Do you know the benefits, or even the downsides, of a red-eye flight, or even what a red-eye flight is? Surprisingly, it’s one of the ways I prefer to travel, and on my last trip to Rochester, it’s the way we were able to hit the ground running.
So what exactly is a “red-eye” flight?
A “red-eye” flight is simply a flight that arrives at its destination late at night or early in the morning. So what are the benefits, and are there any downsides? Here are a few of the pros and cons of taking a red-eye flight on your next trip.
Here are a Few of the Benefits, or Pros, of Taking a Red-Eye Flight.
Flights are Generally Cheaper
The first benefit of taking a red-eye flight is that flights are generally cheaper. This is because most people prefer to fly during the day, so airlines will offer discounts for those who are willing to fly at night. In fact, you can often save hundreds of dollars by taking a red-eye flight instead of a daytime flight.
More Time to Sleep
The second benefit of taking a red-eye flight is that you’ll have more time to sleep. If you’re taking a daytime flight, you’ll likely have to wake up early to get to the airport on time. However, if you’re taking a red-eye flight, you can sleep in and take your time getting to the airport. This can be a great way to avoid jet lag when you arrive at your destination.
You’re Generally Able to Avoid Rush Hour Traffic
The third benefit of taking a red-eye flight is that you’re generally able to avoid rush hour traffic. If your flight arrives at its destination late at night or early in the morning, chances are you won’t be arriving during the busiest time of day.
This can be a big time-saver, especially if you’re traveling to or from a big city.
Fewer Crowds at the Airport
The fourth benefit of taking a red-eye flight is that there are usually fewer crowds at the airport. This is because most people don’t want to travel late at night or early in the morning, so there are fewer people flying during those times. This can make the security line and the boarding process much quicker and easier.
Flights are Less Likely to be Delayed
The fifth benefit of taking a red-eye flight is that flights are less likely to be delayed. This is because there are fewer flights during those times, so the airlines can focus on getting those flights out on time.
You May Get an Empty Seat Next to You
Another benefit of taking a red-eye flight is that you may get an empty seat next to you. This is because most people prefer to fly during the day, so there are usually more empty seats on red-eye flights.
This can be a great perk, especially if you’re someone who likes to have a little extra space when you fly.
You May Even Be Upgraded to First Class
With a much emptier flight, your chances of being upgraded to first-class increase immensely. While this isn’t a guarantee, it’s definitely something that can happen if you’re flying red-eye.
So if you’re looking to fly in style, a red-eye flight may be your best bet.
Read Also: How to Fly First Class for Cheap
You May Feel Less Jet-lagged
The goal of taking an overnight flight is to be able to sleep on the plane. And if you’re able to do that, you may find that you feel less jet-lagged when you arrive at your destination.
This is because you’ll have slept for at least part of the time difference, so you won’t be as disoriented when you land.
Now that we’ve gone over some of the benefits of taking a red-eye flight, let’s talk about some of the downsides.
The Downsides, or Cons, of Taking a Red-Eye Flight
While there are several benefits to taking a red-eye flight, there are also a few downsides that you should be aware of. Here are a few things to keep in mind, but they generally don’t outweigh the benefits.
You May Have Difficulty Sleeping on the Plane
The first downside is that it can be difficult to sleep on a plane. This is especially true if you’re not used to flying at night or if you have trouble sleeping in general. However, you can do a few things to make it easier to sleep on the plane.
First, try to get a window seat so you can lean your head against the window. Second, bring a neck pillow and an eye mask to help you get comfortable and block out the light. Third, try to relax and clear your mind before you attempt to sleep.
Difficulty Adjusting to the Time Change
The second downside is that you may have difficulty adjusting to the time change when you arrive at your destination. If you’re flying east, you’ll lose time, and you’ll gain time if you’re flying west.
This can be tough to adjust to, especially if you have a busy schedule when you arrive. However, there are a few things you can do to make it easier.
First, try to stay up until at least 10 p.m. local time so you can start to adjust to the new time zone. Second, get exposure to natural light as much as possible.
This will help your body adjust to the new time zone more quickly. Third, avoid napping during the day so you don’t throw off your sleep schedule even more.
Read Also: Tips for Better Sleep When You Are Traveling
Last-Minute Flights are More Expensive
The third downside is that red-eye flights can be more expensive if you book them at the last minute. This is because airlines know that people are willing to pay more for a flight that leaves at a convenient time.
If you’re flexible with your travel dates, you can often find a cheaper flight by flying during the day or taking a red-eye flight. However, if you’re set on taking a red-eye flight, there are a few things you can do to save money.
First, sign up for an airline credit card so you can get discounts and free miles. Second, book your flight early so you can get the best price.
Third, consider flying on a Tuesday or Wednesday, as those are typically the cheapest days to fly.
You May Feel Tired Upon Arrival
The first downside of taking a red-eye flight is that you may feel tired upon arrival. This is because you’ll be flying overnight and arriving at your destination early in the morning.
If you have to go to work or sightsee immediately after arrival, this can be tough to do when you’re feeling exhausted.
Overall, there are a lot of benefits to taking a red-eye flight. It can save you money, give you more time to sleep, and help you avoid crowds and traffic. However, there are a few downsides to be aware of as well.
So there you have it, a few of the benefits and downsides of taking a red-eye flight. If you’re looking to save time and money, or even get upgraded to first-class, a red-eye flight may be your best bet. But if you’re someone who has trouble sleeping on planes, you may want to consider another option.
