When should you sleep on a long haul flight?

We do have a natural decrease of alertness in the middle of the afternoon, which makes this a good time to try for sleep on a daytime flight. On nighttime flights it will be easier to sleep once the dinner service is finished, otherwise you will be battling noise, light and the movement of people around you.



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If you're traveling east on an overnight flight, avoid light exposure and try to sleep during the first half of the flight (likely when it's night where you're heading). If you're going west, avoid light exposure during the second half of your flight to initiate a delay in your circadian rhythm.

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Use a sleep mask. Follow your usual bedtime routine as close as possible when you're on the plane. Invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. Limit your screen time: Being on your phone, laptop or tablet can make it more difficult to fall asleep.

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Before your flight, keep an eye on the seat map to see if there are any empty rows you can claim last minute.
  1. Use those air miles to upgrade. ...
  2. Shell out for premium economy. ...
  3. Prepare for jet lag. ...
  4. De-stress before you arrive. ...
  5. Pack plenty of face masks. ...
  6. Buckle your seat belt over your blanket. ...
  7. Pack an eye mask.


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12 Tips (and Carry-On Essentials) for Surviving a Long-Haul Flight
  1. Buy your ticket as early as possible. ...
  2. Wear your most comfortable outfit. ...
  3. Invest in a good travel pillow, earplugs, and sleep mask. ...
  4. Pack your own headphones. ...
  5. Take the smallest personal item you can. ...
  6. Bring your own snacks, or buy some before boarding.


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How to survive a long-haul flight: 10 proven tips
  1. Find comfortable clothes to wear on long flights. ...
  2. Reserve a good seat. ...
  3. Prepare yourself for sleep. ...
  4. Don't pack too much in your cabin luggage. ...
  5. Take your own snacks. ...
  6. Move around the plane. ...
  7. Stay hydrated. ...
  8. Relax!


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Our top tips for sleeping on a plane
  1. Bring your own pillow and/or blanket.
  2. Wear comfortable clothes.
  3. Use a sleep mask.
  4. Follow your usual bedtime routine as close as possible when you're on the plane.
  5. Invest in a pair of noise-canceling headphones or earplugs.


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The best thing you can do to prevent jet lag is to get a lot of sleep the night before your flight. If you board the plane sleep deprived, you're less likely to fall asleep when you want to on the flight, and less likely to stay asleep. Not getting enough rest before a trip starts you at a disadvantage already.

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The only difference: you should stay awake on the plane to North America rather than sleeping. That's why the cabin crew keeps the lights on. Generally, your plane will land in the late afternoon or evening. Again, stay awake until 8 pm, and then head to Dream Land.

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How to Sleep on a Long Plane Flight: Here Are 24 Tips You Should Try
  1. Reserve a window seat. ...
  2. Try to get a seat with an empty spot beside you. ...
  3. Book nonstop flights. ...
  4. Wear comfortable clothes and comfortable shoes. ...
  5. Make sure your seat belt buckle is visible. ...
  6. Decline the meal. ...
  7. Don't watch movies. ...
  8. Use earplugs.


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Take a melatonin pill. That's the hormone that our bodies use to put us to sleep naturally. Pop the pill a few hours before the flight.

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Managing fatigue is a challenge, particularly when flying overnight (red-eye) flights. Some countries allow pilots to take controlled naps to improve alertness during the landing. So far, the U.S. has not allowed this fatigue mitigation. Pilots keep flight deck lights up, and engage in conversation to help keep alert.

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Mistakes Travelers Make On A Long-Haul Flight
  • Wearing Uncomfortable Clothes.
  • Choosing A Seat By The Restroom.
  • Watching The Clock.
  • Forgetting To Double-Check Upgrade Options.
  • Traveling Without Sleep Essentials.
  • Flying Without Entertainment.
  • Overlooking Seat Options.
  • Boarding Without A Sleep Game Plan.


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Cardiovascular issues, such as fainting and dizziness, do happen, though they are rare. They are more likely on very long flights, however. For the vast majority of people, the longest flights should be quite safe—though you may find yourself in need of some R&R upon landing.

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13 Tips for Surviving a Long-Haul Flight
  1. Choose your seat. ...
  2. Power up. ...
  3. Get comfy. ...
  4. Bring some snacks. ...
  5. Always bring a scarf or shawl. ...
  6. Pack a pillow and blanket. ...
  7. See no evil, hear no evil. ...
  8. Hydrate, hydrate, hydrate.


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They're not glamorous, but they're very comfortable, with padded bunks and sometimes even in-flight entertainment! With 14- to 18-hour flights no longer unusual, pilots and cabin crew have legally mandated rest times —and airlines also realise that a rested, refreshed crew member is a happy crew member.

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The record-breaking flights will take place on Airbus A350-1000s, the airline industry's largest wide-body aircraft. In 20 hours, you could bicycle the entire 200 miles from Baltimore, Maryland, to New York City (and maybe even have a couple hours to spare).

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Airlines ensure crew safety and well-being on long-haul flights, with two pilots and enough cabin crew to split shifts. Pilot rest requirements have been updated to include 10 hours of rest before a flight and the opportunity for 8 hours of uninterrupted sleep.

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Air is actually less oxygen-dense at higher altitudes. Meaning the higher you go, the less oxygen will be available to you. While you may not consciously notice any trouble breathing, you are likely to feel drained and tired once you land at your destination.

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Compression socks help deter potential blood clots They work to stimulate circulation in the lower half, which is especially useful during long flights when you're sitting for prolonged periods.

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