Red-eye flights are overnight flights that are much less romantic than they are portrayed in movies and TV. The pros of flying the red-eye are that you don’t lose a day of travel and you don’t have to shell out for a hotel. The cons can include glamorous things like arriving at your destination with deep purple under-eye bags due to the screaming infant that wouldn’t let you sleep, a sore neck from trying to sleep sitting straight up, or looking like a zombie because you are still wearing yesterday morning’s makeup.
I live in Los Angeles but take frequent trips to the East coast, so the red-eye and I have become great friends. Through a tumultuous series of trial-and-error flights, here are the tips I would recommend to survive your red-eye.
Build Your Red Eye Kit
Once I found the products I can’t survive a red-eye without, I rounded them all up and store them together in my red-eye travel kit. My kit includes a sleep mask, a light fleece blanket, a travel pillow, and over-the-ear headphones (they act as a pillow when you lean against them!). My favorites are the Bose wireless around-ear headphones because I can connect to my sleep playlist and drift off without running out of charge.
I also love to wear something with a hood on my flight for maximum coziness and don’t-bother-me vibes. Comfy leggings, sweatshirts, and warm socks will help you feel cozy and drift off faster.
Block Out the Noise
People often forget that planes are never truly silent. Takeoff and landing are loud, but when you’ve reached cruising altitude you will still be hearing noise. From the wind outside the plane to babies crying, it’s good to have a plan to block it all out. Occasionally planes will provide ear plugs, but it’s a good idea to pack your own along with your headphones and sleep playlist.
Book the Right Seat
Picking the right seat is all about what type of sleeper you are. As a side sleeper, I prefer the window seat so I have something to lean on. If you’re a back sleeper, go for the aisle or take one for the team and choose a middle seat!
Where you sit on the plane can also affect how you sleep. Seats right over the wings are typically offer the smoothest ride. If the middle of the plane is booked, opt for the front. If you decide to sit in an exit row you may gain a little more leg room but be careful – these seats are often the coldest on the plane!
Pack Your Morning Essentials Together
I usually wake up when the pilot announces we’re beginning our descent. This is the perfect time to get everything together so you can hop off the plane refreshed and ready to go. Brush your teeth or use a wisp, apply moisturizer, deodorant, and a dab of concealer to look like you’ve just returned from a spa instead of sleeping next to strangers!
Ready to make your next flight even better? Check out these 5 travel secrets only a flight attendant will tell you!
