How to sleep on a plane: seats, kit and habits that help

Where to sit, what to pack and how to time it, so you can actually sleep on a flight rather than just close your eyes.

By the Vespré team Updated 3 min read
A woman asleep in a window seat on a night flight wearing a sleep mask

The short answer

To sleep on a plane, pick a window seat, bring a sleep mask and earplugs that are comfortable to wear for hours, support your neck, stay warm with a layer or blanket, and go easy on caffeine and alcohol. Try to sleep in line with your destination's night if you can, and keep your seatbelt fastened over your blanket so the crew do not wake you.

An aeroplane is almost designed to keep you awake: engine noise, announcements, trolleys, bright screens and a seat that does not recline far enough. You cannot change the cabin. You can change what reaches you.

Where is the best seat to sleep on a plane?

A window seat. You get a wall to lean on, you control the shade, and nobody climbs over you. Seats away from the galleys and toilets tend to see less traffic and light. Exit rows give more legroom but can be cooler and often do not recline.

What should I bring to sleep on a plane?

  • A sleep maskCabin lights, screens and daylight through the next window are the main thing a mask fixes.
  • Earplugs you can sleep inEngine drone, announcements and chatter all come down. Soft, low profile ones are easier to wear against a headrest.
  • Neck supportA travel pillow stops your head dropping forward and waking you.
  • A warm layerCabins get cold. Socks and a jumper help more than you would expect.
  • A water bottleCabin air is dry. Drink water, and go easy on alcohol.

You cannot turn the engines down. You can turn down what reaches your ears

Do earplugs help you sleep on a plane?

Yes, for most people. Engine noise is steady and loud, and the announcements and conversations on top of it are what tend to wake you. Earplugs will not make the cabin silent, but they take the edge off. Choose ones that sit low in the ear, so leaning against a headrest or a window does not push them in. That is the same problem side sleepers have, covered in why earplugs hurt on your side.

How do I sleep on a long-haul flight?

  • Sleep to your destinationIf it is night where you are going, that is the time to sleep.
  • Go easy on caffeine and alcoholBoth make sleep lighter and more broken.
  • Buckle over your blanketThe crew can see your belt without waking you.
  • Skip the screen before sleepingPut the film away 20 minutes before you want to sleep.

Questions people ask

What is the best way to sleep on a plane?

A window seat, a sleep mask, comfortable earplugs, neck support and a warm layer, with light caffeine and alcohol. Sleep in line with your destination's night where you can.

Can I use earplugs on a plane?

Yes. Many people find they make sleeping on a flight much easier. Most people still hear an announcement or someone speaking to them close by.

Is a sleep mask or earplugs better for flying?

They solve different problems, light and sound, so on a long flight most people are best off with both.

How do I stop my ears hurting on a plane?

Ear pain on take-off and landing comes from pressure changes. Swallowing, yawning or chewing can help. If you have an ear condition or a cold, ask a doctor or pharmacist before flying.

Every Vespré shape comes with a case for the bag and 30 nights to decide. Used returns are fine.

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