Why I Don’t Mind Flying Red-Eye Flights for Long-Haul Travel

Most people try to avoid red-eye flights — ones that depart late at night and arrive early in the morning. Why would you want to get up early, drive to the airport, and sit in an uncomfortable airplane seat for hours when you could be in bed?

But red-eye flights are actually much better than you’d think, and they’ve become my go-to choice for long-haul travel. While some ultra-long-haul routes make overnight flights unavoidable, when you have a choice, they’re not as bad as you might imagine.

Our family has used them several times over the past few years, and now we often seek them out. Here are the 5 key reasons why we prefer red-eye flights.

1. Maximize Daytime at Your Destination

One of the best advantages of red-eye flights is that they allow you to make the most of your time at your destination. Arriving early in the morning gives you a full day when you arrive, whether you’re on vacation or a business trip. By flying overnight, you arrive at your destination early in the morning, with a full day ahead of you. Instead of wasting daylight in transit, you can dive straight into your itinerary or have time to settle in before exploring.

In 2019, my wife and 6 kids took a red-eye flight to Europe. We drove from our home in Cincinnati to New York so that we could take advantage of a direct red-eye flight to Portugal. Our youngest was 7 at the time, so it wasn’t as chaotic as it would’ve been if our kids were younger.

When we got to Lisbon, we sped through immigration and were were able to make our way to our Airbnb and check in early. We dropped off our luggage, took a quick nap and then set off to the city and took advantage of an extra day of exploring that we wouldn’t have been able to have if we had taken a daytime flight.

The flight was 7 hours, so we had plenty of time to get some rest in the quiet environment. With 8 passengers, we took up several rows, so we were able to spread out a bit. It was a bit stressful for us as parents, but the advantages made it worth it.

2. Beat the Crowds at Airports

Airports are often chaotic during peak travel hours with long security lines, crowded boarding areas, and nowhere to sit while you wait. However, red-eye flights tend to operate during quieter times, often in the late evening or early morning hours.

This means that you’ll likely go through security screening faster and have a more relaxed boarding experience. Fewer passengers also mean shorter waits for luggage and a generally smoother process upon landing.

3. Get Rest on the Flight

While sleeping on a plane may not be ideal, red-eye flights align with your natural sleep cycle, making it easier to catch some rest during the journey.

Airplane seats may not be as comfortable as a bed but the dimmed cabin lights and quiet atmosphere can make it easier to drift off. Arriving rested can help combat jet lag and leave you feeling more prepared to tackle the day ahead.

4. Save Money on Accommodations

Traveling overnight saves you the cost of an extra night in a hotel. By combining transportation and accommodation, you’re cutting costs and being efficient.

Sure, you won’t get the luxury of a comfy hotel bed, but if you’re on a budget, this is a great way to save money for other parts of your trip. The average cost of a hotel is around $208 per night, according to our recent study, so removing that cost by taking a red-eye flight can be a substantial savings.

5. Enjoy a Quiet, Calm Flight

Red-eye flights are usually quieter than daytime ones. Most passengers are focused on sleeping or relaxing, which means fewer distractions from conversations or noisy kids.

The cabin lights are also usually dimmed for the entire flight, making it easier to relax. This quiet environment is perfect for unwinding with a book, watching a movie, or simply sleeping.

What To Consider When Booking Red-Eye Flights

“Always” is perhaps too strong a word. While I do prefer red-eye flights for long-haul travel, there are a few things to consider and some situations where I might pick a daytime flight.

Traveling With Kids

Flying with kids is already stressful enough without throwing a red-eye into the mix. Though they might sleep through the flight, there’s also a chance they’ll wake up cranky and exhausted — and then you’re stuck dealing with tired kids all day. In this case, a daytime flight is maybe the safer bet.

Limited Services When You Arrive

Arriving early might mean nothing’s open yet, including coffee shops and public transportation. If your hotel check-in isn’t until later, you could be stuck wandering or trying to nap somewhere uncomfortable.

Disrupted Sleep Schedule

Unless you’re a pro at sleeping in less-than-ideal conditions, red-eye flights can leave you feeling groggy or cranky the next day. Sleep deprivation isn’t fun, especially if you have a busy schedule after you land. Plane seats aren’t exactly beds, and trying to sleep upright with limited legroom can be miserable

Pro Tips for Surviving a Red-Eye Flight

It can be difficult to enjoy a red-eye flight (especially if you’re tall or larger than average), so here are a few tips to make a red-eye flight less miserable.

Prepare for Sleep Mode

Bring a comfy neck pillow, noise-canceling headphones, and an eye mask to block out light and sound. Wear layers or bring a blanket, since planes can get chilly.

Choose Your Seat Wisely

Pick a window seat so you can lean against the wall and avoid being disturbed by other passengers getting up. Also, try to sit away from the bathrooms to avoid the noises of people walking to and from it.

Watch What You Eat (And Drink)

Airplane cabins are notoriously dry, so drink water before and during the flight. Avoid caffeine and heavy meals before takeoff — both can mess with your ability to fall asleep. Instead, have something light and relaxing, like an herbal tea.

Final Thoughts

Red-eye flights may not be your favorite way to travel, but you can’t deny that they can sometimes be the better than daytime flights. They can be cheaper than regular fights, smoother, and overall more chill. While they may make it harder to have a good night’s sleep, red-eye flights can be a great for long-haul travel.