4 Steps for Surviving a Red Eye Flight

The secret to looking fresh on a long flight: My Red Eye Survival Kit

I've decided I'm going to stop promising you things. Because, inevitably, as soon as I promise this tip or that story, life conspires to throw every obstacle it can muster to prevent me from keeping my promise. In the case of my latest not-kept promise, those obstacles include: a weekend in London, a wicked case of jetlag, Pinterest, laziness and, of course, Pinterest.

Sorry about that.

Where were we?

Right. Although I haven't quite mastered the art of sleeping on a red eye flight, I have picked up some tips for at least looking well-rested when I arrive. Baby steps, people.  And, because I want you to look fabulous/dapper on your own journey, I'm going to share with you my 4 Steps for Surviving a Red Eye Flight. Jetsetter Happy Dance!


#1: Hydration, Hydration, Hydration
The stress of TSA body cavity searches, greasy airport food, and the stale, dry air circulating over and over again through those little vents above your head take their toll on your skin and general well-being. Drink plenty of water before and during your flight. Bring your own water bottle on board and ask for a freshly refilled glass every time that drink cart bangs into your seat.

As a bonus, all of those bathroom breaks give you an excuse to stretch your legs and, at least for me, seem to help with the yucky feet swelling that happens during long flights.

#2 Limit Caffeine and Alcohol
Both work against you in the hydration department. And, in case you didn't already know, alcohol is particularly potent at high altitudes. Like in a plane, for example. It's best to avoid it altogether, but if you must have a  little liquid courage to get through your flight, be very cautious. It sneaks up on you. Unless, of course, the idea of spending the flight retching into one of those little airsick bags sounds appealing to you. Then by all means...

#3 Stick To Your Routine
If you're taking a red eye flight, treat the flight like bedtime. And by that, I mean wear comfortable clothing (bless you, yoga pants!) onto the plane and take a few minutes early in the flight to 'get ready for bed.' I always bring my red eye survival kit with me. Want one too?

Red Eye Survival Kit

• An airplane-sized bottle of contact solution and contact case
• An airplane-sized tube of toothpaste and toothbrush
• A small package of facial towelettes
• A small bottle of rich, creamy moisturizer
• 1 sleeping pill, 2 aspirin, and 1 multivitamin (to be taken individually as needed)
• 1 sleeping mask
• 1 set of earplugs and/or your iPod (to block out the screaming munchkin in row 30)
• 1 extra pair of socks (those planes can be freezing)     

A note for the ladies: Please don't feel self-conscious about going make-up-less on your flight. For starters, they always turn off the cabin lights on red eye flights. Second, most people on these flights are either asleep or focused on their in-flight entertainment. And finally, I've found it's almost impossible to sleep on a plane without your mouth hanging wide open, so, when put into that context, going a few hours without foundation and lipstick is really the least of your problems.
     
#4 Arriving Fresh
If you are one of those lucky few who can actually sleep soundly on flights, plan to awake about an hour before you are scheduled to land. Use that time to grab a glass or two of water, brush your teeth, wash your face, put in your contacts, and throw on a little make-up (Note: Always be mindful of airport security restrictions for liquids. Oh! And don't skimp on the moisturizer). I always carry a change of daytime clothes in my carry-on and duck into the nearest bathroom to change when I land. This is particularly important during international flights, so you look presentable to immigration officials as you ask/beg to be let into their country.


Good luck! Happy Travels!


Questions? Tips? What did I miss? Post your own questions/suggestions/tried and true tips below.

Pretty please.