The redeye flight is one of the few experiences in life that couldn’t be more appropriately named. I take these flights with such hope and promise of getting a head start on the day, only to land with eyes that do in fact match the color of my flamed hued locks. Whether you are a business traveler or just someone who wants to arrive in New York by morning, surviving a redeye can be easier said than done. While we all can’t cough up the price of a first class ticket for redeye luxuries, those of us in the back of the bus can still avoid the red eyes come touchdown by abiding by this redeye survival kit.

Avoid caffeine on the day of your redeye: When I took a redeye from Denver to New York, I tried to scale back on my caffeine intake on that day. With a flight set to leave at 1 a.m., the day leading up to the flight was spent without coffee. While it can be a challenge to function without a few shots of espresso, you will be glad you resisted when you can sleep in the most uncomfortable of seats, as you don’t have caffeine still in your system. If you have trouble sleeping on airplanes, limiting your caffeine intake the day before a redeye might actual make a difference when you try to get some rest on that six hour night flight.

Wear comfortable clothing: You might have to go straight to a business meeting after you touchdown, but you certainly have a moment to change. Being uncomfortable on a redeye flight can also play a role in how much rest you can get onboard. I always wear stretchy fabrics and yoga pants on redeyes to have some semblance of the comfort of pajamas on the flight.

Book a Window Seat: Many travelers classify themselves as either window or aisle people. I have yet to meet someone that loves a nice and crowded middle seat. Your best chances for resting on a redeye come by booking a window seat. On a redeye recently, I was that unfortunate soul trapped in the middle seat. Unless you can sleep through anything, you will have trouble sleeping in a middle or aisle seat. The window is your best bet on a redeye as you can lean a pillow up against the side of the plane rather than against that snoozing stranger next to you.

Pack a toiletry kit to freshen up: I am always amazed on redeye flights when my seatmates don’t go to the bathroom to freshen up before landing. A good brush of the teeth or pat of the face with moisturizers can help you feel refreshed while getting off of your redeye.

Avoid inflight salty snacks: On a recent redeye flight, the airline promptly came around with the saltiest of snacks. I watched as countless fliers grabbed bags of chips for the long flight ahead. While it’s hard for this girl to turn down a salty snack, I always do on redeyes. Those bags of chips and pretzels only make me feel more dehydrated and less ready to take on my destination when I land. Eat a good meal before you come to the airport for your flight and you shouldn’t need those salty snacks.

Set your watch or other device to your destination’s time: If you know what time it is at your destination, you will quickly start to get on that time zone. Many of us know what time we arrive, but up in the air we quickly forget just what time zone we are on in-flight. Right when I get on the plane, I try to get used to my destination’s time. If I wake up and take a look at the time, I know I have a few more precious moments of sleep. When I don’t do this, I often keep waking up thinking we must be landing soon. This practice will only make those red eyes redder.

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