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Pre-pandemic, I used to fly over 150,000 miles a year and I’ve seen all kinds of methods and gadgets that passengers use to try and sleep better on airplanes. Everyone is different but flying as much as I do, I know what works. Here are 10 ways to help you sleep better on a plane. RELATED: 6 Ways to Get the Best Seat on a Plane
1. An eye mask
Eye masks help you create an ideal sleeping environment by blocking out all the light. Instead of using the cheap, scratchy eye masks that the airlines sometimes pass out on long flights, I bring my own fluffy one. I might look silly in it but it feels so good and does the trick. My favorite is this sleep mask by Lewis & Clark but if you’re looking for something that’s 100% blackout, check out the Manta sleep mask on Amazon (you can read more about it here.)
2. Earplugs
Bringing earplugs is self-explanatory and is essential for a good night’s sleep.
3. Noise-cancelation earbuds or headphones and soft music
If there’s a screaming baby near you, earplugs aren’t going to do the trick. In that case, pop on your noise-cancelation earbuds or headphones and play soft music, an audio book or meditation music to drown out the noise and put you to sleep.
4. Wear comfortable clothes
The temperature on planes always varies. One minute it can be freezing cold and the next, hot as hell. Be sure to dress in layers and wear comfortable clothes. On long flights, smart business travelers usually wear their suits when boarding and deplaning but in between, they change out of their restrictive clothing and into pajamas or sweats. Don’t forget to wear cozy socks, too.
5. Buckle up
One way not to be disturbed by the flight attendants is wear your seatbelt over the outer garment of your clothing or blanket so they don’t have to wake you when they do their safety checks if the seatbelt sign goes on. If your seatbelt is visibly fastened, they won’t wake you.
6. Pack food and water
If you don’t want to be restricted to the flight crew’s schedule, bring your own food and drink. At some major U.S. airports (ahem, EWR) taxi time can be up to an hour and once you are in the air, it’s usually 40 minutes before the crew brings out the food and drinks.
7. Get a window seat
If you want to sleep on a plane, the best seat is usually next to a window so you have something to lean against and you don’t have to worry about your seatmates waking you so they can use the loo. Consult SeatGuru.com for your best options.
8. Communicate
Be sure to let the flight attendant know not to wake you for food or drink if you don’t want any, and kindly tell your seatmate when sitting down that you plan on sleeping and not to let the flight attendants wake you if they’re not going to sleep.
9. Bring a pillow or blanket
There are tons of different neck pillows on the market. Find out which one works for you and go with it. Also, many airlines no longer provide blankets unless you’re flying first class on a long-haul flight so you might want to bring your own … or at least a cozy sweater.
10. Sleeping pills
I personally don’t take any kind of pills (including melatonin) and I don’t recommend them since I think everyone should be fully aware in case of an emergency. But I know many people who swear by them. Usually, the drug of choice is Ambien but always consult your doctor first and don’t try a medicine for the first time on a plane.
Am I leaving anything out? What works for you? Do you have a favorite travel gadget? If so leave your comment/suggestion below.
*This post was originally published in 2013 but has been updated.
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Absolutely a neck brace. About $20. You will never sleep soundly with neck flopping around and most times in a painful position. Neck brace solves that problem nicely! I always have
1) Ambien (prefer Zolpidem)
2) Bose noise canceling earphones AND earplugs.
3) light hoodie with front pockets to keep arms from dangling.
4) cushy eye mask
5) comfortable clothes
6) NECK BRACE
With these I always get at least 6 hours sleep on long haul flights!
For usually older men who waken to leak at night, I would suggest one or two aspirin. At least this delays having to leave your seat during a long flight, possibly getting some added shut eye.
how does the aspirin “stop the leak”?
Your ideas worked (before you replied to my post) as I went on your and another site (packing clothes). I bought the eye patch, the banana-pillow (my name) and took the window seat. The chocolates really worked. But, I sat in row 41 of 44 and the engine noise was horrific but put me to sleep anyhow. Also bought a scough as I’m in Japan and most everyone wears a mask, especially in Tokyo and on train or transit – so many fumes.
Hey I’m getting on a flight in 2 days just really nervous , should I be worries about crashing or dying in a plane ??
Your chances of crashing in a plane are 11 million to 1 http://theweek.com/article/index/246552/the-odds-are-11-million-to-1-that-youll-die-in-a-plane-crash#axzz34g3nIKM3
Bring empty bottle – fill on secure side of TSA checkpoint, a flavor enhancer to help with other state’s water taste. Bring food (sandwich {think Subway or McD’s salad}) or snacks – airport and plane food $$$$$$, unless its JB, snack are free :D. Bring your own blanket. Was on a flight from SFO to NY, its was an early flight and the back half of the plane was empty. Most had a whole row to themselves. FA offered a blanket (was in a bag) at some point I found a long blond hair on it definitely wasn’t mine. Didn’t realize that the blankets are “washed?” and reused. I went shopping for my own the next week.
I like the neck brace idea, should work well when leaning on the window.
The eyeshades are nice but throwing your blanket over your face, works just as well.
My favourite eyeshades are Bucky’s! They are a thin foam, and have concave eyes, so there isn’t any pressure on your eyeballs. I use them even when not flying! I think they are also on Amazon, but I order from their website – http://www.bucky.com
hey johnny r we able to take sleeping pills pass security
Yes. Just keep it in the original bottle/packet. They won’t ask
I recommend a NECK BRACE! I was injured because I fell asleep with no neck brace and my head hung out in the aisle…the brilliant stewardess ram rodded my head with her elbow… GET A NECK BRACE!!! And beside the safety factor, the comfort of being able to sleep without your head hanging forward or to the side is great!
A neck pillow does the same trick as a neck brace.
most neck pillows are useless!!! to me. I found one that velcros shut and I wear it backwards, it’s a little helpful. I’m going on a 17 hour flight soon and I’m going to try a real neck brace, there are a few that are actually comfortable.
I wear comfortable clothes (definitely in layers) and bring cozy, fuzzy socks. I always carry a pashmina as it doubles as a blanket since I’m always freezing on a plane. Definitely pack snacks so you have something to eat whenever you wake up (since I would miss the food/drinks). Safe travels and happy sleeping.
Usually……my flights I take are horribly early in the morning….so I’m already tired because I don’t sleep well before that flight….worried the alarm won’t go off in time….so with comfy clothes….neck pillow (a must) a blanket (pashmina wrap) warm socks I am out before the plane leaves the gate. And always upgrade to economy plus so the person in front of you who decides to have his seat back all the way back doesn’t crush our knees~!
My sister loves early flights in the early morning. But I feel your pain…I hate early mornings..especially when its so cold when you wake up, from your lack of sleep :)
I’ve tried #2-9 and never had any luck sleeping on a plane. My mind is usually too excited in anticipation of arriving in a new country to relax enough to sleep :)
That’s how I feel!! But once there, I’m usually so tired…also what keeps me up are the personalized movie screens in front of your chair…There is never a list of movies that you don’t want to watch..its horrible.
neck pillows, travel pillows are #1. they work! look dorky but work.
A friend recommended Ambien. When I flew to China, I took one at LAX and woke up in Beijing wheels down. It was like a chunk of time was removed from my life. Very much like when you have surgery and you wake up in recovery to discover the whole process is over. Returning to the US, mirror image. Took Ambien in Beijing and woke up wheels down at LAX. No DVT or other problems. Also, absolutely no jet lag. Better than first class.