All business class flights are not created equal, and we don’t mean differences in seat size or the brand of champagne served.
One of the major factors in determining how good (or bad) your flight feels is the time of day you’re flying.
It might sound ordinary, but deciding between a daytime flight and an overnight flight will have a significant impact on your experience (you can learn more about the cost).
From sleep quality to how rejuvenated you feel upon landing, both overnight and daytime flights impact your experience significantly.
If you’re planning to book a flight in the near future, it is essential to know how the timing of the flight can make or break the perks you’re paying for.
So, daytime or overnight flights? Take your call now!
Daytime Or Overnights Flights: Know The One Suitable For Your Business Class Journey
We, who travel frequently, always try to decode the jet lag hack. The first question to arise is whether to take daytime or overnight flights.
Now, the answer is that the choice depends on the type of traveler you are and where you are traveling to. For example, while traveling to London, I will always swear by a nighttime flight.
Also, I prefer the overnight flights as they allow me to wake up fresh, and from the next morning, I can explore the place in full swing.
On the other hand, my daughter prefers daytime flights as she enjoys the food and perks.
So, here, I have presented an objective comparison between daytime and overnight flights. Also, Insider platforms like BusinessTickets give you excellent insights about business class flying done right.
1. Overnight Flights: The Red-Eye Factor
If your flight includes a lie-flat bed, it is a hotel in the sky, so why not take a nap?
Especially for overnight flights that are more than 10 hours, make sure to take advantage of that premium seat.
After boarding, enjoy a delicious dinner, recline the seat, sleep for 6-8 hours, and then wake up in a different city (ideally without jet lag). That’s what we call travel magic.
As noted by One Mile at a Time, the ideal overnight lasts ~12 hours, pushing savvy travellers to book discount business class tickets on true red-eyes rather than day hops.
Because it is more than enough time to catch some sleep, but not long enough for you to get bored during the flight.
This insight has led smarter travelers to look for discounted business class tickets on longer red-eyes, sometimes ignoring shorter flights that are ‘more luxurious’.
Quick Advantages And Disadvantages Of Overnight Flights
- Maximize the bed
- Wake up refreshed
- Great for time-zone shifts
- You have to sleep well for it to pay off
What Are The Things To Keep In Mind While Traveling On Overnight Flights?
After years of travel, I have created a thorough checklist for making the most of my overnight flight experience.
A Complete Checklist for Nighttime Flights | Details |
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Staying Hydrated | I drink plenty of water during the night flights. And I know that the craving is strong. However, you must avoid those fancy caffeinated drinks. Furthermore, let the party begin a little later. So, avoid alcohol consumption as it can cause dehydration and disrupt your sleep. |
Eat Light | This is like the golden rule for enjoying your late-night flights and waking up fresh in the morning. Also, eating too much junk can destabilize your blood sugar levels and cause stomach upset. |
Pick Your Relaxation Technique | If it’s a long flight, you have to opt for a relaxation technique that works for you. You can listen to music, read books, or meditate to combat your anxiety during long flights. Moreover, you can pick your favorite entertainment program to pass the time delightfully. I watch the English classics on long nighttime flights. What is your favorite? |
Ensure Your Sitting Position is Comfortable | You don’t want a strained neck or back after landing in a new destination. Do you? So, ensure that your sitting position is comfortable and you have the neck rolls or pillows for proper support. |
Take Care of Your Eyes and Skin | Yes, it’s important, as if you don’t wear moisturizer, your skin will be parched at the end of the long flight. Similarly, eye drops are essential to avoid dry eye problems. This is especially crucial if you wear contact lenses. Also, I prefer to wear glasses instead of contact lenses during flights. |
Wear Earplugs and Sleep Masks | It’s difficult to sleep on a flight without earplugs and sleep masks. So, carry them if you want to wake up fresh. |
2. Daytime Flights: Chill Vibes, Less Sleep
As we shift to daylight options in this daytime or overnight flights comparison, we have to admit there are benefits as well.
Daytime flights offer lots of advantages, especially for you to grab that food, sip on wine, enjoy a movie, do your work (if you really have to), and experience a much quieter cabin.
In fact, if you don’t need to sleep, it can actually feel like a productive day in the sky or simply relaxing and unburdened.
But here’s the catch: if you’re someone whose body is trained to rest at night, especially with a body clock aligned to night hours, you may feel fried after flying during the day, especially while crossing multiple time zones.
Quick Advantages And Disadvantages Of Daytime Flights
- Full use of cabin perks
- Great for short or regional flights
- It can leave you wiped out if you land at night.
What Are The Things To Keep In Mind While Traveling On Daytime Flights?
It’s not about comparing daytime or overnight flights to determine which one is better. If you know the right tips, you can make the most of each flight experience.
So, here are the smart tips or things to keep in mind while traveling on daytime flights.
A Complete Checklist for Daytime Flights | Details |
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Drink Caffeinated Drinks | Caffeinated drinks will keep you high on energy, and they will not make you feel sleepy. |
Eat Small Meals | The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention recommends having smaller meals to avoid stomach aches. The same rule applies to daytime flights. |
Move Around | Don’t remain seated all the time if it is a long flight. Walking around the cabin will promote healthy blood circulation. |