What are some things you have done to ease the discomfort (and be able to sleep) on a 10–12 hour red eye flight?

[Guest]

No budget for business class. We tried premium economy on Norwegian the last time we flew in 2019 and it was terribly uncomfortable. I am so worried about this.

We will get aisle seats opposite each other because at least then we can stretch.

I don’t think we will have enough points on our chase sapphire preferred card to help us here… Maybe 100,000 points?

Thanks

[Carrie]

I use a foot hammock and a side sleeper inflatable pillow so I can tilt my head to the side to avoid the head nodding up and down thing.

[Heather]

I like to think of my long flights in 3 hour segments. In each hour I watch one movie and then in between get up, go to the bathroom , read, maybe do a puzzle or something. Breaking it into sections like that seems to make it go faster for me.

Also if you have any connections get an on-site airport hotel where you don’t have to go through security. Most hotels near airports will allow you to book by the hour.

Sometimes it’s the same price or cheaper than buying lounge passes and you can shower, nap and generally just put your feet up for a few hours.

I also never pass up a water service, if they had out water take one - every time, it will also force you to get up and walk to the bathroom which is good for keeping you circulation going. Finally - face moisturizer, lip balm and saline nasal spray all keep you hydrated. I apply all three one during each 3 hour period.

Useful: What has been the best travel pillows or something that you carried on that made it easier for you to sleep?

[Elissa]

Roll up a blanket or sweater for back support. I noticed that made a huge difference in how comfortable I was. Also a good neck pillow, bring your own blanket, a cushion for your bum. Book the window seat so you have a wall to lean on.

Buy a second seat and hope it doesn’t get filled. That way you can stretch out alittle more, sit cross-legged etc

[Heidi]

The sleeping part can be tough, so I do what I can to feel as fresh as possible on little sleep. I reduce my caffeine intake as much as possible a few days prior to the flight - not so much that I'll get a headache, but still pretty limited.

I also stay as hydrated as possible starting a week before. On the flight, I avoid carbonation, alcohol and caffeine (but gladly drink the coffee or tea served with pre-landing breakfast).

I drink plenty of water and take a short walk every 90 minutes or so. I am a pretty light sleeper at home, so for a red eye, I have a soft music playlist downloaded to help drown out incidental noise. I too prefer an aisle seat, but it is not the best for sleeping (people bumping into you on their way to the bathroom, others in your row needing to get out…), so I prepare for dozing, not really sleeping.

Eye mask, neck pillow and airline issue blanket help.