Comfortable red-eye air travel

[Robindianne]

Posted on the Tips board but this is probably the better place. We are flying overnight and want to get some sleep on the plane so we can have fun w/out being too tired in the World when we arrive in the morning. So, do people use those rounded neck pillows and can you sleep OK on the plane with them w/out getting a kinked neck? Are the blow up ones comfy? Any other ideas for bringing on good sleep on the plane (other than meds )?

TIA

 

[kaytieeldr]

Bandannas to tie over the mouths of the passengers in the row behind you, who think it's necessary to speak in normal tones at 4 AM?
Yes, the pillows seem to work okay - splurge and get the vibrating ones with the beads inside. Also, earplugs and eyemasks.
For every two of you flying, try to reserve the window and aisle seats in any three-seat section. Since the middle seats are generally the last chosen/assigned, it's possible you'll end up with an empty seat between you, making it easier to get comfortable.

 

[Shagley]

I always have problems with the dry air in planes, so I would suggest bringing eye drops (I wear contacts, so that might be why my eyes are always so dry), and a bottle of water (so I don't have to try to get a flight attendant's attention every time I wake up and need a drink).

I second the suggestion of bringing ear plugs (or an Ipod or CD player with soothing music) and a mask, and I would also suggest a pair of comfy slippers.

Also, I find the inflatable travel pillows uncomfortable (maybe it was just the cheap one that I bought that was so uncomfortable), I would suggest one of those small pillows that are filled with beads instead.

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Bandannas to tie over the mouths of the passengers in the row behind you, who think it's necessary to speak in normal tones at 4 AM?

I will do anything to avoid red-eye flights.

 

[NotUrsula]

Jammies. Well, the "wearable-in-public" equivalent, anyway. Elastic waists, no zippers, no possible gaping buttons in front, etc. Short socks. Also, if you are female, a sports bra instead of a conventional one.

 

[salmoneous]

I don't like the blow-up pillows - the work for some folks, just not me. What I do like is bringing on a full-size pillow. Get a cheap one at Walmart and toss it after the flight if you don't feel like lugging it around for the rest of your vacation.

Get good eye and ear plugs. Try sleeping in them at home so your are used to them.

Be tired for the flight. Start coverting your body to East Coast time a week ahead.

Get ready to sleep as soon as you get on the plane. Don't wait until you are in the air, have gotten food or whatever.

 

[Robindianne]

Ohhhhhhh excellent ideas. I almost bought a bead filled pillow but then thought blow up would be better. Now I'm thinking we'll do the bead ones after reading your replies. We already have seats assigned aisle/middle. I never thought of trying to get the row that way. Next time we'll do that. Also will def get earplugs and mask. We are bringing music players and headphones so that will be good. Never even occurred to me to do a sports bra but I will for sure now! We planned on doing sweats type pants (elastic waist) t-shirts, sweatshirts, sarong for blanket, crocs to slip on and off.

Thank you all so much for your tips! My first park day will be better for reading all of them. You guys rock.

 

[Brian Noble]

Unfortunately, for me, trans-continential flights are just too short for adequate sleep. But, for red-eyes to Europe, I use an inflatable pillow (about 3/4 full), eye mask, and earplugs. I also take off my shoes. Literally as soon as the wheels are off the ground, I'm reclining with my gear on, and attempting to sleep.

On landing, I try hard to spend time out in the sun to help my body adjust, and also try hard not to nap mid-afternoon, but do go to bed very early local time.

 

[bavaria]

Eat light meals starting 3 days prior to trip. Drink lots of water and no pop or caffeine beverages starting the morning of the flight. Try and snag a blanket or bring a pashmina/wrap - can get cold overnight on flights.

If anyone is taking sleeping pills, experiment at home several times before the flight -all have different reaction times, etc and you don't want to wake up at MCO and not be able to function.

Change your watch as soon as you board to your destination time. Start adjusting your body days before your trip to the new time zone.

Try and book a redeye that is nonstop so that you don't need to chagne planes at 6am in ATL etc which is 3am Westcoast time.

Don't sleep or nap when you arrive - stay up as late as possible. Bring a tshirt etc in your carryon incase you can't get yoru room right away and want to put on a fresh shirt. (and never travel without a chagne of underclothes in your carry on - trust me)

I change time zones very frequently throughout the month and don't usually have a problem. My favourite flight to MCO is redeye flights.

 

[Olallamom]

tylenol PM

 

[Robindianne]

Good tips. I'll definitely work on adjusting to the time via preplanning, sunlight, etc. Hmm, I bet tylenol PM is pretty benign. I'll bring some on the plane.

The dis is the only place I can ask a question and get such great responses from those in the know. Thank you.