As 9-5ers, one of the easiest, but most dreaded ways to maximize vacation days is a red-eye flight. Instead of losing an entire day traveling, you can leave after work and wake up as you’re descending into your destination. Easier said than done. Look, I’m no expert here – I envy those who can easily fall asleep to the hum of a plane. These overnight flight tips will help you survive a red-eye flight, get some sleep, and feel like a real human the next day. My qualifications for writing this include being proposed to the day after a red-eye flight, and lifelong photos that I’m so glad I looked at least somewhat rested for.
If you don’t sleep, it can end up costing you time at your destination. Follow these 7 overnight flight tips to get a good night’s sleep (or at least, a mediocre night’s sleep) so you can hit the ground running on the other side.
Hydrate Before Your Flight
Our overnight flight tips start before you even get to the airport. 24 hours before your flight, start hydrating. Other than lack of sleep, the main reason people feel sluggish and tired after flying is dehydration. Between routine disruption, dry cabin air, and the guilty pleasure of mid-flight ginger ales (okay, and alcoholic drinks – you caught me!), majority of travelers end up dehydrated.
Always pack an empty reusable water bottle for long haul flights. Although you can’t take water through security, there are almost always fill stations once you’ve gotten through the checkpoint. This will save you from astronomical airport pricing, as well as the need to ask the flight attendant for a small water cup every few hours. This 26 oz YETI is a travel necessity for me.
Once on the flight, be mindful of how much water you’re drinking at a time. Getting up to use the bathroom every few hours will disrupt your sleep – and likely the person sitting next you as well. The key is to drink small amounts more often to stay hydrated, instead of guzzling through your full water bottle in one shot. To maximize hydration, drop a Nuun tablet in for added electrolytes.
Time Your Red-Eye Flight to Maximize Sleep
This is simple logic that is often overlooked when booking red-eye flights, but is one of my top tips to survive a red-eye flight and land feeling well-rested Timing can make or break your sleep potential. Let’s look at flight options for a weekend in London.
Option one leaves NYC at 6 pm and arrives in London at 6 am.
Option two leaves NYC at 10 pm and arrives in London at 10 am.
Think about it this way: are you more likely to sleep from 7 pm – 1 am or 11 pm – 5 am? Do yourself a favor and just book the later flight to survive your red-eye. It’s easy to fall into the trap of thinking you’ll get more time in your destination the earlier you arrive, but the later your flight is at night, the better chance you have of actually sleeping.
Take a Natural Sleep Aid
A well-timed melatonin or Zzzquil can give you a better chance of knocking out. I’m not a doctor, so pick your poison and take it according to directions. Typically I like to take something 30 minutes to an hour before I want to fall asleep. The best time to try to sleep for the night is after dinner has been served, to ensure the commotion doesn’t wake you once you’ve finally fallen asleep.
Recreate Your Bedtime Routine
This was a new add on my last flight, and a total game changer. While there are physical benefits to everything on this list, this one is all mental. Recreating your nighttime routine will tell your brain that it’s time to wind down. Whatever your typical bedtime routine is, try to recreate it to the best of your ability. Drink a warm tea, read a few chapters of your book, and put on your nighttime skincare.
Most nights, I use this Kiehl’s Midnight Recovery Face Oil. Its distinct smell triggers my brain to start going into sleep-mode. Plus, the nourishing face oil helps keep my skin hydrated in the dry plane cabin.
Dress for Success
Skip the jeans and cute vacation outfits, and opt for something comfortable and warm. I’m not telling you to wear pajamas, but all the power to you if that feels right. Find something that will keep you warm, and is not too tight, like these joggers from Vuori. Add some cozy socks for max comfort and warmth.
Get Comfortable in Your Seat
If you have a lay-flat first class seat, all the power to you, but I don’t think you’d be reading this if that were the case. For us budget-travelers, it’s important to choose a seat that will maximize our sleep potential. Being comfortable in economy is an oxymoron, but there are some options that are better than others.
It’s often free of charge to pick a window seat. This will give your head something to rest on if you’re usually a side sleeper, and will ensure you’re not woken up by seatmates heading to the bathroom.
If you’re willing to pay an extra fee, you can upgrade to an exit row seat, or extra legroom row. For our 14 hour flight to Dubai, we splurged for bulkhead seats that will allow us to kick our feet straight out and hopefully get some sleep on the red-eye across the world.
What to Pack to Survive a Red-Eye
There are four things you cannot forget to bring on your flight.
- Inflatable Neck Pillow: After much research, I purchased this travel pillow. It can be worn three ways, and deflates into a small carrier so it takes up little space while traveling.
- Sleep Mask: Block out light to easily fall asleep, and stay asleep, despite light and distraction in the cabin
- Noise Canceling Headphones: Ear plugs will also do the trick! Anything to block out cabin noise that would otherwise wake you up or prevent you from falling asleep. These Beats ear buds are my go-to for noise cancelling, and small enough that they won’t bug you while you sleep.
- Blanket: I don’t know about you, but I never sleep above the covers. Sleeping in-flight will be easier if you’re used to using blankets. Plus, planes are notoriously cold, so this will be a win-win. To avoid carrying a blanket around on the rest of your trip, pack a long sweater or wrap that can double as a blanket in-flight.
Recreate Your Morning Routine
These days, airlines are pretty good at creating a “sunrise” experience and gradually bringing up the cabin lights. If you’ve followed all of these red-eye survival tips so far, you might be so deep in sleep-masked slumber that you don’t notice their subtle cues. Set a gradual alarm for 30 minutes to an hour before arrival. Once awake, open your window to allow the natural light to wake your body up (another benefit of choosing that window seat!).
Recreate your morning routine to the best of your ability. Wash your face by using a facial cleansing wipe followed by facial mist. Brush your teeth. Drink water. Eat Breakfast. For an added boost, I like to pack moisturizing under-eye patches to wear as we descend. These rejuvenating patches from Patchology have caffeine to help achieve that “well-slept” look.
Once you land, it’s important to get your body moving but not overly plan your day. I like to spend the day after a red-eye exploring neighborhoods. Go for a long walk to get out, wake up, and see the best of your destination.
What did I miss? Comment below with your overnight flight tips!
