Deciding Between A Red-Eye Or Long Layover? Seasoned Travelers Weigh In

Unless you're splurging on a first-class ticket, traveling via airplane can be kind of a drag. As airlines attempt to squeeze more revenue out of each and every flight, the seating layouts have become increasingly cramped. Flight delays are commonplace, and navigating the TSA lines in major airports can make even the chillest of travelers feel a bit frazzled. If you're traveling on a long-haul flight, you'll want to ensure that you're as comfortable as possible. Choosing the right flight itinerary is one way to do that. Seasoned travelers often have a strong preference about which types of long-haul flights they book. Some prefer to travel via a red-eye flight. Others prefer to book an itinerary with a long layover.

A "red-eye" is an overnight flight. Usually they are non-stop or direct flights without any layovers in between. They're nicknamed red-eyes because disembarking passengers are often left with red or tired eyes. A flight with a long layover would be one in which passengers stop in a city other than their final destination with enough time to get a hotel room and rest.

Frequent travelers are divided over which option is best. It largely comes down to each person's personal travel style and preferences. Some argue that a red-eye flight cuts down on travel time overall. Others prefer a long layover so that they are well rested when they reach their destination and able to hit the ground running. We reviewed hundreds of comments from real travelers to help you make the best possible decision so that you can enjoy the most comfortable travel experience possible.

A red-eye flight is the savvy traveler's secret weapon. Many travelers prefer the non-stop overnight option because it saves so much time. Travelers discuss the topic extensively on Reddit's r/travel forum. Someone who goes by u/AF_II said that they always fly direct, no matter how long the flight is, because it's faster and they don't have to worry about making a connection. "The less time I'm in an airport, the fewer queues I have to shuffle through," they wrote.

Other travelers echoed the same opinion and reminded other commenters that a lot can go wrong on a layover. As a former flight attendant, I usually opt for a non-stop red-eye flight when I'm traveling overseas. Like some of the other travelers who commented on Reddit, I like that it saves time. After years of showing up to the airport every day for work, I loathe going through airport security. Customs and immigration lines are even worse. I've missed plenty of connecting flights over the years and had my bags lost during layovers. I will always choose the most direct route with the fewest connections, even if it means flying overnight. Plus, those nighttime flights are usually more peaceful because most passengers are asleep. 

All that said, I would never recommend a long-haul red-eye flight to someone who struggles to fall asleep on a plane. The only thing worse than spending over an hour in a long line at immigration is doing it after being awake for nearly 24 hours. Overcoming jet lag is challenging when you're traveling across multiple time zones, and beginning your vacation with a major sleep deficit can put a damper on the start of your trip. 

In an ideal situation you could spend the majority of your red-eye flight sleeping and wake up refreshed and ready to explore when you land. The reality is that sleeping on planes and getting decent rest in cramped economy seats is easier said than done.

If you're unable to sleep soundly on your red-eye, you might have to spend the first day of your trip napping in your hotel room. Frequent travelers who opt for long layovers have a strong argument against booking red-eyes. "Sometimes a long layover in an airport hotel is nicer than getting there quicker," a Reddit user called quizzical commented on a post in the r/travel subreddit. If you struggle to sleep on the plane, that's definitely true. On a long layover you can take a shower, get some rest, and enjoy a real meal before completing the rest of your journey. "You always land feeling better, more refreshed. I think it's the stretching and moving around during the connection," u/Significant-Neat3080 wrote.

Many travelers prefer long layovers because they can explore multiple destinations. Some airlines even offer layover perks. Turkish Airlines offers travelers from the United States with 20-plus-hour layovers in Istanbul a free night in a 4-star hotel. Iberia offers discounted hotel rooms, tickets to local attractions, and a free public transportation card when they have a layover in Madrid. Qatar Airways offers stopovers in Doha in which travelers can bundle a hotel stay in luxurious 5-star accommodations for just $24 per night. If you have the time in your travel schedule, a long layover can feel like adding a second "mini-vacation" to your trip, according to frequent travelers. Long layovers can also help you feel more refreshed, which could ultimately result in a more pleasant trip.