The answer is simple ? and even a bit silly: that's the term for commercial flights that depart at night and arrive at their destination the following day. As it is often difficult to sleep on airplanes, these flights can cause fatigue, insomnia, and red eyes, hence the name.

A red-eye flight is an overnight journey that typically departs late at night (between 9:00 PM and 1:00 AM) and arrives early the following morning. In 2026, passengers can expect dimmed cabin lighting for the majority of the flight to encourage sleep and quieter service, with fewer announcements and simplified meal or snack offerings. Airports during red-eye departures are often less crowded, leading to shorter security lines, though many shops and restaurants inside the terminal may be closed. While these flights are budget-friendly and save a day of travel, the primary challenge is the quality of rest in a pressurized cabin. Expect a degree of jet lag and grogginess upon arrival, as standard economy seating makes deep sleep difficult. For a better experience, travelers are advised to pack "comfort kits" containing a neck pillow, eye mask, and noise-canceling headphones, and to hydrate aggressively to combat the dry cabin air.