International red-eye: what to wear?

[MrsE]

I am taking an international red-eye flight tomorrow night after work and need to sleep on the plane, but be ready to go for the day upon arrival. Any tips on what to wear? Or is this a terrible idea and I need to adjust my schedule and expectations? Either way, what do you wear?

[wanderlustfoodie]

Wear something comfortable on the plane and bring fresh clothes in your carry-on to change into when you land.

ETA: I don't wear makeup on long flights then when I land I wash my face, put in my contacts, and put on some minimal make-up. It's a small way to feel very refreshed.

[monsterz]

Yoga pants and a comfy t-shirt. Bring a change of clothes for when you land to change into.

[Deleted]

I wear:

- leggings
- a comfy, long t-shirt
- a long, comfy wrap or open front cardigan
- a sportsish bra that isn't tight
- comfy underwear

If I'll want boots at the destination, I'll wear them onto the plane. Otherwise, ballet flats. Either way, they get taken off on the plane and replaced with comfy socks.

Basically, I get as close to pajamas as possible without actually being in pajamas

Also, I take a lot of melatonin when I get to the airport to help me acclimate to the new time zone/that it will be sleepy time early. And I take sleeping meds.

I also pack a travel pillow and a blanket (plane ones are gross and not as comfy) and an eye mask, and I have an iPod white noise app that I play with noise-cancelling headphones to drown out plane noise.

And I don't wear makeup for the travel and wash my face/brush teeth upon arrival. 

Safe travels!

[MrsE]

Damn. I need to buy some leggings. That's a great idea and more appropriate than yoga pants. Not that I travel in yoga pants (or have anything agains it) but have always been tempted by the idea of them (soo comfy).

I have never taken sleeping pills but might try those Tylenol Z ones.

Thanks all.

[VillainV]

I just did a transatlantic redeye in a cotton maxi skirt, comfy t-shirt, and flats, with a cardigan overtop. I think it's unrealistic to expect that you'll be able to roll right off the plane and into work. But I think you could pack a work outfit in your carry-on, bring a brush, deodorant, and toothbrush, and be okay.

[pink]

I wear wunder unders, uggs/boots/toms (but take off my shoes and replace with fuzzy socks when I get on the plane), a light sports bra, a tank top, tee or long sleeve top, and a hoodie or wrap sweater (which also serves as a blanket). I also keep fresh clothes in my carry on (especially fresh undies).

I try to get in the "sleep" mindset. I wash my face/brush teeth/put on moisturizer before the flight, and then use noise cancelling headphones, a pillow, and an eye mask. I take xanax for flight anxiety/sleep, but I have a few friends who like benedryl. I would definitely try using them before you go though, because I've tried a few things and felt too groggy to function the next day.

When it's "morning" on the flight, I refresh my face with face cloths, water spray (I use some from Japan but I have some friends who swear by evian spray), and then moisturizer/suncreen and apply makeup. I also brush my teeth, make sure to ask for water to bring with you in the bathroom since the plane water isn't potable.

[Deleted]

I would also reduce your expectations. I never sleep well on a plan and am totally wrecked the next day.

In addition to comfy clothes, I would suggest an eye mask, ear plugs, Tylenol sleeping aid, face wipes (I like the neutrogena brand), a travel pillow and a long cardigan that you can cozy up in. My feet swell on the plane, so I usually wear compression knee-highs too.

[cheezer]

I have a bunch of cotton dresses (both long-sleeved and short-sleeved) that I wear to work that are comfortable enough to travel in but I am always freezing on the plane so I always wear leggings. I'd wear leggings and then pack a dress in my carryon unless wearing leggings at your final destination would be appropriate (for instance if I was going to a client meeting then I'd just change).

[audette]

Comfort is key. So, wear what you will be comfortable in.

If this is your first international red-eye, I would not assume you will be fully functional the morning/day of arrival. You may be good for part of the day, but you will probably find yourself dragging at some point. It's hard to avoid that.

[M]

Yoga pants, tank top with built in bra, and light sweater.

I also bring my own blanket and a mini pillow. It helps me sleep when something is comfy and familiar...not to mention who knows how many people drooled on it before you get it.

Combing my hair and brushing my teeth helps me wake up and feel/look presentable enough until I get to a shower.

[pink]

Jul 30, 2014 20:21:07 GMT -5 @idaholakelady said:

I would also reduce your expectations. I never sleep well on a plan and am totally wrecked the next day.

In addition to comfy clothes, I would suggest an eye mask, ear plugs, Tylenol sleeping aid, face wipes (I like the neutrogena brand), a travel pillow and a long cardigan that you can cozy up in. My feet swell on the plane, so I usually wear compression knee-highs too.

Agreed with the bolded. I actually got a blood clot on a cross-country flight a few years ago, so now I always wear compression socks (I use the ones I use for running, key is that they're socks and not sleeves) on flights longer than a few hours. 

[Deleted]

I would freshen up when you get there. I bring baby wipes, simple make-up, toothbrush, and straighten my hair so it will be semi professional in the morning.

[msmerymac]

If you feel it's best to get showered when you get there, you can buy a day pass for the executive lounge of whatever airline you are flying. I did that in the American Airlines lounge at Logan right before meeting my in-laws for the first time!

[ebeth]

I usually opt for a maxi dress and a cardigan in this situation

ETA: that prob wouldn't work if you had to work though. I guess I missed that you were traveling for business.

[meggers5]

Changing into fresh underwear feels great.

[bryantpark]

I do exactly what V said. Are you in business? If yes sleeping is much easier! And you would have a lounge to get ready in.

[jennybee1018]

Our 13 hour flight from the US to Doha is always a red eye, so we do this a little too often :-(

I would wear what you plan to wear for the next day on the plane (maybe bring a clean shirt), then I switch into yoga pants and long comfy top to be comfy. Then before landing, I'll change into my normal clothes, brush my teeth, change my undies, etc. It really does help to make you feel a little bit cleaner after the flight!

Remember that daylight will help with jet lag, so if you can be outside in the sun for lunch, you should try to get out!