Not everyone is semi-nocturnal like me, I know most people aren’t because that’s not a normal thing. Sometimes, a red-eye flight is the only way to get where you’re going, but your red-eye flight doesn’t have to be miserable.

The drawbacks of travel aside, travel is first and foremost a privilege. You don’t have to take that 11pm red-eye flight to Paris, you get to. I don’t mean to sound like some sort of magical thinking internet grifter, but your mindset is everything. I know that’s easier said than done with a screaming baby drowning out your vampire movie marathon, but you can’t control that, you can only control how you react.

Contrary to popular belief, alcohol does not help you sleep. Numerous studies prove the opposite. It also weakens your immune system, which is already under extra stress from sleep deprivation, and the stress of travel itself. The mini bottles with dinner on long hauls are tempting, I know. And I know that free champagne tastes best while watching all the plebs pass by from seat 1A. Maybe you pay crazy high credit card fees for lounge access (if you haven’t paid your dues with loyalty points), so I know you want to take advantage of all the free Prosecco…I mean perks. And I’m not saying you have to skip all that unless you’re flying the plane. I will say that you should still tip airport lounge bartenders in countries where tipping is customary. Just don’t go overboard with the drinks, they might not even let you on the plane, per airline policy.

Leave the Experiments to Dr. Frankenstein

This should go without saying, but a red-eye-flight is not the time to experiment with new substances, mix anything you aren’t used to, or ingest things that you normally don’t. I don’t think any flight is the right time for that. You never know how your mind or body will react, and you don’t want to go viral for the wrong reasons. If you do want to go viral, there are probably ways to go about it without branding yourself as that person forever. If you do want to try a new sleep aid, maybe try a test run at home before your red-eye flight.

Comfort is Key

Dressing up for a first-class upgrade feels like an urban legend these days, so there’s no point in wearing a three-piece suit unless you’re cutting it real close between touchdown and your black-tie event. I know this might sound uncharacteristic for someone like me who is always chronically overdressed, but a red-eye-flight is one time when it is ok to dress down. The only way you’re getting that upgrade is with a high-tier status through airline loyalty, the power of vampiric hypnosis, employee perks, insanely good looks, or an insane amount of luck – it probably doesn’t make much of a difference if you’re wearing stilettos and a ballgown, or flip flops and stained sweats (but please wear clean clothes and closed toe shoes). Only employees and those traveling on vouchers have to adhere to a dress code – I think – but you should always look up your airline’s specific, official policies before you blindly follow the advice of a self-proclaimed expert on the internet.

So, if you are not subject to a dress code, and don’t have a board meeting or a Gala to attend as soon as you land, wear something comfortable enough to sleep in. That doesn’t mean you have to look sloppy. I like to wear maxi dresses on red-eye flights since they’re the closest thing you can get to a nightgown, and under a jacket, it makes no difference. If athleisure works for you, then wear it. If your platform boots and every pair of pants won’t fit in your suitcase and you want to wear seven pairs of jeans at once – you are much stronger than I am. If you swapped all your jeans for joggers during the pandemic, that’s fine. “But what if I meet the love of my life on the plane?” You ask. The love of your life will see you in joggers, sans makeup, someday, will they not? At least you’re already sleeping next to each other.

In-Seat Comfort

I have always been anti-neck pillow, but I do need total darkness to sleep. I strongly recommend a sleep mask. Bring as many squish mellows as your carry-on permits. Buy a whole row for yourself to lie down in. Put your pillow on the tray table if that’s the only place you can comfortably lay your head- do whatever you must to make yourself comfortable, without pissing off your fellow passengers – that latter part is key.

Upon Arrival

You have two options: Stay caffeinated and power through till you crash or pay for an extra night if early check-in isn’t an option. Choose what is best for your budget and your needs, but for me, safety and sleep cannot be compromised.

Don’t plan all of your top to-do items for the first day. First get some rest so you can fully enjoy those experiences. Don’t feel pressured to force yourself awake to fight jet lag. Sleep whenever you need to, as long as you wake up in time for your plans. If you are traveling for pleasure, it’s your trip – who says you have to adhere to “normal” sleep schedule anyway? That’s not my idea of a vacation. If you’re reading my bkog, then you already know that normal is overrated.