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No one looks forward to a red eye flight, but they don’t have to be miserable if you’re prepared with a few essentials to improve your comfort. Find out the eight tips our readers recommend for how to survive a red eye flight!
Red Eye Flight Tips
Travel Fashion Girl help! A reader asks:
What are your best red eye flight tips to have the most comfortable experience?
Regardless of how long the flight is, red eye flights can be a nightmare. It’s difficult for many people to sleep on flights, but there’s nothing worse than arriving to your destination exhausted.
Find out what our readers recommend for how to survive a red eye flight:
Natural Silk Sleep Mask & Blindfold
Slip On an Eye Mask
Even if the cabin turns down the lights, an eye mask helps keep all the light out and forces your eyes to stay shut. We love a soft silk eye mask!
One reader says, “I always take an eye mask. I have a silk and cashmere one,” while another adds, “Take an eye mask, absolutely. I was on an overnight once before I got one and the lady next to me had the light on the whole time with the light reflecting off the pages of her book. I had a scarf wrapped around my face to try and block it. Totally miserable.”
Want to look your best when traveling but still be comfortable. Read my travel tips to Pack Light Stylishly!
Zella Live In High Waist Leggings
Wear Comfortable Clothing
As one reader says, “definitely comfortable clothing!” There’s nothing worse than having to shift around in your seat because your pants are too tight or aren’t stretchy enough.
We love Zella leggings, which are thick enough for cold flights and stretchy enough for sitting comfortably for several hours. Don’t forget to check out our post on what to wear on a plane for five plane-ready outfits.
Here’s what our readers voted for the best leggings for women that travel!
Quince Mongolian Cashmere Crewneck Sweater
Pack a Warm Layer
Planes are notoriously cold, making it hard to fall asleep or get into a comfortable position. Many readers recommended taking a layer to bundle up. One reader says, “Take something cozy to help you stay warm. It could be a jacket, poncho, shawl, or little blanket.”
We love taking a large scarf that can double as an accessory and blanket (or even a pillow!). Cashmere or merino wool is our personal preference, as these fabrics are so soft and cozy.
Use packing cubes in your personal item to help you organize your belongings until you need them on your flight.
Memory Foam Neck Pillow Airplane Travel Kit
Use a Neck Pillow
While a neck pillow can be bulky to pack, it can be a lifesaver for red eye flights. One reader says, “A neck pillow helps, especially if you get a window seat and lean your head against the side.” Another reader adds, “Without a doubt, a neck pillow but made from memory foam.”
We love this neck pillow because it’s made with memory foam and lined with a soft velour cover to keep you comfortable all night long.
Find out the top neck pillow styles, as recommended by our readers.
Avoid Alcohol
While a glass of wine can calm our nerves or help us fall asleep, it’s best to avoid alcohol on a flight. One reader says, “I think drinking alcohol before a redeye is the worst thing you could do. It will likely affect your sleep and make you feel drained and dried up when you arrive at your destination.”
Instead, keep a water bottle on hand at all times. Make sure you stay hydrated with plenty of water to stay refreshed and healthy.
Wear Compression Socks
As one reader says, “I never fly without compression socks.” Compression socks are designed to apply pressure to your lower legs to help maintain blood flow and reduce discomfort and swelling.
On flights longer than five hours, some readers recommend wearing compression socks to keep your legs feeling comfortable during and after the flight.
Best Therapeutic Grade Essential Oil
Spritz Some Essential Oils
If you want to sleep on a red eye flight but don’t want to take a sleeping pill, lavender essential oil can help you relax and feel sleepy. It’s a natural alternative to sleeping pills and you only need to bring a small amount.
One reader says, “Lavender essential oil diluted in witch hazel sprayed on your temples is very relaxing. It helps me to sleep. Also, magnesium oil massaged into your feet or calves helps my legs relax.”
Tip: apply essential oils before embarking on the flight to avoid causing discomfort to other passengers sensitive to scents!
Bose QuietComfort 35 Wireless Headphones
Invest in Noise Cancelling Headphones
If you’re about to embark on a long flight, noise canceling headphones can be a lifesaver. One reader says, “noise cancelling earphones are an absolute must on any flight. They can be bulky to try to sleep with, however. I loaded my tablet with a long playlist of relaxing music to play while I endeavored to sleep.”
Our readers have recommended several styles of Bose noise cancelling headphones, and our favorite for traveling is the Bose QuietComfort 20 earbuds.
What are your best red eye flight tips? Share in the comments below!
For more airplane essentials, please read:
- What to Wear On A Plane
- 10 Airplane Essentials
- 5 Airplane Skin Care Essentials
- How to Look Good after A Long-Haul Flight
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I’m going to try some of these tips. We fly to Munich in a couple of weeks.