Red-eyes. The cheap, time-saving, life-questioning, overnight flights that make you think, “Yeah, I’ll just sleep on the plane!” Spoiler: you won’t. Unless you follow this guide.
Whether you’re flying from PDX to JFK or just trying to avoid traffic by taking that 11:45 PM departure to somewhere marginally better, here’s how to survive the night in the sky without arriving looking like you crawled out of a crypt.
🧦 1. Dress Like a Cozy Burrito (Not a Fashion Icon)
Look, no one’s handing out awards for airport couture at 2 AM. The goal is soft layers, stretchy pants, and a hoodie you can hide in like a turtle. Compression socks? Yes. Tight jeans? You absolute maniac, no.
Also, don’t forget a light jacket or sweater. Planes can go from lukewarm to meat-locker real quick.
😴 2. Neck Pillow = Non-Negotiable
Yes, you’ll look a little silly. Yes, you’ll thank yourself later when you don’t wake up with your chin in your armpit.
Bonus move: Get one with memory foam and snap support so your head doesn’t roll like a loose bowling ball every time turbulence hits.
🧴 3. Moisturize Like You’re Preparing for Battle
Plane air is drier than your aunt’s Thanksgiving turkey. A tiny tube of facial moisturizer, lip balm, and eye drops will save you from emerging crusty and confused. Hydration = less goblin, more functioning human.
Pro tip: Avoid anything heavily scented unless you want side-eyes from your row mates.
🧘 4. Use the Jedi Mind Trick of Melatonin
Want to knock out naturally? Bring melatonin gummies or a gentle herbal sleep aid. Just don’t overdo it unless you enjoy waking up in Ohio when you were headed to Chicago.
Pair with a calming playlist or ambient noise app. (We recommend “Heavy Rain on a Spaceship in Iceland” for maximum vibes.)
🔇 5. Block Out the Madness
Two essentials:
- Eye mask — because that one guy WILL keep his reading light on the whole flight.
- Noise-canceling headphones or earplugs — because babies cry, people snore, and sometimes the beverage cart sounds like it’s made of pots and pans.
🧃 6. Avoid Caffeine (Yes, Even at PDX’s Fancy Coffee Stands)
It’s tempting to slam a latte at 10 PM while waiting at your gate. Resist. Caffeine will leave you wired and regretting all your choices somewhere over Nebraska. Sip water instead. Boring? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
🧼 7. Land & Refresh (Before You Scare a TSA Agent)
You made it! But you look… haunted. Fix it fast:
- Hit the bathroom for a mini refresh.
- Brush your teeth.
- Swipe on some deodorant.
- Use face wipes.
- Put on sunglasses and pretend you’re famous.
Boom. You’re reborn.
✈️ Bonus: Park Smart, Not Sleepy
Red-eyes mean arriving at ungodly hours — like 3:17 AM. That’s why choosing a parking lot with 24/7 shuttle service (like ours 😏) is essential. You do not want to be stranded on the curb waiting for a pickup while hallucinating from sleep-deprivation.
Book ahead, sleep on board (kind of), and roll off that plane looking merely tired instead of legally deceased.
Final Thought:
Red-eyes are brutal, but you’re tougher. With a little prep and a lot of melatonin, you can survive the skies and arrive at your destination ready to take on the world. Or at least find coffee. Lots of it.