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7 rules for red-eye flights: No bare feet, skip the pjs

For most of us, the ideal sleeping environment is dark and quiet. Take your cue from the flight attendants. When they extinguish the cabin lights, lower your light source as well. Close the window shade and, if you’re watching a movie, dim the brightness level on your laptop or seat-back entertainment center.

The overhead seat light is built like a spotlight, its narrow beam illuminating your tiny stage. If you are surrounded by empty seats, don’t switch on all the lights and turn your row into a floodlit concert arena. If you need additional glow, bring a clip-on reading light. Conversely, if you are sensitive to light, pack an eye mask.

Airlines require passengers to wear headphones when listening to audio. However, sometimes sound leaks into the wider world. To avoid irritating your neighbors, keep the volume down or invest in quality gear, such as closed-back models or ear buds.

If listening to music helps you fall asleep, Unger favors earmuff-style headphones instead of ear buds, which can pop out while you’re dozing. You don’t want to have to wake your neighbors to ask whether they can check under their seats or feet for your wireless earpiece.

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Tobi Tarwater

Update: 2024-09-02