I've taken 20+ redeye flights. I swear by 5 items for overnight travel
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Unlike most travelers, I love a redeye flight; the cheaper fares ! The in-flight food service! The thrill of landing in a new destination and still having a whole day ahead of you to explore!
Plenty of travelers avoid redeye flights at all costs. I do the opposite.
After taking more than 20 overnight flights, I've become a surprisingly big fan of late-night departures. They're often cheaper , can help maximize vacation time and let you wake up in a new destination with a full day ahead to explore.
But that doesn't mean redeyes are easy . If you're unprepared, they can prove to be an exhausting undertaking.
I've learned the hard way that the difference between arriving refreshed and arriving exhausted often comes down to what you pack in your carry-on and bring on-board an overnight flight.
From a supportive travel pillow and noise-blocking earplugs to sleep aids like melatonin gummies , a few simple essentials can make overnight flights much more comfortable.
If you're preparing for a redeye, these are the travel products I never fly without , plus the flight tips that help me get the most rest possible in the air.
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What to bring on a redeye flight: 5 essentials I never travel without
1. Best travel pillow for a redeye flight
I know, I know — it's hard to get comfortable on a flight. But having a plush neck pillow will help provide extra support so you can ease into a more restful sleep on your next overnight flight. This memory foam airplane pillow offers just that, with a foldable design that's easy to pack.
2. Best sleep aid for a redeye flight
Sometimes it takes more than a comfy pillow or blanket to sleep on a redeye flight; that's where these melatonin vitamins come in. The gummies go down smooth, with a strawberry flavoring that'll help you sink into a healthy sleep cycle.
3. Best outfit for a redeye flight
You don't have to go full PJs on your next overnight flight, but a comfy airplane outfit is definitely essential to ensure you're at your most comfortable. This Amazon loungewear set is soft, breathable, and still endlessly stylish.
4. Best earplugs for a redeye flight
Tune out unexpected airplane noises and enjoy a more restful sleep with the help of these noise-cancelling earplugs . They're so comfy, you'll forget they're in at all; perfect for turbulence, loud seat mates, or uneasy babies.
5. Best eye mask for a redeye flight
Ideally, your redeye flight will turn down the lights — but if pesky cell phone lights or open windows get in the way of you sleeping more soundly, this plush sleep mask will provide total darkness, with a satin design that's gentle on eyes (and skin).
Tips for redeye flight travel
The truth: few things can prepare you for a redeye flight besides lots of overnight flying experience — no matter how many travel essentials you pack. Consider these travel tips for a smoother redeye flight:
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Forgo alcohol or caffeine: Usually, you'll get fed on overnight flights — but if you're tempted to indulge in a late-night coffee or soda with your airplane dinner, I'd advise against it. Both exasperate dehydration and can throw off your whole sleep cycle. Sleeping on airplanes is hard enough!
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Book a window seat (if you can): This might seem obvious, but on redeye flights, a window seat is truly a gamechanger. It gives you more space to move around and rest against the window, if needed.
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Opt for slip-on shoes: I'm not saying you should go full barefoot (le gross), but slip-on shoes like slippers, sandals, or boots (with socks, of course) are far superior to tight sneakers that make you feel constrained — and yes, will probably make it harder to sleep on an overnight flight.
Are redeye flights worth it? My honest opinion
For long, international flights where you want to maximize your trip time? Yes. For short, domestic flights that are only 3-4 hours long in total? No.
I've tried the latter (plenty of times), and for necessary work trips, it's doable — but certainly not enjoyable. You barely have enough time to settle into your domestic flight before it ends and you're forced to deplane or hop to another layover. But redeye flights are definitely a great travel hack for lengthy international flights — you can get plenty of sleep, without the anxiety of staying awake in a cramped plane seat for 8+ hours.
Pro tip: If you're taking a redeye flight for domestic or international trips, and you're still worried about being too tired once you land, book a night at a hotel for the night that you're traveling — that way when you land, you can check-in to your hotel right away, rather than having to wait for a 3 p.m. check-in the next day.
â–ºRelated: Wait, are airfare prices going down? These flights are insanely cheap
This article originally appeared on 10Best.com: I've taken 20+ redeye flights. I swear by 5 items for overnight travel
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