How an Extremely Indulgent Travel Experience Can Cure Jet Lag

Aah… the magic of being able to travel and experience everything in ultimate comfort. The farther the journey from home, the better it gets. The landscape and geography are so different, cultures start to vary more significantly, and the experience becomes much more novel.

However, travelling far also comes with its share of baggage. And we mean baggage in so many different forms. The most significant of it presents in the trauma of having to zip through multiple time zones and having to acclimatise. The more you move away from home, the greater the strain on the body clock. Not to mention having to recalibrate once you get back all over again!

One school of thought is to ditch those arduous voyages altogether. But how can there be any gain without significant pain? Another strain suggests travelling first class to beat jet lag. Now that’s something worth talking about! Do you think so too? Read on, and you will find out everything there is to know about upping your travel experience.

Jet lag, First Class, and The Weary Traveller

Most people looking to travel first class blame it on work. We have to stay on top of the game and be ready to dive right into work. The leisure traveller has less leverage but can still claim to want to maximise time and not be knocked out through the day. After all, no one ever travelled such great distances just to sleep better.

Regardless of why you’re travelling and what the reason is, there is undoubtedly great merit in flying first class. Many even say that it is a way to counter jet lag. Although there is nothing completely conclusive to suggest it, certain things about first-class travel help towards the cause.

Things your VIP luxury trips can do to make jet lag less of a worry include:

  • Less waiting: This works both ways. Either when you want to hop on or get off the plane. Being able to disembark earlier means you can get right into the time zone and activity without having to wait endlessly for the serpentine queues to move. It also means you get your baggage faster and can immediately mobilise into action. Being sedentary, as we all know, lays the lethargy on thicker!
  • More Comfort: Being able to travel in comfort ensures that you can settle, rest, and make the most of travel time. The added legroom, and even reclining beds that most airlines offer, help you stretch out and feel less cramped. Some passengers prefer sleeping through flights to be alert and active as soon as they land. Others prefer staying awake throughout so they can gauge the time when they land and plan their daily and sleep schedules to sync with the local time. Regardless of your strategy, being able to rest in comfort will help you feel more refreshed and receptive to your new surroundings.
  • Better Nourished: Studies show that starvation contributes negatively and significantly to jet lag. The less you eat, the less the body can settle into resting mode. But don’t we all know what airline food tastes like? Many people actively avoid eating on the plane. The great thing about the air travel experience when flying first class is that the food is exponentially better. Chances are you will find the food your body is craving and your tastebuds will enjoy. This means your body clock is working better to allow you to settle and rest as it should.
  • Lowered stress: Yes. It all circles back to stress. All the above pointers will help you realise quite strongly how better comfort ensures you a more stress-free experience when travelling through the same time zones in the same aircraft. You want to call it perspective? We prefer sticking with a seamless passenger journey.

Let go of the Lag – Gearing Up for a Better Travel Experience

First-class or otherwise, there are some great ways to ensure that you beat the jet lag at its own game. Unfortunately, there are several ideas and myths surrounding ways to counter jet lag. Many of them end up making you feel worse than better. Here are some things that are bound to make for the best airline experience and ultimate stay.

  • Start at once: The bigger your head-start, the greater your advantage. Start planning and preparing your body for the change in time zones at least a week prior. Begin by setting your watch to the new time. (of course, we know your body can’t tell the time, but it works!) This way, you can slowly start working around your meals, times of rest, and peak activity. You will notice that when the shift is more gradual, the transition is seamless. The result – you’re raring to go the moment you hit the tarmac!
  • Fly right: Now, this can mean many things. To start with, try and choose a more comfortable aircraft like a Dreamliner. Cabin pressure and moisture play a huge role in how you transition. The less comfortable journeys only compound existing problems like jet lag. The timing of your flight also counts. Try opting for overnight flights that can get you to your destination first thing in the morning. The best option when returning home is to try and time your arrival close to bedtime so you can get home and crash to bed. The result – a hugely optimised journey that helps you prepare for a great afterward!
  • Drink, you’re not driving!: The key during air travel is to stay hydrated. The body can get parched very quickly due to the lack of moisture. This makes it more maladjusted and takes the body much longer to get back to normalcy. Imagine all this while trying to battle a time zone that feels completely conflicted with how the body is programmed! More importantly, avoid caffeine and alcohol, even if it is free. The mind isn’t working at normal capacity when the body is fuelled by either. And you do need your mind and body in top form when it is trying to combat jet lag. Although a tastier and more inviting option, ditch caffeine, sugar, and alcohol and keep it simple. The result – a less irritable, more adjusted body that is keeping pace with the changing times in every way!
  • Take time: Although you feel compelled to jump in and start rushing to your meetings or adventures, allow yourself a couple of hours before you do so. This is more important if you have flown for a significantly long time. Even if it is first class, allow yourself a quick hour of rest so you can bring your A-game to every experience that follows. The result – the best version of you follows everywhere!

Conclusion

There is something to be said about high-class travel experiences. First-class has some great privileges that can certainly help you fly in more comfort and build mechanisms to crush the jet lag faster. While not all of us can afford to be first-class flyers, you could definitely request an upgrade or save up on precious air miles if you have a long trip coming up sometime.

In the event that you aren’t as lucky, we’ve given you all the tools and tricks to help you be your own warrior against jet lag. It takes little and goes a long way in keeping you armed and prepared. Let’s go on and bring in better times then, shall we?

FAQs

Q.  Is flying first-class better for jet lag?

Ans:  Although flying first class does not really help minimise jet lag, it definitely helps keep you more comfortable and rested during your journey, helping you adjust to the new time zone better.

Q. Can I still fight jet lag if I can’t afford to fly first class?

Ans: There are simple ways to help beat jet lag no matter how you fly. Some of them include preparing beforehand, choosing the right flight schedule, and staying hydrated through the journey. Asking for an upgrade or using your air miles can help you get a first-class ticket without actually buying one.

Q. Do first-class meals help fight jet lag?

Ans: The better the quality and intake of food, the more settled the body feels. The food in first class is often customised to the traveller, which makes it better for you to feel satisfied. When fed, the body rests and recoups better, making fighting jet lag easier.

Q. Can a cocktail help with jet lag on a flight?

Ans: Cocktails have generous amounts of sugar and alcohol, both of which excite the body. When flying long distances, the body needs generous amounts of rest in trying to adjust to changing time zones. You are best off choosing water instead.

Q. How important is choosing a seat when flying first class when I want to overcome jet lag?

Ans: It is ideal to have a window seat. This ensures you can sleep without being disturbed. Movement and distraction are also minimal here.

jet lag | Travel Tips