Red eye flights typically depart after 9 PM and arrive at their destination as early as 5 AM and get the name “red eye” from the fact that passengers on them often get little to no sleep and have red eyes by the end. But despite the name and its implications, you can actually sleep on a red eye, and better than you might think. Not all routes offer red eye flights, but many long and/or popular flights (e.g. between big cities, from the eastern to the western side of the country, etc.) do.

A red eye flight might not be your first choice, but there are definitely advantages to flying when most of the western world is sleeping. For one, they are often cheaper, sometimes by quite a bit. Airlines don’t want to fly their planes below capacity if they don’t have to, and they price overnight tickets accordingly. For another, they give you more time at your destination that can be spent on work or leisure. They are also often less crowded because they’re not appealing to as many flyers.

If the idea of saving money and time appeals to you, here are 12 things to do to improve your quality of sleep when you board a plan for a red eye flight.

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Don’t Sit in the Aisle

If you can help it, try not to sit in an aisle seat on your red eye flight. As everyone on your plane gets up in the middle of the night to take turns using the claustrophobic bathroom, you’ll be glad you aren’t seated in the highest-traffic part of the plane. Try to avoid sitting right next to the crew too.

A window seat is obviously ideal, but you’ll want to try to get one of these as far in advance as possible—about 50% of people prefer window seats, but there are only so many to go around. You might be able to switch to an open middle seat if your flight isn’t crowded, which is more likely on red eye flights. But whatever you do, don’t sit too close to the restroom.

Bring Noise-Canceling Headphones (or Earplugs)

Noise-canceling headphones or some good old-fashioned earplugs will be your best friend on a red eye. 

If you find yourself traveling through the night often, it would probably be worth investing in a quality pair of headphones that blocks out all outside noise (i.e. crying babies in the row next to you, chatty aisle neighbors, etc.). Then, put on some relaxing classical music or white noise if that’s what helps you fall asleep at home and you’ll almost be able to trick yourself into thinking you’re not on an airplane. Try a free app like Calm for some sleep-friendly soundscapes.

Just be careful not to abuse the headphones by watching movies or videos when you could be sleeping. If possible, get this out of your system before you board your plane.

Hit the Gym

If you’re lucky enough to have a gym at your airport and you have an hour to spare before your flight, don’t be afraid to use it. Quality of sleep improves when you tire your body out with a good workout session. Moderate exercise done at least an hour before sleeping has been proven to help you sleep more deeply and wake less often. 

Just don’t overdo it—for some, working out too intensely—e.g. cardio, weightlifting, etc.—shortly before going to bed actually has a negative impact on quality of sleep. 

But if you’re gym-less, don’t sweat it. Even a long walk around the airport is great for getting your body ready to shut down. 

Save the Caffeine for the Morning

If you normally go for a second (or third) cup of coffee in the afternoon to power through the rest of the workday, try to refrain on the day of your flight. Experts recommend drinking caffeinated beverages no fewer than four to six hours before you plan to sleep. By depriving your body of the caffeine it expects, you force it to become tired and you’ll easily fall asleep right away when you board your plane.

Try some caffeinated black or green tea instead of coffee if you don’t want to deal with total caffeine withdrawal symptoms, and some hot chamomile or peppermint tea right before bed to promote sleep. 

Be Mindful of What You Eat

Likewise, be careful not to eat anything that’s going to hinder your ability to get some shut-eye on your red eye. You may be fine to eat whatever you want for dinner when you’re sleeping at home, but when you’re sleeping on a plane, your body can use all the help it can get resting.

Avoid heavy foods like cheese and carbs, acidic fruits and veggies, and anything with a lot of added sugar for the best quality sleep. And if you’re eating dinner at the airport, try to grab a bite to eat as early as possible. Many people sleep better after giving their stomachs a few hours to digest a meal.

Clean Up

Part of the reason sleeping on a plane is so uncomfortable is because you often feel dirty. When you don’t get a chance to shower before your flight and then have to board a plane that has seen hundreds of passengers, it’s easy to feel a little—grimy. This is why it’s smart to bring personal hygiene products for red eye flights.

Even if you’re taking a short trip and don’t plan to stay at a hotel, it’s a good idea to pack a small bag of toiletries for your flight. Facial cleansing wipes, a toothbrush, and mouthwash can go a long way in making you feel more comfortable. Mimic your typical nightly routine as best as you can in the airport bathroom.

Change into Something Comfortable

Don’t make the mistake of boarding a late-night flight in your work clothes. Restrictive suits and scratchy tights won’t do you any favors when it comes time to try to sleep through your route because your body won’t be able to differentiate between day and night, work and rest. Bring pajamas or sweats and anything else that makes you feel cozy at home.

You never know how warm or cold a plane will be. Layer up and bring more than you think you’ll need. And make sure your feet are comfortable too—red eye veterans can often be seen sliding on a pair of slippers or thick socks before bed. 

If you have an important meeting or work event to attend shortly after arriving at your destination, it would be a good idea to arrive at the airport in your comfortable clothes and keep your professional clothes nicely packed away in a separate, wrinkle-proof bag. That way, you’re only changing your clothes at the airport once and you lower your risk of losing any articles of clothing in the bathroom.

Bring a Blanket

Many airplanes provide blankets to passengers on red eyes, but why use one of these when you can pack one of your own? Travel blankets fold up to occupy very little space and they are lightweight. Plus, they’re usually more inviting than what the airline has to offer. Try one of these affordable options from TripSavvy’s best of 2020 travel blankets lineup.

You could even try using your travel blanket to sleep at home for a week before your red eye flight. This way, the blanket will feel familiar and your body will associate it with sleep. After all, as you’re probably noticing, getting quality sleep on an airplane is really all about convincing your body that you’re somewhere other than an airplane.

There is also no guarantee that your plane will have enough blankets for everyone. Unless you’re one of the first passengers to board, there is a very good chance that you won’t even get a blanket before they’re gone.

Arrive Early

Still, you should try to be one of the first to board for other reasons.

Give yourself plenty of time to check in and get on your plane. If you cut it close to your departure time, you’ll be rushing to get on the plane and get your luggage put away, and the adrenaline this fills your body with is not exactly ideal for sleeping. Keep the process as frustration-free as possible and avoid potential mishaps by playing it safe and getting there with time to spare. 

Pack Light

Aside from the sleep-friendly items on this list like pajamas and a travel blanket, try to pack as light as possible. By not bringing a bulky carry-on, you’ll give yourself more room to stretch your legs. And by not traveling with too many suitcases, you’ll be able to easily grab your stuff when it’s time to get off your plane and get to a coffee shop as quickly as possible.

Prioritize bringing the things that are going to help you sleep and whatever you must have with you at your destination. Everything else can stay at home.

Put Technology Away

Electronic devices like laptops and e-readers are usually great for long flights, but they have no place on red eyes.

Research has shown that using technology before bed reduces the amount of melatonin in your body. This hormone helps to regulate your sleep-wake cycle and having less of it in your body at night makes it difficult to fall asleep and stay asleep because your body thinks that you’re supposed to be awake. The blue light emitted by smartphones, laptops, and tablets has been linked with melatonin suppression.

If possible, put all electronic devices away 30 minutes to an hour before you hope to fall asleep. Reducing your stress levels before bed and avoiding artificial light can also help to increase your melatonin levels.

Don’t Forget the Neck Pillow!

Everyone who’s ever flown knows what a difference a neck pillow can make when sleeping. Even if you don’t take many red eye flights, you need a good neck pillow.

Shop around to find the right neck pillow for you. If you like memory foam at home, find one that’s memory foam. Maybe you’d prefer something microfiber that’s soft to the touch, a pillow that wraps around to provide support for your chin, or an inflatable pillow that takes up less space when you’re not using it. Neck pillows are inexpensive and easy to find, but it’s worth taking the time to pick a great one.

If having trouble falling asleep is normal for you, bring an over-the-counter sleep aid for good measure in addition to doing these 12 things. There are plenty of natural options available including melatonin supplements and valerian, a flower that can be taken in low doses to help you relax. You can also take a medication like Tylenol PM or ZzzQuil, but these should be used sparingly as a rule so that you don’t develop a dependence on them. 

Final Thoughts

Getting decent sleep on even a short red eye flight is possible when you take the necessary steps to get comfortable and feel rested before your flight. Doing even just a few of the things on this list is sure to improve your inflight sleeping experience and hopefully reduce some of the apprehension you may feel about flying at night.

So while you are unlikely to get the best sleep of your life on a red eye flight and still might touch down with bags under your eyes, consider purchasing a red eye ticket the next time you fly. And don’t forget to follow these 12 tips for getting to sleep and staying asleep on an airplane.

When you find yourself stuck at the airport overnight due to an unfortunate layover or sudden change of plans, the last thing you want to have to worry about is getting a good night’s sleep. That’s why it’s important that you be prepared for this possibility and have a few tricks in mind for making this uncomfortable experience as comfortable—and safe—as possible. 

Here are 13 things you can do to sleep safely and comfortably the next time you find yourself stuck at the airport for the night.

Pack a Sleep Kit

Get into the habit of taking a sleep kit with you every time you fly. You never know when a flight will be delayed or canceled last minute, and no one wants to have to go 24 hours without brushing their teeth.

Essential toiletries like toothbrushes, toothpaste, deodorant, and hairbrushes are likely already packed somewhere in your luggage, but it wouldn’t hurt to pack these separately so that they are easily accessible. Other items that might make you feel more at home—sound machines, eye masks, slippers, etc.—should also come along. 

A sleep kit is easy to throw together and can minimize the discomfort associated with staying in a new place unexpectedly. Sure, you won’t need to use it at the airport most of the time, but many of the items are probably coming with you on your trip anyway. Don’t pack anything that you wouldn’t typically use to sleep and you won’t need to worry about additional baggage fees.

Keep in mind that some airports provide complimentary toiletries and items such as shampoo and blankets, but you can’t always count on this. You can ask ahead of time before a flight or just play it safe and bring a sleep kit.

Try a Hotel or Sleep Pod

You could always stay in an airport hotel or sleep pod, but not all airports offer these conveniences, and using them is not cheap. However, if these are available to you and you don’t mind investing the extra cash into a night of uninterrupted rest, this is probably the most comfortable you’re going to get. Otherwise, try some of the other tips on this list.

Most nap rooms or sleep pods can be rented by the hour and typically run anywhere from $20 to $40 per hour. Rooms are often upwards of $150. Both of these are often in short supply when they can be found at airports, so get to them as quickly as possible because they are rented on a first-come, first-serve basis.

Sleep Near Your Gate

If you’re stuck sleeping in the airport, you’re going to naturally want to look for a restful place to rest in a quiet corner with low foot traffic.

But although no one wants to get woken up all night by lights, other passengers, and staff members, it’s even worse to miss a flight. Don’t give in to the temptation to find somewhere isolated to doze off. Not only is this less safe due to decreased security, but it’s a good way to miss the flight you waited all night for when exhaustion sinks in and you oversleep.

If your flight was canceled or delayed for one reason or another, chances are good that other passengers on your plane are going to be in the same boat as you, and sticking around the people you’ll be traveling with lets you take cues from other passengers when it’s time to go. Benches and seats are obvious choices for comfortable sleep, but you’ll need to claim these fast or you’ll wind up roughing it on the floor.

Change into Cozy Clothes

Take advantage of your packed suitcase and get those sweatpants and hoodies out the moment you learn that you’ll be spending the night at the airport. Find the nearest restroom and change as soon as possible—wearing cozier clothing makes a world of difference in making you feel more at ease. Most people won’t even bat an eye at a tired-looking passenger in pajamas at the terminal.

Visit a Gym or Lounge

Depending on what airport you’re in, you might have access to a top-notch airport fitness center or swanky lounge with a shower. Such luxuries are complimentary with many first-class and business tickets, but any passenger can purchase a pass most of the time. For a relatively small fee, you can get a hot shower at the very least. Some lounges and fitness centers also have pools, saunas, and jacuzzis. You’ll feel almost normal once you’re clean.

Treat Yourself

Treat yourself to anything that will relax you. This could be a manicure or pedicure, a facial at a nearby spa, a movie on your phone, or a comforting meal at one of the many food joints in the airport. Stress and tension are usually already high when flying, and they’re going to be made even higher when you’re inconvenienced by spending a night at the airport. Stick to your nightly routines as closely as possible and you’ll fall asleep much more easily.

Give yourself a break and do a little more for yourself than you normally would. Find somewhere comfortable to settle in and do your best to block out your surroundings. And when you wake up, whenever you wake up, celebrate with a fresh cup of coffee—or two.

Ask for a Cot

Not every situation warrants an airport hauling out the cots, but it doesn’t hurt to ask. Often, airports reserve cots for times when large masses of passengers are stranded—perhaps by inclement weather causing many flight delays, federally mandated travel restrictions like what we’ve seen during the COVID-19 pandemic, etc.—, but you might be able to get one even if you just have a long layover. Use a courtesy phone or go to a counter to ask personnel for sleeping accommodations. These are almost always free of charge, but they are in limited supply.

Please note that courtesy cots are just one of many types of accommodations airports regularly provide to stranded travelers. Many airlines also offer hotel vouchers, meal tickets, complimentary shuttle rides, and other services and discounts to passengers whose flights have been delayed or canceled.

Sleep in Shifts

Those traveling in parties of two or more are at an advantage when it comes to sleeping at the airport because they can sleep in shifts. Take turns sleeping with the people in your party so that there is always someone keeping an eye on the group and their luggage. This will make you all less vulnerable to theft and ensure that at least one person is keeping track of the time. Use timers and alarms so that everyone is able to get a bit of shut-eye.

If you’re traveling alone, look for other passengers turning in for the night and set up camp near them. You don’t have to work out a shift sleeping deal with strangers, but solidarity never hurts.

Set Alarms

If your flight has been assigned a new departure time or you know exactly when your layover ends, set an alarm for an hour before this. This will give you time to gather your belongings and get yourself ready to board the flight. If your new flight time has not yet been announced or you’ve been told to stand by, you’re better off taking short naps and getting an update before going back to sleep than turning in for a full night’s rest. 

Again, if you’re traveling alone, sleep near your gate as close to other parties as is possible and comfortable. That way, if for some reason your alarm doesn’t wake you up or there is an unexpected change to the flight, you’ll be woken up when the other people on your plane start moving around and preparing to board. Alternatively, if you don’t have a smartphone or watch, write a note on a piece of paper stating when you would like to be woken up and airport staff or passersby are likely to help you out.

Sanitize Your Chosen Location

The bench you’re going to be calling a bed for the next several hours has seen thousands of passengers come and go. It doesn’t take long to wipe it all down with cleaner, and this extra precaution is well worth it. Ask the airport staff if you can borrow cleaning supplies or sanitize with hand sanitizer at the very least. You’ll be able to sleep more peacefully when you know your area is free of disease-carrying germs. In addition, avoid direct contact with public surfaces as much as possible (i.e. lay your jacket down on the floor or seat before laying on it). That shower mentioned earlier? Might not be a bad idea to squeeze it in after sleeping.

Sleep on Top of Your Stuff

Airport theft is a very real problem, and keeping your valuables safe should be your number one concern when it comes time to sleep at an airport. If you don’t have the option of sleeping in shifts with others in your party and keeping watch over your luggage, you may just have to sleep on top of it. In this case and many others, it pays to travel light.

Many weary travelers use their soft-sided suitcases as pillows and it’s a good idea to keep your arm wrapped around the straps of the rest of your bags. That way, should someone try to take advantage of your compromised situation and swipe a bag, you will be roused awake before they can make off with your belongings.

Remember not to travel with too many valuable items if you can help it. Items that you would not be comfortable leaving unattended in a busy coffee shop while you run to the restroom might not need to come with you to a busy airport.

Store Your Luggage

Some airports can store your luggage—for a fee, of course. If you’re traveling with a lot of bags, traveling alone, or just don’t want to have to worry about keeping track of your stuff all night, it might be worth it to hand over a little extra money to store your luggage until your flight. Look for luggage lockers, and if your airport doesn’t have those, check with the lost or left luggage counter. They might be willing to keep an eye on your bags for a price.

Luggage lockers are surprisingly affordable most of the time. For example, LockerLink lockers by SmarteCarte—found at thousands of airports—are just $4 for the first hour and $1 for every hour after that. You can store your bags for a couple of days or a couple of hours, and you’re likely to sleep much better when you’re not worried about protecting your things. Even if you just rent a small locker for your wallet or purse, you’ll be glad you did.

Keep Your Boarding Pass Close

You may or may not have to answer for yourself if you’re woken up by a security guard.Many security guards let snoozing slide without so much as a second glance, but others take precautions against non-passengers sneaking in and will ask to see your boarding pass to confirm that you are a passenger if they see you sleeping. Rather than try to hide from security somewhere remote and risk being thrown out, keep your pass and identification close by so that you can get right back to sleep if interrupted.

If you travel a lot, it’s not a bad idea to research the different policies and practices in place for stranded travelers at the various airports you frequent. Some airlines are a lot more accommodating of overnight guests than others, and you could use this information to make decisions about where to fly. Airline sleepovers can either be painfully awkward or not that bad, and it pays to know ahead of time what will or will not be available to you when you have no choice but to sleep at the airport.