What Is a Red-Eye Flight? 12 Tips for Overnight Trips

For savvy travelers, time is one of the most valuable currencies, and red-eye flights can actually help you spend it in the most efficient way. But what is a red-eye flight, exactly? It’s a flight that departs late at night—usually after 9 p.m.—and arrives early in the morning, letting you travel while you sleep and maximize your daytime hours.

If you’re flying west to east, overnight flights can be a game-changer. You can depart in one time zone, sleep on the flight, and arrive just in time for breakfast. Whether you're heading to a big meeting or starting a long-awaited vacation, red-eye flights help you get there faster and refreshed—if you know how to prep for them.

Here are 12 essential overnight travel tips to help you sleep better in the air, adjust faster to new time zones, and start your day feeling refreshed.

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1. Use CLEAR+ to Save Time Before You Fly

Why wait in long airport lines when you're trying to catch some Zs on the plane? CLEAR+ helps you speed through airport security and get settled in. That means you get from curb to gate faster and with less stress.

Even though red-eye flights tend to avoid peak hours, planning ahead is still important. If you’ve ever wondered, "How early should I get to the airport?" for a night flight, the answer depends on your airport and airline. But a good rule of thumb is at least 90 minutes for domestic and two to three hours for international flights.

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2. Book a Flight With the Right Timing

The best red-eye flights depart late at night and land early in the morning, giving you maximum rest time. Look for options departing between 9 p.m. and midnight, which usually means quieter flights and less airport crowds than during peak hours.

As a bonus, flying overnight can be more affordable than daytime flights, especially if you use flight price alerts from Going—a CLEAR Perks partner.

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3. Pack a Neck Pillow and Sleep Essentials

Red-eye comfort starts with the right gear. A neck pillow helps support your spine and reduces the chances of waking up with aches. Add noise-canceling headphones, an eye mask, and a lightweight blanket to complete your in-flight sleep kit.

Don’t forget: your carry-on should include a water bottle, lip balm, and any medications you might need during the night.

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4. Choose the Best Seat for Sleeping

Window seats give you something to lean against and let you control the light. Avoid seats near the bathroom or galley, where foot traffic and noise can disrupt sleep.

Tip: Use seat selection tools when booking, or ask your airline representative to help you find the best seat configuration.

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5. Avoid Caffeine and Alcohol Before Boarding

While a glass of wine or a cup of coffee might seem comforting, both can impact the quality of your sleep. Instead, hydrate with water or herbal tea in the hours before your flight.

Why it matters: staying hydrated helps combat dry cabin air and sleep deprivation, making it easier to adjust to a new time zone when you land.

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6. Eat Light Before the Flight

Heavy meals can disrupt your digestion and your ability to fall asleep. Choose a light dinner and bring easy, tidy snacks like nuts, fruit, or granola bars onboard.

Heads up: many overnight flights reduce food service to minimize disruptions. Pack smart so you’re not hungry in the air.

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7. Adjust to the Time Zone Early

Start syncing with your destination’s time zone the day before your flight. If you’re flying from Los Angeles to New York, try going to bed and waking up an hour earlier to ease the transition. Studies have shown that planning your rest around the flight schedule may even help to reduce jet lag.

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8. Use Strategic Napping to Your Advantage

Resist the temptation to nap during the day before your flight. Instead, wait until you board. A short nap beforehand can delay your sleep window and leave you wide awake at 35,000 feet. On the other hand, naps taken at the right time can reduce fatigue without throwing off your circadian rhythm.

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9. Skip Baggage Claim and Ship Ahead

When you’re flying overnight, the last thing you want is to wait at baggage claim at 6 a.m. Keep essentials in your personal bag and pack light. Even better? Try shipping it ahead using Ship&Play. It’s a simple, reliable way to skip the stress of flying with bags.

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10. Stay Ahead of Delays with Airport Concierge Support

Whether you're traveling for business or leisure, an airport concierge can help make your journey easier. They can help with bags, lounge access, and even gate transfers if you’re in a rush.

With CLEAR Perks, you can add airport concierge support for peace of mind on complex travel days or tight connections.

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11. Keep a Morning Routine Handy

Landing early in the morning? Carry a mini refresh kit in your bag. Travel-size toothpaste, face wipes, and deodorant can help you feel like yourself again before you even leave the airport. Planning ahead means feeling better faster.

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12. Set Yourself Up for a Smooth Arrival

Once you land, move with intention. Step into natural light, have a nutritious breakfast, and avoid napping until local bedtime. This helps your body adjust to its new time zone and keeps sleep deprivation at bay.

If you're unsure about navigating the terminal to make a connecting flight after a long night, CLEAR’s friendly Ambassadors are ready to greet you with a smile and help you on your way.

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Red-Eye Flights Don’t Have to Mean Sleepless Nights

A red-eye flight may sound exhausting, but it can be a smarter way to travel if you're prepared. Whether you’re flying for work or leisure, these overnight flight tips can help you rest easier, arrive sharper, and enjoy a better journey.

From using your airport fast pass with CLEAR+ to shipping your bags ahead with Ship&Play, it’s all about making air travel effortless.

Ready to make red-eye travel easier? Join CLEAR+ today to save time, skip lines, and get from home to gate. Or learn more about our CLEAR Perks, like Going flight alerts and airport concierge services.