What Is A "Red Eye" Flight? Insider Tips & Strategies

It can be hard to stay awake on a late-night or overnight trip, also called a "red-eye flight." But if you know a few tricks, you can make the journey more pleasant and easier. Most of the time, these planes leave late at night and get there early in the morning. That does mean that these trips are often cheaper, but it can also make it hard to sleep.

When on vacation or moving for any other reason, no one wants to feel sleepy or worn out. Luckily, there are ways to make your trip more comfortable and feel better when you get there.

What is a red-eye trip, though, and how can you make sure you're comfortable? Read on to find out how we at First Fly Travel will help you make it through a red-eye journey.

WHAT DO RED-EYE FLIGHTS MEAN?

Red-eye flights happen late at night or all night, when most people are sleeping. When does a red-eye trip leave? Most of the time, they leave late at night and arrive early in the morning, between 9 p.m. and 5 a.m. Why are these trips called "red-eye"? Because they can make you tired and even give you red eyes from not getting enough sleep.

It's often cheaper to take a red-eye flight because not many people want to travel at these times.

That's why airlines plan them to fill places at times when demand is low, like late at night. These flights don't follow your body's normal rhythms, which can throw off your sleep schedule. However, they can save you money. Hence, you can book your cheap red-eye flight with us. Get your Alaska Airlines flight tickets at the best price without any struggle.

What are the pros and cons of taking a red-eye flight?

Do you want to take a red-eye flight on your next trip? Have a look on the pros and cons to help you decide and finalize your Lufthansa Airlines booking.

WHAT'S GOOD ABOUT RED-EYE FLIGHTS

For your next trip, a red-eye ticket might be a good idea because of the following:

Possible lower fares: Since they're less popular, red-eye trips tend to be less expensive, making them a good choice for budget travelers.

Less crowded airports: Since fewer flights leave late at night, airports are usually less busy and lines are shorter, which lets you get through security faster.

It's more likely that the seat next to you will be empty on red eye flights because they're not as popular. This gives you more room to stretch out and relax.

More time at your destination: If you fly overnight, you can stay at your destination longer. When you arrive in the morning, you'll be ready to start your day without wasting time on travel.

RED-EYE FLIGHT CONS

There are some good things about red-eye trips, but there are also some bad things. Because of these things, you might want to think twice before getting on one:

You're more likely to get jet lag because flying at night can disturb your body's internal clock, making you feel sleepy and out of sync.

Fewer services on the plane: Because red-eye trips take place at night, airlines usually offer fewer services and amenities than during the day. This means you may have to give up some comforts.

It might be hard to sleep on the plane: No matter how hard you try, it can be hard to get a good night's sleep on a plane, especially if you're not used to sleeping while traveling. This could make you tired and cranky when you get there.

Checking into your hotel or other accommodation can be hard if you get there very early in the morning. You may have to wait several hours before you can check in, leaving you in limbo until then.

How to Get Ready for Your Red-Eye Flight: Tricks and Tips

Plan what you're going to bring to make your ride more comfortable and your trip more fun overall. Your experience before, during, and after a red-eye trip can depend on how well you prepare. Here are some easy things you can do to get ready for a better time.

Do your best to sleep on the airplane

Getting some sleep on the plane can help you handle your red-eye journey better. You can sleep better if you wear comfortable clothes and bring things like a travel pillow, earplugs, and an eye mask to block out light and noise.

Setting up a more relaxing space can also help you fall asleep. Set your seat up so that it's cozy, and use a blanket to make it even more comfortable. Turn off ceiling lights and lower the brightness of your screen on electronics to avoid being distracted.

To block out any leftover background noise, you can also listen to soothing music or white noise through headphones.

Bring things that will make you feel better

Use our complete packing list for trips to make sure you bring the right things. Choosing the right bags will make it lighter and easier to carry. Bring a soft blanket and a water bottle that you can fill up again and again to stay warm and hydrated on the flight.

Also, pick clothes that are easy to move around in on the flight. If you can't sleep on the trip, wearing clothes that are easy on the skin can make it more enjoyable.

Focus on staying hydrated and eating well

Getting enough food and water before and during your red-eye trip can help you feel more awake and energized. If you want to stay healthy while traveling, consider bringing snacks like veggies, nuts, and granola bars.

Too much caffeine or booze can make it harder to sleep, so don't drink too much of either.

On arrival, set your clock to local time

To avoid getting more jet lag, try to get used to the local time when you arrive. Being outside in daylight during the day and staying awake until your local bedtime can help you reset your body clock.

Also, it's best not to take long naps when you get there. Instead, do something light to help you stay awake. It's okay if you go to sleep earlier than usual. To get over jet lag and make the most of your time at your destination, you can slowly get used to the local time zone.

Well-known red-eye flight routes

Many people take red-eye flights between big towns that get a lot of business or tourist traffic. Along routes like those between New York City and Los Angeles or London and Dubai, there are often red-eye choices. A red-eye trip to Europe will get you there in the morning so that you can start your day off right. People who want to save money, get to meetings early in the morning, or make the most of their time at their places can use these routes.

You can look for red-eye trips on the websites of airlines or on third-party booking sites. You can use filters to find trips that leave late at night or early in the morning. Consider the flight departure and arrival times, any layovers, and the price.

You can book the flight just like you would for any other trip once you find one. You can also book a flight on standby and change it to a red-eye if you think that's the best thing to do. Call our agents at First Fly Travel and book your cheap red-eye flight without disturbing your sleep.