How to sleep on a plane, from short to long-haul flights
These tips for flying have even given me long stretches of shut-eye even in a middle seat. My long-haul flight prep routine might get some funny looks from other passengers but I wouldn’t know as I’m asleep and they’re not.
Trying to sleep on a long-haul flight from Australia in economy is not an easy feat, many would say it is impossible. But I have found a way to do it. I’m yet to be spoiled, if not ruined, by the business-class flying experience, so economy is all I know. Finding comfort among the masses can be challenging, and it’s widely believed the only answer is to score a seat with extra legroom. I beg to differ. I’ve perfected a tight routine that helps me nod off on a plane, even in the middle seat.
I’m 168cm, of average build, and these strategies work every time, helping me to arrive at my destination feeling ready for whatever lies ahead. My 195cm-tall travel partner has a build that’s more A380 than hobby plane, yet having adopted my modus operandi, he too is well-rested upon arrival. Here are my hot tips for getting a better in-flight sleep in economy.
This is the best neck pillow
Forget those C-shaped bean bags attached to your carry-on with a carabiner, the Trtl is the only neck pillow worthy of mention. It has a skeleton structure encased in fabric that wraps around your neck like a scarf. Your head can’t fall forward and jolt you out of dreamland. It’s machine washable, lightweight and takes up very little space. Mine has lasted more than two years without a sign of fraying.
Choose the right eye mask
If you’re serious about sleeping on a flight, you need a 3D contoured black-out mask. These encircle your eyes from the eyebrows to the cheekbones, almost like soft goggles, giving each eye a dark little room of its own. You should be able to blink inside the mask without eyelashes grazing the fabric. They are easy to get online thanks to the inglorious rise of eyelash extensions and the measures people will take to keep them from looking splayed like an old broom.
Travel headphones
My Bose QuietComfort noise-cancelling headphones are great for watching shows without hearing a nearby wailing child. Mostly, however, I turn them on and don’t press “play”, simply wearing to block out cabin white noise. When I wake and need help getting back to sleep, I’ll play a pre-downloaded sleep meditation to guide me back to my dreams. The combination of neck pillow, eye mask and noise-cancelling headphones probably gets some funny looks from other passengers. I wouldn’t know. I’m asleep and they’re not.
Wear loose clothing
Uniqlo’s ultrastretch waffle pants ($30) are what I wear on flights, layered with long-sleeved cotton tops, so I can adjust to the cabin temperature. Let’s face it: if you can’t fall asleep in your own bed while wearing denim jeans, you definitely won’t be able to sitting upright.
Consider the best shoes to wear and a foot hammock
I used to deploy my cheap Amazon foot hammock with trepidation, but not any more. As soon I take my seat I hook it over the food tray in front, and when it’s time to sleep I gently hoist my feet into their special swing. This makes a world of difference in economy, so much so that I would forego extra leg room in favour of the hammock. To date, I’ve used it on Emirates, Jetstar, Qantas and Finnair. I wear one pair of long socks and have another in my hand luggage. Having toasty feet is essential.
Bring your own toiletries
In a small clutch I pack a toothbrush and paste, facial cleanser and moisturiser, deodorant and some over-the-counter sleep support. When I’m ready to doze off, I head to the bathroom to freshen up in the same way I would before going to bed at home. The ritual helps, but so does having breath that doesn’t smell like microwaved Cajun chicken. When I seek their advice before travelling, pharmacists have always recommended Restavit, a non-prescription antihistamine that helps relieve insomnia. Speak to a medical professional about what might be useful for you.
Stay hydrated
I bring an empty water bottle and fill it up on the aircraft several times. I drink twice as much water on a flight than I would at home, and avoid all alcohol and coffee from the cart (it’s putrid, anyway). Plan your sipping wisely, so you won’t need to line up for the loo when you’d rather be in la-la land. Hydration is free and it fights grogginess at the other end.
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