“Red-eye” flights got their name because they tend to leave passengers with fatigue, exhaustion, and bloodshot eyes.
In other words, they kinda suck.
But sometimes, a red-eye is your best option — either because it was cheap, empty, or your only option.
So, how can you make your upcoming red-eye more pleasant? Let’s find out!
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What to Bring on a Red-Eye Flight
1. Sanitizing wipes
If you plan on passing out (or even resting your head) during your red-eye flight, you’ll want to make sure that every surface you touch is free of bacteria. That’s especially true of any surface you touch with your face.
Before you settle in, whip out a disinfecting wipe and give your seat, headrest, armrest, tray table, and the area around the window a good wipedown. It only takes a few seconds and can make a huge difference.
As for which brand of disinfecting wipe to use, any generic store brand will do. They come in bulky plastic cans from the store, so I like to stuff about 15 of them in a ziploc bag and store them in my carry-on.
2. Small toiletry bag (with key ingredients)
When tackling a red-eye flight, the more you can replicate your regular bedtime routine, the better.
If you can floss, brush your teeth, and wash your face, it not only helps you to stay clean and free of bad breath, but it can trigger a Pavlovian response in your brain that it’s bedtime, and help you fall asleep a little faster.
That’s why it’s a good idea to pack your toiletries in your carry-on. If your regular toiletry kit won’t fit, a smaller Dopp kit with the essentials will do just fine. That might include your:
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Floss
- Lip balm
- Moisturizers
- Face wash
- Makeup removers
- Etc.
3. Prescriptions and sleep aids
Continuing the theme of “if it helps you fall asleep at home, bring it,” be sure to pack a small dose of whatever prescriptions or sleep aids you take at home. For me, that’s a handful of melatonin gummies and my oral device to prevent snoring.
Also consider a safe way to transport your medications. Personally, I’m a huge fan of keychain pill holders — they’re tiny metal cylinders with just enough room for about 10 pills, and they’re hardly bigger than a AA battery.
4. Menthol gel
Unless you’re flying in first class with an actual bed to sleep in, you’re probably going to wake up with a few aches and pains from sleeping in a chair.
To address this, I used to pack a Theragun Mini (massage gun) in my carry-on. But not only was it heavy and bulky, it also went off at random times, leading to a vibrating backpack and strange looks from my fellow passengers.
Instead, I switched to a tiny $12 bottle of Biofreeze menthol gel. A tiny dab of this stuff helps to relax your muscles, ease pains, and genuinely feels like wearing an ice pack.
5. Insulated water bottle
By the time you feel thirsty, you’re already suffering from the effects of dehydration. Plus, a well-hydrated body sleeps better, feels better, and is less likely to wake up feeling achy.
That’s why you’ll want to bring a good water bottle on a red-eye flight. Personally, I like to bring an insulated metal bottle like the $12 SipX since it’s durable, free of plastic particles, and stays hot/cool longer.
You’ll want a bottle with a wide mouth, too, so it’s easier to clean. You can also toss in a few chamomile tea bags at home, visit Starbucks or McDonald’s in the terminal for some free hot water, and enjoy a soothing nighttime beverage on your flight.
READ MORE: How To Save Money at the Airport.
6. Noise-canceling headphones (or earplugs)
While adults tend to have an unspoken agreement to stay quiet on red-eye flights, babies (understandably) haven’t gotten the memo yet. As a result, roughly 60% of fliers say they’ve been disrupted by a child on a plane, which aren’t great odds.
Luckily, technology has come to the rescue. Over-the-ear noise-canceling headphones are a blessing on any flight, as they replace the sound of wailing toddlers with Spotify, Netflix, or soothing white noise.
They’re not as expensive as they once were, either, with numerous options under $100 on Amazon (like the Sony CH-720N). Be sure to get a $5 AUX cord, too, so you can plug your headphones into the in-flight infotainment center.
If you’re on a tight budget, many airlines offer earplugs for free, or you can buy a nice pair of silicone ones for a few dollars on Amazon.
7. Eye mask
If you’re sensitive to light, a good eye mask can massively improve the quality of your sleep on a red-eye flight (and in your destination).
Speaking as someone who owns 20+ sleep masks, the best ones are:
- Tall, so they adequately cover your eyes and prevent light from seeping in underneath
- Thin, so they don’t press into your face if you roll onto your side or back
- Velcro-free, so they don’t hook onto your hair, and
- Have a thick strap so they stay in place more easily and don’t slide around
Out of my entire collection, I’d say the Gritin 100% Blackout is the best overall design — and doesn't cost much, either.
8. Neck pillow
Personally, I’m not really a fan of neck pillows because they’re bulky, hard to keep clean, and they do little to support my big, silly head.
But my wife swears by them and even paid $70 for an overpriced replacement in the airport when she forgot hers at home.
So your mileage may vary. Just keep in mind that many airlines offer pillows on red-eye flights, and you can always fashion your sweatshirt into a makeshift pillow.
9. Extra layer
Planes are often cool to begin with, and when you add the fact that your core body temperature drops before bedtime, it can make for a chilly experience that’s impossible to sleep through.
That’s why extra layers are critical on red-eye flights. A warm hoodie can serve as a blanket, pillow, tablet stand, and more, and you can wear it in the airport so it doesn’t take up extra bulk in your carry-on.
10. Healthy snack
Finally, a bundle of healthy snacks can help you satisfy late-night/early-morning cravings without having to smash the “call” button.
The key is to bring snacks that are nutritious, but also easily digestible and bedtime-friendly. Cheese, crackers, mixed nuts, pumpkin seeds, whole grain bread, and dry cereal (the healthy kind) can all fit the bill.
Red-Eye Flights: DOs and DON’Ts
Here are some general best practices for making red-eye flights as cozy as possible — for both you and your neighbors:
- DO: Book a window seat — Window seats are a luxury on red-eye flights since you can rest your head on the fuselage and fall asleep more easily. You also won’t have to wake up if someone in your row has to visit the bathroom.
- DO: Move around a little — Getting up every few hours (and performing simple arm, shoulder, and neck stretches in your seat) can do wonders to prevent aches and pains later.
- DO: Stay hydrated — While downing your water bottle may result in an extra bathroom visit or two, it’s worth it to prevent the side effects of dehydration. Namely: headaches, dizziness, muscle aches, and insomnia.
- DON’T: Take your shoes off — Sweaty socks and bare feet aren’t just stinky, they’re covered in bacteria, which isn’t a nice thing to introduce to an environment where folks are trying to eat and sleep. If your feet feel tight, just loosen your shoes instead.
- DON’T: Wear perfume or cologne — Aventus and Chanel may smell nice for date night, but in tight, enclosed spaces like airplanes, they can cause your fellow travelers to have migraines, dizziness, and allergic reactions.
- DON’T: Drink alcohol — Booze may help you fall asleep, but it’ll be “very broken sleep,” says sleep medicine specialist Aristidis Iatridis, M.D. Instead, save your $9 in cocktail cash and try a combination of tea, menthol, and a natural sleep aid.
TL;DR: Making the Most of a Red-Eye
Red-eye flights are inherently miserable, hence the name. But they don’t have to be.
By bringing a few key items like a toiletry kit, an extra layer, and healthy snacks, you can make your red-eye experience significantly more comfortable, catch some sleep, and arrive refreshed.
Soon, you may feel confident booking red-eye flights more often — and save tons of money in the process.
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