Tips for Sleeping on a Plane

I don’t know about you, but when I am heading for Vegas, I am too excited to sleep. Regardless of the time or how tired I am, I am too pumped full of adrenaline to even consider napping. The flight home is a different story, however. Here is how I go about catching some zzz’s on an airplane.

First of all, I choose my seat on my favorite side of the plane. I am more comfortable on the right side of the plane. Yes, I know that is illogical, and it is not like I would refuse to go to Vegas if I had to sit on the left side or anything. I am not THAT crazy. I also choose a window seat, so I can lean my head against something. I have heard too many stories of “aisle people” getting their heads bashed by drinks carts to ever sit there. The window seat also ensures that no one will be stepping on me as they make their way to the washroom. It also lets me control the amount of light my area receives. I pull down the shade when napping.

I always wear something comfortable and not constricting; not “sloppy” comfortable, but still loose and soft. Before the flight, I remind myself not to drink too much and never to have anything caffeinated. I want to spend my time napping, not fighting my way to the washroom.

I also come prepared with sleep aids; earplugs or noise canceling headphones are essential. Whether you are listening to soothing sounds or just plugging your ears, they help tremendously to shut out the outside world. Some people bring sleep masks, but that seems too conspicuous to me. Slightly less attention grabbing is just to bring along a baseball cap. When you are ready to nap just set it on your head and pull the brim down over your eyes. You have now shut out the light, turned off all sensory stimulus, and signaled to the world that you “vant” to be left alone. I usually travel with a cozy sweater or a shawl that can double as a blankie. I never bother reclining because it always seems rude to me. I know I am not happy when someone in front of me reclines, so I don’t do it to other people.

I always debate whether or not to go to the trouble of carrying around a neck pillow on my flight home. They are a pain to bring with you, but I am usually happy to have it when I try to sleep. I will invariably end up with a crook in my neck if I don’t use one. I have tried the inflatable kind, but I don’t find them as comfortable as the regular squishy ones. I have heard others recommend turning neck pillows backwards with the opening in the back for additional neck stability. I know some people recommend the “drugs and alcohol” route, but I prefer to have my wits about me at all times.

Hopefully by the time you have covered your eyes, plugged your ears, and wrapped a pillow around your neck your seatmates will have gotten the idea that you want to nap and will leave you alone to drift off into blissful slumber.

Blonde4ever

Bonnie, aka Blonde4ever, is the admin of one of our favorite Vegas forums: LasVegas4ever. She covers a large spectrum of topics from her personal experiences in Las Vegas.