How different types of aircraft can make your jet lag even worse
JETLAG is one of the worst elements of going abroad. The effects of air travel on our bodies can sometimes be so severe that it ruins the first few days of a vacation.
However, there are ways passengers can minimize jet lag, even by making simple choices.
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One of them is the type of plane they fly, which can actually make a bigger difference than you might expect.
Different airplanes fly at different altitudes, which means cabins are pressurized differently, which can have a big impact on a passenger’s jet lag.
Travel expert Andrew Hayward shared his top tips for avoiding jet lag on the airport parking comparison website SkyParkSecure and said that certain airlines and planes make you feel sleepier than others.
He suggests flying Boeing 787 Dreamliners or, if possible, Airbus A350s, since the pressure in the cabins is at a lower altitude (6,000ft instead of 8,000ft) which can really affect how jet lagged you are meets.
While you may not have that much control over the type of aircraft you fly on, there are certain airlines that you should be aware of if you haven’t already booked your trip.
Airlines that have the Boeing 787 in their fleet include Nippon Airways, British Airways, Etihad Airways, Qatar Airways and American Airlines.
Singapore Airlines, Qatar Airlines, Delta Air Lines and Lufthansa are among the largest operators of Airbus A350s.
Another trivial change that could make a big difference in your jet lag is the seating position on the plane. Andrew recommends choosing a seat in the front area.
He said: “[Sitting at the front of the plane] could be helpful in avoiding the worst effects of jet lag as the freshest air enters at the nose of the cabin to keep pilots alert.”
If you want to sleep in a new time zone, Andrew recommends booking a seat over the plane’s wings.
Not only is this probably the quietest area, but since the emergency exit is usually in the wing, you could have more legroom.
Another way to minimize the effects of jet lag is to plan your sleep and meals to coincide with the time at your destination, say travel experts at viewfromthewing.com.
Her advice is: “Get on the plane and when it’s bedtime at your destination, go to bed.” If not, stay awake.”
“Also plan your meals based on the new local time. That could mean eating before the flight rather than after.”
“Stay awake until it is bedtime on the day you arrive at your destination. If you go to bed at noon, you will have days off. You have to force yourself to persevere.”
In the meantime, this list explains the best foods and drinks to help you adjust to a new time zone.
And another expert has recommended adjusting to a new time zone the day before you fly.
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