Wearing a mask can prevent disease and also save you from embarrassment — 13 handy little tips to make red-eye flights more comfortable

▲Peach Aviation has kicked off the red-eye battle at Haneda Airport. (Photo / Taken from Peach Aviation’s Facebook fan page)

Reported by Chen Jui-chung / Special feature

With Peach Aviation launching red-eye flights between Taipei and Haneda Airport, Taiwanese travelers now have a new alternative to Narita for trips to Tokyo. In addition, domestic low-cost carriers such as Tigerair Taiwan and V Air also plan to operate red-eye flights on the Taipei–Haneda route.

The so-called “red-eye flight” refers to a flight that departs between 22:00 and 07:00 and arrives at its destination in the middle of the night or early morning. Since the flight time coincides with most people's sleeping hours and the rest time on the plane is limited, passengers often board and disembark with red eyes, hence the name "red-eye flight."

Three budget airlines — Peach, Tigerair, and V Air — go head-to-head on the Taipei–Haneda "red-eye" route<<<<<

Although red-eye flights are more grueling, for office workers, they allow you to head straight to the airport after work without having to take a day off. Sometimes, you may even arrive at your destination in the morning local time and can start your trip right away, saving on a night’s accommodation. Moreover, to stimulate consumption, airlines often hold irregular promotions for red-eye flights, helping you save on travel expenses.

▲Wearing glasses when boarding can also give your eyes a chance to rest during the flight. (Photo / Taken by reporter Hsu Wen-pin)

Every traveler has their own “little tricks” for coping with red-eye flights. Zhang Jing-yun, a marketing specialist at V Air who previously worked in ground services,Zhang Jing-yunsuggests that when taking a red-eye flight, it's important to check the schedules of connecting transportation or arrange for someone to pick you up or drop you off to ensure a smooth journey. Yu Huan-yung, a senior public relations officer at Tigerair Taiwan,Yu Huan-yungadds that in addition to catching up on sleep on the plane, you should also make good use of the time to charge your phone. This way, you can pass the time at the airport without worry and avoid having a dead phone upon arrival. Zheng Shi-xuan, who previously worked for United Airlines,Zheng Shi-xuanalso reminds contact lens wearers to bring a pair of glasses to switch into before boarding, allowing your eyes to properly rest.

Therefore, ETtoday News Cloud has specially compiled a number of tips and tricks for flying on red-eye flights that can help passengers feel more comfortable during the flight and get off to a pleasant start at their destination more quickly.

1. Adjust your biological clock in advance; don’t sleep too much during the day
Red-eye flights usually last 3–5 hours. If you want to catch a short nap on the plane, you can adjust your sleep schedule a few days in advance and avoid oversleeping during the day so you’re sleepy when you board.

2. Choose your seat wisely
If you plan to “sleep all the way until landing,” choose a window seat when selecting your seat to avoid being disturbed by other passengers getting in and out. Budget airline passengers can also opt to pay extra when booking for a more comfortable, window seat.

3. Consume caffeine appropriately
If you want to stay awake until you reach your destination, have a cup of coffee before or during the flight to stay alert. If you want to rest, reduce your caffeine intake before boarding so you can sleep well on the plane.

▲ Avoiding too much caffeine before the flight can also help you sleep. (Photo / Taken by reporter Yu Ru)

4. Don’t wear contact lenses
To let your eyes rest, switch to glasses before heading to the airport and change back after landing. If you wear daily disposable contact lenses, remember to bring a spare pair.

5. Exchange foreign currency in advance
Since currency exchange counters at the airport may be closed when you arrive, leaving you without local currency, check the operating hours of the currency exchange desks in advance or exchange money beforehand.

6. Bring earplugs, eye masks, and masks
To help you sleep, you can bring your own sleep aids such as earplugs and eye masks. Wearing a face mask after boarding not only filters the air and helps prevent infections but also prevents others from seeing the embarrassing sight of you sleeping with your mouth open or drooling.

▲Make use of the paid seat selection feature offered by low-cost airlines to choose more comfortable seats. (Photo / Reporter Cai Wenjun)

7. Keep Your Phone Charged
During the daytime before a red-eye flight, your phone’s battery may already be drained. According to aviation regulations, power banks must be carried in hand luggage and cannot be checked in. While waiting at the airport, try to recharge your phone or prepare spare batteries in advance. This will not only help you pass the time with peace of mind but also ensure your phone isn’t dead upon arrival.

Power Bank: Carry-On or Checked? 7 Common Flight Safety Prohibited Items for Beginners＜＜＜＜＜Extended Reading

8. Stay Hydrated
The air on airplanes is quite dry, so it’s important to stay properly hydrated. However, if you want a good night’s sleep during a red-eye flight, avoid drinking too much water before boarding to prevent having to get up to use the restroom after falling asleep.

▲Eye masks and inflatable neck pillows are both great sleep aids. (Photo / Reporter Chen Ruizhong)

9. Basic Toiletries and a Makeup Bag
Bringing toothpaste and a toothbrush allows you to brush your teeth before sleeping during an overnight flight or before starting your day at the airport. Passengers who wear makeup can also pack a small makeup bag to touch up during the flight and arrive at their destination looking fresh.

10. Bring a Jacket
Bringing a light jacket while waiting at the airport can help keep you warm. During the flight, it can also double as a blanket or pillow, making your sleep more comfortable. For budget airlines that don’t provide blankets or pillows, a light jacket is definitely an essential item to carry.

11. Wear Comfortable Clothing and Shoes
To ensure a comfortable rest on the plane, wear loose, soft cotton clothing. Slightly elastic pants can also help relax your leg muscles during the flight.

▲Power banks cannot be checked in and must be carried in hand luggage. (Photo / Reporter Hong Shengyi)

12. Neck Pillow
Inflatable neck pillows are convenient to carry, making them a must-have for many travelers. During a red-eye flight, they also help passengers sleep more comfortably.

13. Transportation to and from the Airport
Because red-eye flights have awkward timing, travelers should plan ahead for transportation to the airport as well as for after arrival, checking public transport schedules. Otherwise, missing your flight would be a disaster.

14. Early Check-in or Luggage Storage at Hotels
Most hotels only allow check-in after noon or in the afternoon. However, red-eye passengers arriving in the morning can contact the hotel in advance to see if early check-in is possible or if they can store their luggage before check-in, making the day’s itinerary more convenient.