelling headphones to try to eliminate external factors that otherwise make it difficult to sleep on planes.
Eat a Light Meal Before the Flight
While it might be tempting to fill yourself up with a hearty meal before a red eye to avoid airplane food, it’s a good idea to keep your meal light before the flight. Larger meals can sit in your stomach and make it harder to sleep. A light salad, soup, or fruits and veggies are easier to digest and give you a better chance of getting quality sleep.
Wear Comfortable Clothing
It’s already uncomfortable enough to sleep on a plane without adding jeans or other uncomfortable clothes to the mix. Opt for sweatpants and a t-shirt or whatever you’re most comfortable in. No need to dress to impress for a red eye flight.
Adapt to the Local Schedule Upon Arrival
This can be the hardest part of the travel process, especially if there is a big time difference at your destination. But adjusting to the local schedule as soon as possible will save you tons of time and make sure you don’t waste any of your trip. Try to stay up during daylight hours and sleep at night so your circadian rhythm adjusts ASAP.
Red eye flights have their pros and cons but with the right preparation and planning, they can be a great way to take advantage of an extra day of travel. Try out these hacks next time you find yourself on an overnight flight.
