Ever been on a long flight, say six hours or more where you travel through multiple time zones? It can be difficult to sit still that long, let alone get comfortable when you’re sitting next to complete strangers in an upright seat 30,000 feet in the air.
Jet lag from long flights is a very real thing and it’s terrible when you experience it. Not only do you feel restless and exhausted, but your entire biological clock can be thrown off, putting a damper on your vacation or business trip. Luckily, we have some tips on how to avoid jet lag on long flights so you can enjoy your trip to the fullest!
1. Start your trip well rested
If you know you have an upcoming flight and will be traveling through multiple time zones, try to get as much rest as possible before your flight. If you have an early morning flight, go to bed at least 8 hours before you have to wake up for your trip. If you have an evening flight, still try to get a good night’s sleep the night before and try taking a nap or two throughout the day before you head to the airport. Arriving to the airport well rested will be your first defense when it comes to beating jet lag.
2. Stay hydrated
Did you know that the air inside of a plane has very little humidity? In fact, according to Everyday Health, the average air cabin contains 10-20 percent humidity, compared to the average indoor humidity level of 30-65 percent. That’s a huge difference! Lower humidity levels can cause dehydration, making you thirsty for the duration of your flight. Fight dehydration by drinking plenty of water. Drinking 8 oz. per hour of the flight will help keep you hydrated and feeling better overall. You can also beat dehydration by eating hydrating snacks like vegetables and fruits which contain high contents of water. Dehydration can lead to many uncomfortable issues, so be sure to stay hydrated on a long flight!
3. Sleep
We get it – sleeping next to total strangers can be very uncomfortable, especially if you’re someone who moves around a lot in their sleep. You don’t want to be that person who rests their head on a stranger’s shoulder while they sleep! Despite how uncomfortable it can be to sleep next to strangers on a long flight, it’s extremely beneficial to catch some z’s if you can. The more sleep you can get on your flight the better you’ll recover from jet lag once you reach your destination. To make sleeping on a plane more comfortable, purchase a travel pillow and pack a small blanket to get comfy. Travel pillows will keep your head in your seat so you can avoid awkwardly and unintentionally cuddling up to your neighbor!
4. Get some light exercise
Sitting for long periods of time isn’t good for your body; it can increase blood pressure and disrupts the circulation of blood throughout your body. While you do have to remain seated for a majority of a flight, you are allowed to get up and stretch your legs every so often. Whether you take a trip to the restroom or just simply walk up and down the aisles of the plane, get yourself moving out of your seat for a few minutes every couple of hours. You can also get some light exercise while you’re seated! Stretching your arms, rotating your ankles, leg extensions, and leg lifts are all low-impact exercises that can help you feel better about sitting for long periods of time and can improve your circulation.
Jet lag isn’t fun and is hard to avoid completely, but by getting plenty of rest before your trip, staying hydrated, sleeping on the plane, and getting some light exercise inflight can help lessen its effects and make your trip more enjoyable. By following the tips above, you’re bound to feel better during your trip!
If you have an upcoming vacation or business trip, consider booking airport car service through Overland Chauffeured Services. We provide airport transportation service in the Greater Kansas City Area, including the following airports:
- Kansas City International Airport (MCI)
- Charles B. Wheeler Downtown Airport (MKC)
- Johnson County Executive Airport in Olathe
- New Century AirCenter in Olathe (IXD)
- Gardner Municipal Airport in Gardner
- Lawrence Municipal Airport
Not only will our chauffeurs make sure you arrive safely to the airport in a reliable and luxurious vehicle, they’ll carry your luggage and will escort you to your terminal within allowable security parameters. If you need to book airport car service for your next trip, call us at (913) 381-3504 or book online. We’d love to be your reliable ride!
All of us at Overland wish you safe travels on your next long flight!