A guide to red-eye flights, with insider tips and strategies

Red-eye flights often get a bad rap. But while these overnight flights do come with certain challenges, they also have a few perks. Most notably, they often cost less than their daytime counterparts and allow more time at your destination.

Below, you’ll learn not only what a red-eye flight entails, but how to make them as comfortable and stress-free as possible, whether you’re flying across the country or the world.

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In this post

What is a red-eye flight?
Why a red-eye flight might be a good idea
Downsides of red-eye flights — and how to deal
How to prepare for a red-eye flight
5 tips for surviving a red-eye flight
FAQs

What is a red-eye flight?

A red-eye flight is an insider term that generally means any flight that departs in the late afternoon or evening and arrives at the destination the following day.

However, since many travelers find it difficult to get quality sleep on overnight flights, they can result in tired, red (i.e., bloodshot) eyes. Hence, the negative-sounding nickname.

Sometimes, red-eye flights are unavoidable. For example, if you’re headed to Europe, you’re all but guaranteed to be on an overnight flight. (US-bound flights from Europe, meanwhile, operate during the day, allowing airlines to maximize their fleets.)

Why a red eye might actually be a good idea

Despite the bad reputation they have among some travelers, red-eye flights can come with perks throughout the travel journey. Here, a few to consider.

Better deals on airfare: Because they’re less in demand, red eyes are typically cheaper than daytime flights. (However, on some routes, only red eyes are available, which means you’re not likely to see much savings.)

Less traffic on the way to the airport: If you have a late-night flight, you may not even have to factor in heavy traffic en route to the airport (which can have a big impact when planning how early to arrive ).

Lesser crowded airports: Because fewer people fly during off-peak times, airport tend to be less crowded in the evening. That can also mean shorter check-in and security lines, as well as less crowded airport lounges.

More space to spread out onboard: Depending on where and when you fly, you may luck out with an adjacent empty seat – or an entire row to yourself, which has happened to me more on red-eye flights than daytime ones.

Good timing with kids’ sleep schedules: Some parents actually prefer red-eye flights that coincide with their children’s sleep schedules, which can make overnight flights a smoother experience than daytime ones.

More time in your destination: Because you arrive in the morning, you’ll have more time to spend wherever you’re headed.

Downsides of red-eye flights – and how to deal

Of course, red-eye flights also have their downsides, too. Most notably: Travelers who don’t sleep well on planes are most likely to struggle getting any shuteye on a red eye, which also can lead to more severe effects of jet lag.

In addition, if you arrive very early in the morning, you may not be able to check in at your hotel — a minor inconvenience that can feel more frustrating after a long flight with little sleep.

That said, certain workarounds can help ease the hassles. A few strategies I recommend for early arrivals after a red eye:

Request early check-in ahead of time. If hotels have availability, they are often happy to let me check in early following a red eye. Sometimes, early check-in comes with a fee (which I find is well worth it). But you’ll increase your chances of scoring it for free if you’re a member of a hotel’s loyalty program.

Stash your luggage. If you’re not able to check in early, most hotels will store your luggage for free until your room is ready. That way, you can grab a cup of coffee or a bite to eat and try to get your body clock adjusted to the local time zone.

Take advantage of day use hotels at the airport: Many major airports offer day use hotels (or sleeping pods) that are designed for a few hours’ sleep. If an early check-in isn’t possible at your hotel, such facilities can be a convenient, cost-effective option.

Check into a day spa: If you’re headed to Europe, chances are good there will be a spa facility close to your hotel (if not on premises). For a very reasonable fee, you’ll get access to shower facilities, a pool, and often lounging spaces where you can take a quick snooze.

Booking a red-eye flight: What to consider

Red-eye or not, there are several tips for flying that will improve your experience on any flight. But red-eyes can require some additional strategies, starting with the booking process. Here, a few quick tips.

Look for the red-eye icon. Most airlines and OTAs, including KAYAK, indicate a red-eye flight that lands the next day in the destination with a small eye icon. KAYAK also makes it a cinch to avoid booking a red-eye flight, simply by unchecking the “Show red-eyes” option under the Flight Quality menu.

Book a direct flight whenever possible. Avoid connecting flights, and you’ll eliminate some of the stress and hassle involved with a connection. If a connecting flight is unavoidable, try to book the shorter connection on the front end of the trip, when you’re more alert and less exhausted.

Choose your seat carefully. Consider booking a window seat if you plan to sleep, so you’re not woken up whenever someone else needs to get up. However, if you prefer to have the freedom to walk around, an aisle seat might be the better choice.

Exit row or bulkhead seats can be well worth any extra fees for a red-eye flight for the extra space they offer.

5 tips for surviving a red-eye flight

Red-eye flights, by design, coincide with long-haul routes, so prepare to be in a confined space for a considerable duration. KAYAK’s tips for long flights are a great starting point for preparing for a more comfortable red-eye experience. Below, additional tips to make your next overnight flight as smooth as possible.

1. Dress appropriately.

Wear soft, comfortable clothes that are more conducive to relaxing. Dress in layers: a lightweight hoodie or sweater can save the day if the flight is chilly, and if it’s too hot, you can easily take it off. Finally, shoes that easily slip on and off are a good idea.

Many medical experts also highly recommend wearing compression socks while flying – and especially on long flights like red eyes. Compression socks can help reduce the risk of blood clots by helping maintain healthy blood flow. And everyone, not just those prone to blood clots, should consider wearing a pair. I like to wear compression socks on any long flight to prevent swelling (which can take days to go down) and to help keep my legs more comfortable while they are not in my normal prone sleeping position.

2. Bring eye masks, earplugs, and travel pillows.

Light and sound will be additional obstacles to falling and staying asleep on an overnight flight, so come prepared with an eye mask and something to block out noise. If you can sleep with large headphones, opt for those with noise-canceling capability. Classical music also can distract from surrounding sounds. And, for those who prefer silence, earplugs can come in very handy.

Meanwhile, a silk eye mask blocks out light with minimal effects on your skin. Finally, while some claim travel pillows are a waste of carry-on space, I always bring two: one for my neck and one for an elbow or for my seat, wherever I need it more.

3. Stay hydrated.

Aircraft cabins are notoriously dry, so be sure to stay hydrated before the flight and onboard. Bonus points if you can avoid caffeine and alcohol, which not only are dehydrating but also can disrupt sleep.

4. Minimize screen use.

Yes, you’ll probably take advantage of the aircraft’s IFE to watch a movie (or two). But keep in mind that screens (including those on devices) can disrupt sleep. Lowering the brightness on the seatback screen and your own devices can make it easier to fall asleep — for both you and fellow passengers.

5. Remember: This, too, shall pass.

If you, like some travelers, find it impossible to sleep on flights, then the prospect of an hours-long overnight one with nary a wink of shuteye can be daunting. But if you can’t sleep, don’t stress. There are plenty of things to do on a plane to make the time pass: guilt-free bingeing your favorite show, reading a book, or listening to a podcast.

How KAYAK AI can help

KAYAK AI, a handy new tool, can easily take the guesswork out of red-eye flights – and find which one is best suited for your trip within seconds.

For example, asking the tool to find the best direct red-eye flights from the US East Coast to Paris turns up the following options, which can then be further explored – and easily booked.

New York (JFK/EWR) to Paris (CDG): Air France, Delta, American Airlines, United
Boston (BOS) to Paris (CDG): Air France, Delta
Washington DC (IAD) to Paris (CDG): Air France, United
Philadelphia (PHL) to Paris (CDG): American Airlines
Miami (MIA) to Paris (CDG): Air France, American Airlines (not always East Coast, but close enough for a long layover)

These flights typically depart between 5 PM and 10 PM local time and land in Paris early to mid-morning.

Some of our favorite flight routes

Red-eye flights FAQ

Often. Flight prices are driven by demand, and most travelers prefer to fly during daytime hours, so red-eyes are almost always less expensive. This is because airlines often entice passengers to book these off-peak flights and free up demand during the day. Of course, if a specific route – such as flying to Europe from the US — only has red-eye options, you won’t likely notice much in savings.

Preparation is key. Be sure to pack items that can help you sleep, such as an eye mask, ear plugs, travel pillow, and blanket. Avoid (or minimize) your intake of caffeine and alcohol, which can cause interrupted sleep.

Choose healthy foods that don’t cause indigestion (in other words, perhaps those mile-high nachos aren’t the best bet). It’s also a good idea to avoid food with extra sodium, which can compound the dehydrating effects of an aircraft cabin. Some good options include fruit, vegetables, and lean protein like grilled chicken. And out of respect for your fellow passengers, please avoid the beans.

Jet lag isn’t caused so much by a red-eye flight itself but instead the transition across several time zones. Still, the effects of jet lag can be compounded by poor quality sleep on a red-eye flight. Minimize jet lag by adjusting to the local time zone as quickly as possible; exposing yourself to natural light during morning hours; and avoiding naps if at all possible. Some travelers also swear by melatonin, a natural hormone that can assist in falling asleep.

From a crew and equipment perspective, red-eye flights are as safe as any other flight. That said, if you don’t sleep well on planes, frequent red-eye flights can lead to health issues like higher blood pressure and weight gain. Blood clots are more likely to occur during red-eye flights because people aren’t moving around frequently. You can minimize your risk by taking regular breaks to stand up and stretch and by wearing compression socks.

Yes. There’s no evidence to suggest that red-eye flights pose any significant health risks specifically to children. In fact, small children often sleep on red-eye flights, making it a smoother travel experience overall.

A guide to red-eye flights — and how survive them.