Night Flights - Tips and Advice
What are night flights?
A night flight is a flight that departs from 10PM (22:00) onwards. Night flights are perfect for travellers who wish to get some rest on the flight as the flight departure time matching most people's sleeping pattern.
Depending on the destination, night flights don't always arrive at the arrival airport in the morning. It is, therefore, different from a red-eye flight.
Find night flights at Alternative Airlines by using our search form at the top of the page.
We have a filter to show you all the night flight we could offer from over 600 airlines and you can also find the best day to fly using our best fare finder on our search result!
How to book night flights?
- Fill out the details on the search form to start browsing for your next trip. Put in the departing the arriving airport, the travel dates, cabin class and the number of passengers, then press search flight.
- Remember to choose whether you wish to travel on a single, return or a multi-city flight too.
- All flights will be displayed on the page when the search finished. The box on the left are filters, where you will see 'Departure Times' when you scroll down.
- Once you've scrolled down to 'Departure Times', select 'Evening (18:00-24:00) for night flights.
- Once that's done, the search results will only show evening flights. Select your flight to proceed with the booking.
If you are unsure how to proceed with the booking, please check out our 'step-by-step' guide on how to book a flight.
Top tips for night flights
Comfortable clothing
If you wish to take a nap on the flight, making yourself warm and comfy on the flight is essential for a good rest. Space is often restrained when you are sitting in Economy Class, so making yourself comfy is important.
Loose clothing is the most suitable for flying - this could be sweatsuits, shorts or t-shirts. What's important, however, is to wear whatever you feel comfortable with.
Bring a few accessories
The aircraft cabin is often noisy and sometimes bright from the reading lights. Sometimes airlines would provide an amenity kit to passengers, but not all do. So bringing your own will ensure you have something when you needed.
Things like eye masks, earplugs, blanket, socks or a neck pillow are appropriate and potentially make a difference.
Prebook your seat
Seating on the window seat always means that you are less likely to be disturbed, as sitting on the middle seat or aisle seat means you may have to give way to your fellow passengers.
At Alternative Airlines, you can pre-book your seat during the booking process. You can also check out our blog on 'Top 6 Reasons To Pre-Book Seats' to find out more.
Trusted globally
Rated Excellent on Trustpilot
We’re super proud of our Trustpilot rating, but don’t just take it from us. See why millions of others love booking their flights through Alternative Airlines
Frequently asked questions
Are night flights safe?
Yes, they are safe! Pilots are trained to fly at night and rely on their instruments when in the cloud or when visibility is low.
All commercial aircraft has radar systems and advanced navigation systems to guide the plane and notify pilots of any hazards ahead. In order to maintain their license, pilots are required to fly a certain amount of night hours too.
Are night flights smoother?
Night flights are usually smoother and passengers often experience less turbulence compared to a day flight. Evening and early mornings are usually less windy, which means turbulence is less likely to occur and the chance of thunderstorm would reduce.
Are night flights less crowded?
Usually, night flights are less crowded as it is late at night and curfews of the airport apply. Most of the short-haul flights would have stopped as fewer people travel on short-haul at night compared to long-haul / red-eye flights.
Are night flights cheaper?
Yes, night flights are often cheaper than flights during the day. Airlines may offer lower fares for late-night or red-eye flights as demand tends to be lower outside of peak hours. If you're flexible with your travel times, flying at night can be a good way to save money!
Why are some international flights at night?
Many international flights depart at night to match arrival times with morning or afternoon schedules in the destination country. This helps travellers adjust to the time zone more easily and makes better use of airport capacity, especially for long-haul routes.
What are red-eye flights?
A red-eye flight is a late-night flight that departs in the evening and arrives the next morning, typically covering long distances overnight. The term comes from the tired, red eyes passengers often have after flying through the night with limited sleep.
Are flights less turbulent at night?
Yes, flights tend to be less turbulent at night. Cooler night-time temperatures and reduced atmospheric activity mean smoother air conditions. This makes night flights a more comfortable option for nervous flyers or those who prefer a calmer journey.
Do flights run all night?
Many airports operate 24/7, and long-haul and cargo flights regularly run overnight. However, some airports have night curfews, especially in residential areas, which limit take-offs or landings during late hours. Always check your airport's schedule if you're planning a night flight.
What time do flights usually stop at night?
Flight schedules vary, but short-haul flights often reduce after 10 PM due to airport curfews or lower demand. Long-haul flights, on the other hand, frequently depart late at night, especially between 10 PM and 2 AM.
Are night flights better than day flights?
It depends on your preferences. Night flights are often quieter, less crowded and smoother due to calmer air. They can also help you make the most of your travel time by arriving early the next day. On the downside, sleeping on a plane isn’t always easy and services may be more limited.
How do I avoid night flights?
If you want to avoid flying at night, the easiest way is to use the time filters when booking. At Alternative Airlines, you can set your preferred departure and arrival times to avoid overnight travel.
Flights listed for late evening - usually after 10pm - are often red-eyes, so watch for those when comparing options.
You can also avoid night flights by choosing airlines that offer multiple departures throughout the day. Keep an eye on long layovers too, as they can push parts of your journey into night hours. If you're not sure, our Customer Service team can help you find a flight that keeps you flying during daylight.