The term refers to overnight flights that typically depart late at night and arrive early in the morning. Passengers often arrive at their destination appearing tired and with bloodshot eyes, resembling the appearance of someone who has been awake all night or hasn’t had adequate sleep. An example would be a flight departing Los Angeles at 11:00 PM and arriving in New York City at 7:00 AM.
These late-night journeys offer several advantages, particularly for business travelers and those seeking to maximize their time. By flying overnight, individuals can work a full day, board a flight, and arrive ready for meetings or activities the next morning. This type of air travel can also be more affordable, and less susceptible to delays caused by daytime air traffic congestion. The term likely emerged in the mid-to-late 20th century with the rise of commercial air travel and the increasing demand for efficient travel options.