Due to the nature of my work, I make a lot of cross-country treks, and because I hate to lose a day to a six-hour plane ride and three-hour time difference, I often take the red-eye; typically a flight that leaves late at night (after 9 p.m.) and arrives early in the morning (after 5 or 6 a.m.).
While the idea of taking an overnight flight may be appealing — you can save time and money by spending the night in the sky and arriving at your destination early the next morning — it’s not for everybody.
As much as no one looks forward to a red eye flight, they don’t have to be miserable if you’re prepared with a few essentials to improve your comfort.
Go For A Later Flight
When choosing your flight, it is a good idea to go for the later option. It would probably be much easier to fall asleep after 10 or 11 p.m. than at 9 p.m. Generally, if you board the plane close to your regular bedtime, you have a better chance of falling asleep.
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Although it may seem like a given, dressing comfortably is essential to having a good red-eye experience. If you need to run to a meeting right after you land, pack what you need in your carry-on so you can get some well-deserved shut-eye during the flight.
Book A Window Seat
Choosing your seat carefully is critical for a number of reasons.
Firstly, you’d want a seat away from highly trafficked places like the loo. Travelers passing to and fro and the sound of doors clanging or water flushing are not typically deemed sleep inducing.
Same goes for the aisle seat. Yes, you may be able to stretch your legs but you may also get slammed into by the drink cart. Or by a sleepy zig-zagging seat mate coming back from his visit to the loo. You may also have to wake up to help the poor fellow in the middle seat to make his way to the comfort zone.
So, the winning option is: the window seat. If you’re done with the restroom, you can simply make yourself comfortable or even rest your head against the window and… catch some zzz’s!
Bring A Blanket Back-up
The average temperature in the cabin is usually set at around 23 degrees C (75F). Whereas this may be quite fine for the flight attendants who are moving around, it may feel rather cold for passengers trying to relax and get some sleep. Which is why I won’t travel anywhere without my pillow, blanket, and eye mask. Being prepared will make you feel more relaxed and ‘at home’ as much as humanly possible.
Ensure Quiet Time
Invest in a pair of earplugs to stick in after take-off. They won’t completely block out the screaming child in the row behind you, but they’ll give you sweet relief from the engines, the fasten seatbelt sign, and most chatter going on around you. If you’re a frequent traveler, it’s also worth investing in noise-cancelling headphones—they’re not cheap, but a nice pair will ensure a totally silent night.
Eat A Light Meal
Although flying after work may be rather hectic, don’t skip dinner. And whereas the plane meal may be one of the few free perks you can enjoy on a flight, remember that not all flights offer dinner. So your best option in that case is to bring your own. Note that your lunch box will go through the TSA check (as long as it does not include liquids over 100 ml).
Try to avoid salty and spicy airport food, they may cause bloating and discomfort – both enemies to a good night’s sleep.
Recreate Your Bedtime Routine
You cannot have your own bed for the night but you can at least tell your body it’s time to sleep.
Before settling in for the night, you can make a quick stop at the restroom. Take off your belt and shoes, change into your comfortable clothes, remove your jewellery (and glasses). Then wash your face and brush your teeth.
Following your typical bedtime routine will help you feel relaxed, get cosy and will signal your body that it’s time to sleep.
Eat Breakfast
I’m a big fan of breakfasts. Not simply the morning coffee but the whole deal – the morning smells and tastes and sounds, so I’d definitely look forward to the smell of freshly baked croissants and coffee as part of my morning routine.
We made it there safe and sound, it’s time for a brand new day!
