Sleeping on a plane: 10 tips for a comfortable flight

A night flight to Bali, ten hours to New York or an early flight to the sun: if you manage some sleep on the plane you arrive far more rested. Yet in a narrow seat with noise and light all around, that is not a given. In this article you will read 10 practical tips to sit more comfortably and sleep better during your flight, and which travel accessories help.

1. Choose the right seat

If you want to sleep, pick a window seat when you check in. You can lean against the wall and you will not be woken by fellow passengers heading to the toilet. Avoid the rows close to the toilets and the galley: there is more traffic and noise there. A seat in the row in front of an emergency exit often cannot recline far, so watch out for that too.

2. Support your neck

Most people wake up on a plane because their head drops sideways or forwards. A neck pillow keeps your head upright so your muscles can relax. Choose a pillow that fits closely around your neck:

• Travelhawk Memory Foam Neck Pillow, including eye mask and earplugs: everything for a night flight in one set.
• Travelhawk Aeroplane Neck Pillow with memory foam, about 200 grams and easy to take in your hand luggage.
• Inflatable travel pillow: takes up almost no room when deflated, handy if you travel with hand luggage only.

Wear a neck pillow with the thickest side where your head tends to drop. If you sleep with your head falling forwards, turn the pillow around so the thick part sits under your chin.

3. Make it dark

Even when the cabin lights are dimmed there are screens, reading lights and daylight from outside. An eye mask helps tell your body it is time to sleep. A 3D model with room around the eyes does not press on your eyelids and is more comfortable when you move your eyes.

4. Dampen the noise

The roar of the engines, announcements and talking passengers make sleeping difficult. Silicone earplugs cut ambient noise considerably and are reusable. They are also welcome if pressure changes bother you during take-off and landing.

5. Raise your legs

In an aeroplane seat your legs often dangle just above the floor, especially if you are not very tall. A footrest for the plane hangs over the tray table of the seat in front, so your feet rest a little higher and you sit more comfortably.

6. Keep your circulation going

Sitting still for a long time can leave your legs heavy, tired or swollen. On a long flight, get up now and then and walk down the aisle, and move your feet and ankles while seated too. Many travellers wear compression socks on long flights, which support your legs. If you have a medical condition or an increased risk of thrombosis, speak to your GP beforehand.

7. Wear comfortable clothing in layers

The temperature on a plane varies: it is warm while boarding and often cold at night. Wear loose, comfortable clothing and bring a cardigan or jumper you can easily put on or take off. Warm socks take little effort and make a big difference.

8. Drink water and go easy on coffee and alcohol

The air on a plane is dry, so drink water regularly. Coffee, energy drinks and alcohol can disturb your sleep. Take an empty water bottle through security and fill it after the check.

9. Match your rhythm to your destination

If you are flying to another time zone, try to sleep when it is night at your destination. Set your watch or phone to local time as you board. That way your flight actually helps you beat the jet lag.

10. Travelling with children? Make a place to lie down

Small children sleep much better if they can lie down. With an inflatable aeroplane bed you turn the space between the seat and the one in front into a lying surface for children.

Please note: not every airline allows inflatable footrests or aeroplane beds, and some only in certain seats or outside take-off and landing. So always check your airline's rules before you travel.

Packing list for your hand luggage

• Neck pillow
• Eye mask and earplugs
• Footrest or, for children, an aeroplane bed (after checking the rules)
• Compression socks or warm socks
• Cardigan or jumper
• Empty water bottle
• Power bank and charging cable
• Travel bottles for your toiletries (read also what you may take in your hand luggage)
• A travel adapter for when you arrive

Frequently asked questions

Which neck pillow is best for the plane?

A memory foam neck pillow gives the most support. If you travel light, an inflatable pillow is handier, because it takes up almost no room when deflated.

Can a footrest go on a plane?

A footrest can go in your hand luggage. Whether you may use it during the flight differs per airline. Check this beforehand.

Do compression socks help on a long flight?

Many travellers wear compression socks to support their legs while sitting for a long time. Combine them with moving regularly and drinking enough water. If you have any health concerns, ask your GP for advice.

How do I sleep better on a plane?

Choose a window seat, use a neck pillow, eye mask and earplugs, wear comfortable clothing and sleep when it is night at your destination.

Ready for your next flight? Take a look at all our neck pillows and travel gear. Free shipping from €40, 1-2 working days delivery and 30 days free returns.