Taking a red-eye business flight can be challenging and leave you feeling exhausted and unproductive. Fortunately, with the right mindset and proper preparation, you can arrive at your destination feeling refreshed and ready to take on anything that comes your way. In this blog, we’ll share important red-eye flight tips for business travelers, as well as business travel productivity tips, so that you’re ready to tackle your meetings as soon as you touch down.
1. Choose Your Flight Times Wisely
Surviving red-eye flights can be tricky, but one key thing that you can do is to choose a departure time that works with your body’s natural rhythm. When booking your flights, try and find a departure time that’s close to your normal bedtime. For example, if you go to bed at 9 PM, find a flight that leaves around then, or within an hour or two of that time. This way, you’re more likely to feel tired and fall asleep easier, because your body is accustomed to winding down at that point in the evening.
2. Consider Upgrading Your Seat
If you’ll be going on a long haul flight, you may want to consider upgrading your seat. Economy is a good option and can be suitable for you, but if you’ll be flying for a long period of time, it can be uncomfortable and hard to fall asleep. Business class seats have more room, are comfortable, and come with better perks, such as allowing you to board the plane before everyone else.
2. Dress For Success
The last thing you want is to be uncomfortable while on your flight, and wearing itchy, scratchy, or bulky clothing is usually not a good idea. We suggest wearing layers so that you can take them on and off if needed. If you know that you’re going to be heading straight to a meeting from your flight, pack your business attire in your carry-on bag so that it’s easily accessible.
3. Stay Hydrated
Another key to arriving refreshed after a red-eye flight is to stay hydrated. It’s so important to stay hydrated while you’re in the air, as your body loses a lot of water when flying. To help, bring along a reusable water bottle and fill it up before boarding, and don’t be afraid to ask the flight attendant for more water if needed. You’ll feel much more refreshed if you keep on top of your water intake.
4. Avoid Heavy Meals and Greasy Foods
Getting some good sleep while on a red-eye flight is a must if you want to arrive refreshed. One way to do this is to avoid eating a heavy meal or greasy foods before and during your flight. These can be hard for your body to digest, and can lead to you not being able to sleep well. Instead, opt for small meals that are nutritious, or enjoy some light snacks.
5. Bring a Sleep Kit
There can be many distractions on a plane, and unfortunately, these can keep you up when all you want to do is sleep. Packing a sleep kit can help you fall asleep and stay asleep, leaving you feeling well rested once you arrive at your destination. Some things you may want to bring along include an eyemask, earplugs, neck pillow, light blanket, compression socks, and noise cancelling headphones.
6. Freshen Up
Taking a red-eye business flight can be exhausting, but there are some things that you can do before landing to help ensure you’re ready to go once on the ground. For example, you can brush your teeth, clean your face with a cleansing wipe, change your clothes, and touch up your hair and makeup. Spending just 10 minutes to do some small tasks can make a world of difference.
7. Take a Walk Outside Once You Arrive
Once you get off the plane and have some free time, go outside and take a walk in the sunshine. The fresh air combined with the sun can help your body feel recharged, and getting some movement in will allow you to stretch out, especially after sitting on a plane. Plus, this gives you the chance to get out of your hotel and explore your surroundings.
8. Adjust Your Internal Clock
Another difficult part of taking a red-eye flight is adjusting to time zones on business trips. To fight this, try and stay awake once you arrive at an international destination. We understand that your internal clock is going to be out of sorts the first day, but you have to do your best to stay up throughout the day without napping. This will help you adjust your internal clock, and make it easier for you to adapt to a new time zone.
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