A First-Hand Experience Of Taking A Red Eye Flight! 

Oct 19, 2023

Last Updated on: Sep 22, 2025

Travel Blog

Red eye flights are those overnight journeys that take off late in the evening and land in the morning.  

Now, you might be one of those travelers for whom this means sacrificing a good night’s sleep. this, which can lead to that telltale fatigue. And, of course, you will get red eyes after landing. 

Interestingly, these flights tend to be longer and are more common in regions outside the Western world.  

This is largely because many airports have strict curfews that limit flight schedules, like in: 

  • Europe 
  • Australia  
  • North America  

That said, it’s not like airlines in the Western world shy away from red-eye flights entirely. In fact, when it comes to westbound transatlantic routes, red eyes have become something of a standard among both European and American carriers. 

In this article, I’ll dive into the reasons why red eye flights exist and will weigh their pros and cons. By the end, you’ll feel like you’ve experienced what it’s like to take a red eye flight for yourself! 

What Is A Red Eye Flight? 

What Is A Red Eye Flight

Whether you enjoy these nighttime hauls or not, red eye flights are quite a regular thing for people flying long distances.  

They depart from their home terminal at night and reach their destination in the morning.  

They are so named because of the physical toll it takes on the passengers, causing them to get red eyes.  

Most of these red eye flights take off when flying to the east side. For instance, when you fly from Los Angeles to New York or from New York to London. 

But there are exceptions to such flights, such as when you are flying north or south between long distances.  

For example, if you fly between North and South America or Europe and Africa. 

The whole idea behind red eye flights is to save daylight and maximize your time spent at home and at your destination.  

Flying through the night helps you avoid losing a day in travel. It also helps save money spent on a night stay at a hotel. They are cheaper than day flights, too, making it a cost-effective option for budget travelers. 

In some cases, there are actually no other options but to take a red eye flight because your origin and destination do not have day flights to begin with. 

My Red Eye Flight Experience From Bahrain To London 

My Red Eye Flight Experience From Bahrain to London
kayak.com

Recently, I had the experience of taking three flights for one destination. I flew three different classes of travel on a single ticket. 

I bought a Premium Economy round-trip ticket from London to Bahrain ten months before my flight. In this firsthand red eye flight experience, I will share my pretty good experience with Lufthansa during my return journey from Bahrain to London Heathrow, which involved a layover in Riyadh. 

The expenses of Lufthansa flights to the Middle East did not follow a linear increase as the departure day approached. I have included two charts below to show how the price of my flight changed leading up to the day of departure and after the flight’s schedule was revised.  

Lufthansa operates a daily flight from its ground base in Frankfurt to Bahrain International Airport with a layover in Riyadh. 

This is a usual setup as it’s a daily flight to Dammam via Kuwait. So, I couldnt book Both Bahrain-Riyadh and Kuwait-Dammam as fifth freedom flights.  

Intriguingly, Lufthansa continuously adjusts its schedule for destinations in the Middle East. According to Routes Online, Lufthansa would originally fly to Bahrain via Doha in 2014, but it stopped in 2015 when services to Doha were renewed and and operations to Muscat instead. 

Before Lufthansa stopped all flights to Doha in 2017, they operated Frankfurt-Kuwait-Doha flights. In 2017, flights to Bahrain were via Dammam, and in 2018, they were via Kuwait. When I bought my ticket in August 2018, my planned route was Heathrow-Frankfurt-Kuwait-Bahrain, but it changed to Heathrow-Frankfurt-Riyadh-Bahrain in September 2018. 

Lufthansa used to operate Riyadh as a non-stop flight without onward legs in 2015, but after discontinuing Doha in 2017, they started flying Frankfurt-Riyadh-Dammam while also initiating flights to Bahrain via Kuwait. However, things were changed again in 2018. 

Flight 1: Premium Economy, Bahrain To Riyadh 

Premium Economy Bahrain to Riyadh
thriftytraveler.com

When I was at Bahrain International Airport via Uber, I made it through passport control and security within 15 minutes.  

The aircraft assigned for the flight was D-AIKN, which is an A330-343X. Boarding began at 23:20.  

This was slightly late, but it didn’t matter since only 20 passengers were boarding the red-eye flight A330. 

In fact, the gate push-off time was 11.42 pm, eight minutes early. The Premium Economy section of the plane had four rows with seven seats each.  

There were only seven passengers, resulting in a load factor of 25% in this segment.  

The legroom was spacious enough, allowing the passenger in front to recline without any pressure on the person seated behind. 

The amenity kit for the Premium Economy included a toothbrush and toothpaste, a refreshment towel, a sleeping mask, earplugs, and a thick pair of socks.  

Although the earplugs were weak and the face mask didn’t isolate light fully, the socks were comfortable. The IFE system was not as good as Emirates’, but it had decent options. 

One of the few features was live GPS tracking of the aircraft. During the Bahrain-Riyadh journey, they played the movie “100 Things,” a 2018 German film.  

Despite leaving Bahrain eight minutes early, the plane arrived in Riyadh five minutes late, as we had to wait for other people to vacate our gate.  

Flight 2: Business Class, Riyadh To Frankfurt

Business Class Riyadh to Frankfurt
onceinalifetimejourney.com

During the second flight from Riyadh to Frankfurt, since it wasn’t a fifth freedom flight, passengers traveling to Frankfurt from Bahrain were not required to leave the aircraft in Riyadh.  

After being told to stay seated for ten minutes while they were refueling the plane, a representative from Lufthansa’s Riyadh airport asked me to follow him into Business. 

They gave me seat 10H since the Premium Economy and Economy classes were ready to fill up with passengers for the Riyadh-Frankfurt flight.  

The flight from Riyadh to Frankfurt was entirely full in Economy, Premium Economy, and Business. 

The headphones provided by Lufthansa in Business were exceptional, as they blocked out all noise.  

The sound quality from the IFE was also excellent, allowing me to sleep soundly. They attached the headphones to the seat, so I couldn’t remove them.  

My red-eye flight departed from Riyadh King Khalid at 2:10 am, 15 minutes late, and arrived in Frankfurt at 7:14 am, one minute early. The average delay for the flight LH637 is ten minutes. 

Flight 3: Economy, Frankfurt To London Heathrow

Economy Frankfurt to London Heathrow
aircraftinteriorsinternational.com

Regrettably, the last flight of my three-flight sequence was delayed despite arriving early from its previous flight.  

The reason for the delay was that the aircraft, which was Lufthansa’s first A320neo with the registration D-AINC, took over an hour to clean. 

Although I managed to secure an emergency exit row window seat, which I chose for free during check-in, the legroom on short-haul flights with Lufthansa was a bit disappointing for me.  

Moreover, the sandwich served on the flight contained cream and cheese, which was not suitable for me as I do not eat dairy. Unfortunately, there were no alternative options available for me. 

Another slight disappointment was that I didn’t get any water from the crew before takeoff. So, I had to wait for a long time before we took off due to the delay.  

The flight was full in Economy and Business class, and despite the plane being on time on average, we arrived 40 minutes late at our destination in London after pushing off from Frankfurt 29 minutes late. 

Additionally, we spent a considerable amount of time circling around London. It was not a big inconvenience, but the service was not as good as my previous flights with Lufthansa.  

However, I must acknowledge that Lufthansa quickly and smoothly compensated me with 600 Euros for the missed connecting flight during my outbound journey. 

What Are Some Common Health Issues Associated With Red Eye Flight? 

What Are Some Common Health Issues Associated With Red Eye Flight

When it comes to red-eye flights, there are definitely some health concerns to keep in mind.  

The term “red-eye” highlights the common experience of passengers landing with bloodshot eyes, often from feeling exhausted, dealing with jet lag, and battling dehydration. 

1. Fatigue  

strikes when you can’t get a decent night’s sleep. Unfortunately, finding that restful sleep on a plane can be quite challenging without taking some extra steps to make it comfortable. 

2. Jet lag  

It is something we typically think of with quick shifts in time zones, but it hits even harder on overnight flights. However, if you’re savvy about your body’s internal clock, you may be able to ease some of the negative effects of jet lag during these journeys. 

3. Dehydration  

It’s not as rare as you might think on flights. While cabin crew are usually attentive to serving food and drinks, red-eye flights might have fewer staff on duty, making it tougher to stay hydrated when you need it most. 

If you often find yourself on these overnight flights, it’s important to be aware of the potential long-term health implications.  

Regularly missing out on good sleep can weaken your immune system and lead to serious issues like sleep disorders, depression, and even an increased risk of heart attacks and cancer.  

So, while those red-eye flights can be convenient, it’s wise to take care of your well-being. 

Which Class Should You Choose While Opting For Red Eye Flight? 

When it comes to red-eye flights, the health risks might sound pretty daunting, but thankfully, there are some effective ways to cope with them.  

One of the most crucial steps you can take for your well-being during a night flight is to select the right class. 

Sure, economy tickets can save you some cash, especially on these overnight flights, but there’s a reason they’re cheaper.  

The lack of comfortable seating can make it really tough to catch some quality sleep. Plus, the passengers usually cram the economy sections, which only adds to the noise and can disturb your rest. 

On the other hand, if you opt for business or a higher class, you’ll find much better seating and more appropriate lighting, and flight attendants who will cater to your needs by:— 

  • Serving meals 
  • Providing pillows 
  • Helping you stay hydrated 

You can manage some of these comforts on your own. Stil, I would say that investing in a better class ticket can definitely make a difference in how well you handle that long, overnight journey. 

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) 

1. Are Red Eye Flights More Dangerous?  

No, red-eye flights are not inherently more dangerous than daytime flights in terms of safety; if anything, they are generally safer due to less air traffic and pilots flying more on instruments. 

2. Are Red Eye Flights Cheaper?  

Yes, red-eye flights are often cheaper because airlines price them lower to fill planes during off-peak overnight hours. This makes them attractive to budget-conscious travelers.  

3. Is Red  Eye Flight Booking Difficult?  

Not at all. You can just visit an airline’s website or a flight comparison site. Then, you have to enter your origin and destination. Finally, you can filter for flights departing after 9 PM and arriving early the next morning.  

Get Ready For Your Upcoming Red Eye Flight!  

Honestly, their customer service impressed me so much that I would choose Lufthansa for all my future connecting red-eye flights. 

If you have thoughts to share or questions to ask, please leave a comment below! We would love to hear from you! 

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Meet Sibashree Bhattacharya, a travel enthusiast who has a decade-long experience in transcending virtual barriers with her words! Her deep love for travel is apparent from her travel escapades to the mountain, often taking her readers on a journey, her words acting as Portkey! Fun fact: Sibashree loves to dive deep into the history of the places she is about to visit, making her travels even more wholesome. If you were wondering how her articles are not short of time travel, this answers it!

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The rest of the year, visitors can take tours of Bannack or rent bikes and set off hiking from the nearby campsite. Read More: Top 8 List Of National Parks In North Carolina 11. Giant Springs State Park Giant Springs State Park lies just to the northeast of Great Falls on the banks of the Missouri River. It has sparkling springs all around, from which it derives its name. It is a top-rated place with many recreational activities on offer. That is mostly due to its proximity to the city and its peaceful and picturesque nature. Blackfeet Nation has used Giant Springs for centuries. Moreover, it is one of the largest freshwater springs in the States. First described by the Lewis and Clark Expedition in 1805, its waters originate in the Little Belt Mountains. It took around 3,000 years to travel the 100 kilometers underground to surface again at the springs. Besides visiting the springs, visitors can wander around the park’s gorgeous green spaces. They explore the scenic shoreline of the river. As well as its picnic areas and playgrounds, it also offers some great fishing, boating, and birdwatching. 12. Yellowstone National Park Last but definitely not least, we have another immensely famous option. It is a very popular and widely visited Yellowstone National Park. Most of Yellowstone lies within the wilds of Wyoming. Some picturesque parts of the popular park sprawl over into Idaho and Montana. An absolutely incredible place, it is awash with astounding natural sights. There are mighty mountain towers above sweeping valleys, verdant forests, and roaring rivers. The oldest national park in the world came to be in 1872, delighting and dazzling countless generations ever since. Its diverse and dramatic scenery is spectacular. However, it is most known for its more than 10,000 geysers as well as hot springs. There are also thermal features dotting its craggy confines. Of these, one of the most popular is the Grand Prismatic Spring due to its kaleidoscopic colors. Old Faithful never fails to amaze with the staggering size and scale of its spurting spring. Moreover, you cannot miss out on Yellowstone National Park. It has lots of wildlife residing within its remote realms and exquisite hiking, camping, and boating on offer. Wrapping It Up! In case you were searching for the best as well as must-visit Montana national parks, I hope that this article has been of help to you. If there are any other queries related to the same, feel free to let me know. All that you need to do is scroll down till you reach the bottom of the page. Then leave your queries and suggestions in the box below. Read Also: A Guide To National Parks In Wisconsin A Complete Guide For National Parks In Illinois Best National Parks In Missouri That You Must Know

READ MORE Phuket Sunset Cruises

Best Routes For Sunset Cruises Around Phuket

BY  Sibashree Nov 18, 2025

The Andaman Sea transformed into a spectacular canvas. The water started reflecting shades of violet, crimson, and amber. The experience was not just my eyes capturing some beautiful visuals. It was immersive. The tranquil setting, the chirpings of the birds going back to their nests, and the golden glow bathing everyone’s face, transported me to somewhere else. The crowded viewpoints on the beach were at a distance, and it was like the noise in my mind, which I wanted to distance myself from. This is how magical the Phuket sunset cruises can be. We seldom connect Phuket and a cruising experience there with something spiritual. However, if we allow ourselves, we can explore a different side of Phuket. In my mind, the lines of the famous Pink Floyd song were playing. “And as the windshield melts My tears evaporate Leaving only charcoal to defend. Finally, I understand the feelings of the few. Ashes and diamonds Foe and friend We were all equal in the end…” The sunset cruising was a kind of experience that made me feel one with the universe. Also, everything good and bad that happened in my life kept occurring before my eyes as a flashback. In this article, I will talk about the prime routes for the Phuket sunset cruises, how the surrounding elements define the experience, and every other detail you need to know. Prime Routes For Phuket Sunset Cruises The prime routes for Phuket sunset cruises offer diverse experiences. While the western coastline is about drama, the northern routes are surreal. Furthermore, the island-hopping circuits are more action-packed with itineraries including snorkeling and swimming. 1. Western Coastline The western coastline presents the most dramatic sunset vistas, with Promthep Cape serving as a legendary reference point. Promthep Cape, or the Laem Promthep, is on the southernmost tip of Phuket. The rocky outcrop here sets the stage, and as you climb it, you will see how the Sun creates magic on the waters of the Andaman Sea during the sunset hours. In addition, the panoramic view from the clifftop was amazing, and again, a famous quote came into my mind that when we see a problem from a distance, it looks smaller, but when we go close to it, it appears bigger and sometimes unbearable. Departing from Chalong Bay allows vessels to navigate toward this southern landmark while maintaining optimal positioning as daylight fades. The journey typically passes Rawai Beach and Nai Harn Bay, where protected waters create smooth sailing conditions ideal for photography and relaxation. 2. Northern Routes Northern routes toward Phang-Nga Bay offer a different perspective, with limestone karsts silhouetted against the glowing sky. These geological formations, such as the caves and lagoons, add depth and character to sunset compositions, particularly around Koh Panyee and the surrounding archipelago. The bay's sheltered nature ensures calm conditions even during monsoon transitions. If you want an added dose of adventure, you can take a canoe and explore the sea caves, inlet caves, and lagoons as the daylight starts getting softer and nature prepares for the sunset. 3. Island-Hopping Circuits Island-hopping circuits incorporate the following spots. Coral Island Racha Yai Khai Islands These itineraries typically allocate afternoon hours for swimming and snorkeling. Atmospheric Elements That Define The Experience As the Sun began spreading different shades of red and touched the waters of the Andaman Sea, I felt a subtle chill in the air. The midday heat was still there like the strongest perfume, the whiff of which remains on a shirt even after a wash. Within a few minutes, the transition in the weather became very prominent. The calm evening winds began to blow, infusing everyone on the deck with a sense of relaxation. I felt like that time stood still, and I quickly put on my jacket to be more comfortable in the moment. The jacket kept me cozy while I was still feeling the ocean breezes directly caressing my face and hair. Also, the color change felt like a 45-minute masterclass. At first, everything began to soften; the bright daylight took on a mellower tone, and then came the real drama, with intense saturation during the final ten minutes before dusk.  Finally, the lights were on, and the Andaman Sea looked most mysterious as the sky became dark. The blue hour, or the moments just after sunset, is dreamy in Phuket. There are aesthetic pastel tones everywhere, and the stars were becoming visible in the sky one by one. Standing on the deck of the water and with water everywhere around our cruise, there was very low light pollution. So, the stars and constellations shone the brightest. Thanks to this change of colors for an extended period, I could take some brilliant snaps. There was no rush, and I could experiment with my lenses and angles. Also, this extended timeline gave me enough time to cherish contemplative moments, and there was no rush. Companies specializing in yacht rentals in Phuket, such as DreamCharter, offer dedicated sunset cruise packages with professional crews managing navigation and timing to position guests at optimal viewing locations. Viewing Locations Open-water positioning west of the major islands maximizes unobstructed sightlines toward the setting sun. However, incorporating foreground elements such as traditional longtail boats, rocky outcrops, or palm-fringed shores adds compositional interest to photographs and enhances the overall visual narrative. Areas with minimal light pollution, particularly between islands or away from Patong's illuminated coastline, allow stars to become visible shortly after sunset. This astronomical dimension extends the experience beyond the sunset itself, creating a seamless transition into the evening. The combination of maritime mobility and natural spectacle makes sunset cruising a distinctive way to experience Phuket's coastal environment. Whether seeking romantic ambiance, photographic opportunities, or simply peaceful moments on the water, these golden-hour voyages deliver perspectives unavailable from land-based vantage points. November to April is the best season for sunset cruising in Phuket. Sunny days and clear skies make these months ideal for experiencing the beautiful transition of colors and stargazing after dark. Read Also: Three Of The Best Must-See Attractions During Your Time On The Thai Island Of Phuket 5 Must-Visit Places In Thailand: Should I Go To Phuket Or Krabi? Should You Choose A Luxury Resort In Phuket?