Flying Smart or Sorry?
Debating whether you should take a red-eye flight or not? We get it—it can be hard to juggle between whether it's better to sleep overnight on a plane and arrive early, or book one that flies out in the morning or midday. But there are pros and cons to a red-eye, and this article might just help you decide. Here are 10 benefits of taking a red-eye—and 10 reasons you'll regret choosing it.
Josue Isai Ramos Figueroa on Unsplash
1. Fewer People
The best thing about arriving at the airport in the middle of the night, when everyone else is already asleep? There are thinner crowds—maybe even non-existent. And if you've checked in already, all you need to do is grab a bite to eat and get through security, then head to your gate on time.
2. Easier to Fall Asleep
Because red-eyes are overnight, it should technically be easier to fall asleep than if you were to take a flight in the early morning. After all, you're supposed to be asleep in your bed, but tonight, you're just on a plane instead.
3. Faster Security
Remember what we said about thinner crowds? Unless you reside in a large urban city and your airport is one of the busiest in the world (think Hartsfield–Jackson Atlanta International Airport, for example), you'll probably have a much faster experience at security.
4. Peaceful Cabin
Because the flight crew assumes you'll be sleeping on a red-eye, the lights are dimmed and windows are closed, creating the optimal sleeping environment. If you have a pair of noise-canceling headphones with you and a good playlist or podcast to play, you'll be all set for some shut-eye.
5. Typically Cheaper Tickets
Since people typically prefer not to take a red-eye, these overnight flight options are usually cheaper. This also means they're rarely overbooked, giving you more space to sit comfortably and a place to put your belongings overhead.
6. Less Traffic on Road to Airport
It's not just the airport that will be emptier—there will likely be less traffic on the road, too. So if you live far from the airport and often need to speed to get there, you can rest assured that you probably won't need to do that to catch an overnight flight.
7. One Less Hotel Night to Pay For
Taking a red-eye also means you pay one less hotel night, which saves you money. In fact, even if you splurge for an upgrade to premium economy, you'll still likely end up paying less than a night at a proper accommodation.
8. Fits Better with Schedule on International Flights
On international flights that take eight hours or more, it will likely match better with your overall schedule, and you'll arrive right in the morning to begin your journey. On other flights that arrive midday, that means you've already wasted a few precious hours.
9. No Sun Blinding Your Eyes
Another plus on red-eyes? No sun blinding your eyes from the windows. Instead, though, you'll be treated to a beautiful sunset when you're nearing your destination, and by that time, you're already awake, (hopefully) well-rested, and ready to start your trip.
10. Can Make Jet Lag Easier
Taking a red-eye can sometimes make jet lag easier. After all, adjusting to a new time zone can be challenging, but if you've slept on the way over and get to start your journey right when you arrive, you'll be tired by the end of the day and your body's natural circadian rhythm might adapt right away.
Now that we've covered some pros to taking a red-eye, let's jump into some cons.
1. You Might Not Sleep
Sure, you're supposed to be sleeping on an overnight flight, but you might be so full of excitement and adrenaline that you can't sleep at all. Not to mention, your cramped economy seat isn't exactly the ideal replacement for your comfy bed at home.
2. You'll Be Groggy When You Arrive
And if you don't catch any shut-eye? You'll be groggy and grumpy when you arrive at your destination, and you might not even have enough energy to immediately jump into exploring. Plus, the "breakfast" you'll be served on your flight isn't the best way to start the morning, either.
3. No Early Check-In at Hotels
Another con to taking a red-eye is that, sometimes, you'll arrive much earlier than expected. And because you typically can't check into hotels until later in the afternoon, you'll be stuck lugging your baggage around the city until then.
4. Dark Cabin Makes Readers Self-Conscious
This might be a niche disadvantage, but even if you're not a reader, any bright screen or lights coming from your seat can make you feel... a little self-conscious. Even if you dim them down, you might still feel like you're blinding others or interrupting their sleep.
5. Crying Babies
What's worse than having crying babies on a normal flight? Having a crying baby on a red-eye. If you don't have noise-canceling headphones handy, good luck trying to block out the sound of those wails in a dark cabin while you try to catch some sleep.
6. Snoring Seatmates
It's not only crying babies you might have to listen to, but your snoring seatmates. It's fine if they're not obnoxiously loud, but if you're stuck in the middle seat while the passengers on either side of you are in a snoring competition? To say it's not the best place to be would be an understatement.
7. Limited Services & Amenities
There are usually limited services and amenities on red-eyes as well, so you might not have as many options to enjoy on your in-flight entertainment system. Unless you've brought your own movies and games to watch and play, the best (and only) thing you can do is just try to sleep.
8. Nothing Is Open When You Land
Landing early doesn't just mean you'll need to wait hours before you can check in to your hotel; there might be nothing open at all. That means you'll be stuck (again) lugging your baggage around while businesses remain closed until a few hours later.
9. Harder for Families
If you're traveling with kids, taking a red-eye flight will be even more difficult to plan and accommodate. Heck, you might be the one with the crying baby and have to soothe your toddler while being trapped in a stuffy airplane overnight. It's almost a recipe for disaster.
10. Fewer Flight Options
Many airlines have more routes operating during the daytime, so you'll be short on choices for evening options. This could be both a pro and a con, depending on what works best with your trip schedule. But if you're specifically vying for an overnight flight, you'll probably only have one time to choose from.
