12 Steps to a Good Sleep on a Flight
Learning how to sleep on a flight is a 12-step process. Don’t let the number overwhelm you, some steps take just seconds.
After thousands and thousands of miles of air travel, and many hours, sleeping on a flight now just comes with the job for me.
I’m proud to say I’ve kinda mastered the art of sleeping on planes. It’s the best way to pass a long flight, along with a glass of red wine to give you that push over the edge to sleep.
– Yes, I’m in my lounge. BUT, imagine the plane window there and the head supports.
On the way back from Australia I slept for 7 hours straight, and was very happy with myself.
Trying to fall asleep on a flight can be super frustrating, so here’s my guide to help you get as much sleep on an aeroplane as possible.
1. Check in right on time, online
Set yourself an alarm for 24 hours before your flight to make sure you check in ASAP. Be there ready, finger on the check in button and reservation code copied to your clipboard. As soon as the minute flicks over, get in there!.
I did this for my Air Canada flight to Vancouver a few weeks ago and I even managed to score myself an exit seat, dream leg room!
2. Choose a good seat
Young families tend to sit at the front of the plane, so avoid sitting there if you want the best sleep. Their plan is to get on and off the plane as easily as possible, so if you’re travelling without children then do the opposite and head for the back of the flight.
Don’t choose a seat near a toilet. The going in and out, and the people standing around the door, are not conducive to a good night’s sleep. That blummin toilet door slamming all the time is just far too annoying.
Go for one nearer to the back, by the window, for the best sleep possible. Seats automatically allocate from the front so you’ll be most likely to have some spare seats around you at the back too.
3. Bring a pillow
I absolutely cannot get on with the neck pillows you see people trawling around the airports. I’ve recently worked out that it’s because I have a long neck, so they don’t offer the support I need. Like a giraffe.
This pillow, from TEMPUR, is a revelation in plane pillows.
– Do keep an ear out for when they come round with the ice cream