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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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Your tip about getting a window seat is the best one up there IMHO. Otherwise I’m that guy who sleeps on your shoulder and drools. Just kiddin.
But, really, I flop around without the window seat. This way I lean against the cabin wall and for the most part all is good.
I am writing a blog about my own travels I would like to include your link about sleeping on a plane and compare my own experiences to your suggestions. May I have your permission?
You sure can link to our post. Thanks for asking!
I can’t sleep. Too twitchy. I just read and watch movies. I eat the snacks. But I really enjoy watching the rest of you fold yourselves up like trombones and snooze away! Keep up the good work!
I’m not sure whether these are still made new, but I have an old inflatable torso-length 1st Class Travel Pillow (here’s one on Amazon: https://www.amazon.com/1st-Class-Sleeper-Travel-Pillow/dp/B0009JVUEW ) that I’ve used on long-haul flights for years. I’m short, so without this my head gets shoved forward by the typical airline seat ‘headrest,’ my back slouches unsupported into the seat, and my legs dangle uncomfortably over the edge. The inflatable pillow seems to prop everything up and even cradle my head – don’t even need a neck pillow.
Also I try to drink a lot of water the day or two before, but not so much immediately before or inflight, so I can sleep for a long time without having to get up.
PLease, stop suggesting sleeping pills. The risk of getting DVT is very high the longer you remain in a plane seat
Please talk to a health care professional about the dangers involved in taking sleeping pill while flying.It’s probably worse if you’re American, suggesting people take sleeping pills just might get you sued, very costly if they die and they can cause death. I worked in a hospital where we were close to the airport and it was not uncommon to have a least one patient with DVT caused by flying a week, sometimes more. When a person takes a sleeping pill the chances of them getting up and moving around every hour is unlikely . Taking aspirin for several days before flying might help but it is no guarantee. Aspirin can cause stomach problems so be careful.
I don’t recommend them and state that. I just say I know many people swear by them.
Nancy, how far into the flight do you eat the old pair of socks? And why do you eat them?
Great Tips. I will try some of these on my next long haul flight
Fly in first. Or business f you want to sleep well.
Ok, I’ve traveled extensively. The one thing I will not leave behind is ‘BAYER BACK & BODY’ medicine. I find I don’t fidget in my seat and it relieve the stress of sitting so long!
Another thing I bring is a large napkin to tuck under when I eat an old pair of tennis socks which I throw away after the flight and an old pillow case that i tuck my jacket into use as a pillow.
Only problem with a neck pillow is bulk! Last overseas flight I took a Tylenol PM and wow sleep 4 hours solid, never do that ?
That’s very detail and helpful tips everywhere , thumb up to you Johnny!
I wear a pull over(Patagonia) layer jacket that I can take off roll up and place behind my head. I am jealous of how people sleep without any support. I just need a little cushion and support and the neck pillows seem too bulky. Give it a try sometime and it is less you have to carry around! + Classical music!