Is it worth taking a red-eye?

Is it worth taking a red-eye? Despite the bad reputation they seem to have, the benefits of a red-eye flight can be many. They're typically cheaper than daytime flights and allow you to arrive at your destination at the beginning of a new day, but there are airport and airplane benefits, too.

How long is a red-eye flight?

Red-eye flights frequently connect West Coast cities to East Coast cities. These typically depart the West Coast between 9 pm and 1 am, and have a flight time of three to six hours but gain between two and four hours due to the time difference, arriving on the East Coast between 5 am and 9 am.

Do pilots sleep on red-eye flights?

“In this type of flight there are generally two captains and two co-pilots and they take turns during the course of the journey. Therefore, all of them have time to sleep and rest,” states the captain.

Are red-eye flights less crowded?

As far as the experience, red-eye flights are generally less crowded than regular morning or midday flights tend to be, so you might luck out with an empty seat next to you and have more space to spread out (making it easier to sleep).

Are red-eye flights less likely to be delayed?

Red-Eye Flights Are Less Likely to be Delayed Fewer flights take off at night. The diminished runway traffic means that red-eye flights are more likely to depart and land on time! Depending on the wind, you may even land early.

Are red-eye flights better for jet lag?

Next time, I'll pack a sleep mask In my opinion, red-eye flights are still the best way to avoid jet lag when traveling to another time zone. When I sleep through them, I feel like I get a head start on settling into a different time zone, which makes a huge difference on the first few days of my trip.

How do you not get sick on a red-eye flight?

Why might people not want a red-eye flight?

Red-eye flights have been linked to weakened immune systems, increased risks of depression, and risks of heart attacks. This is because night flying interferes with your natural sleep rhythms, and changes your metabolism.

Do you get a meal on a red-eye flight?

RE: Question About Service On Red-Eye Flights Depending on many things, they'll either give you a full dinner an hour after take off then a snack for breakfast, or a snack after departure, then a full brunch before landing. If UIA is generous, they'll do you a full meal on both legs.

What is a benefit of taking a red-eye flight?

The benefit of a red-eye flight is that it maximizes your time both at home and at your destination — you're flying through the night rather than losing a day to travel. That often saves you the cost of an extra night in a hotel. Red-eyes are often cheaper than day flights, too, helping travelers save money.

What are the cons of red-eye flights?

The cons of red-eye flights are few, but significant for those they affect. Primarily, those who don't sleep well on planes are not likely to have a great flight experience when flying when they would normally be sleeping, and will likely arrive groggy. This can also lead to more severe effects of jet lag.

Do pilots like red-eye flights?

“Red-eye” flights aren't all bad––in fact, some pilots like them because they generally pay more. The more seniority one has, the more control he or she has over his schedule. Freight airlines fly a lot of all-nighters; airlines with West Coast domiciles or fly through West Coast bases (e.g., SFO, LAX, PDX, SEA, etc.)

What should I eat before a red-eye flight?

Incorporate Lean Protein Into Your Preflight Meal If you're eating out in the airport before your flight, choose items like boneless skinless chicken breast, egg whites, or fish. Foods rich in protein can also help offset the effects of any sugary snacks you might have succumbed to in the airport, according to Platkin.