Former flight attendant Kat Kamalani sparked a debate on social media after she shared her top tips to help passengers get some rest on dreaded red-eye flights
Taking a red-eye flight can be a real nightmare, especially if you’re stuck in the cramped economy seats.
Red-eye flights are those pesky overnight trips that leave you exhausted, typically taking off post-9pm and landing before the crack of dawn around 6am. They’re nicknamed after people getting bloodshot eyes, a tell-tale sign of sleep deprivation.
However, a former flight attendant has offered up her top tips to survive those overnight hauls. Kat Kamalani, who’s become an internet sensation for her travel hacks after six years in the skies, recently caused quite the stir with her revelations about airplane water.
Now she’s back at it, dishing out pearls of wisdom on how to catch some Zzzs up in the air. In a viral video that’s racked up over 16,000 likes, she said: “I was a flight attendant for six years and these are things that I wish I knew before flying in the middle of the night that would make my travel so much easier.
“Depending on what type of flight attendant you get, you’re either going to have your cabin and have the lights on or off. I would suggest bringing an eye mask, noise-cancelling headphones, and some earplugs, and also bring some lavender essential oils.
“This is going to tell your body that it’s time to go to sleep and start unwinding.”
She also added that people should cosy up with blankets and comfortable attire. “No one’s looking at you and they don’t care,” she comforted followers, suggesting to parents that a melatonin gummy could help their kids nod off.
Her tips were met with gratitude from many TikTok viewers, as one commented: “Thanks.” Another chimed in saying: “Facts,” while a third shared: “Love lavender! I use it every night before bed.”
However, the endorsement of lavender oil ignited some health concerns. One user expressed: “Do not bring lavender. It’s a common allergy. Me personally if I smell it I go into an asthma attack and if it gets on my skin I break out in hives.”
Someone else warned: “As someone deathly allergic to lavender, please don’t recommend this.” There was also a plea for caution, with another adding: “Please be careful with essential oils or fragrances in enclosed spaces.”
Lavender allergies, which can crop up when someone has a sensitivity to the pollen or scent from lavender plants, often manifest as sneezing, runny noses, headaches, and skin irritation.