How different types of aircraft can make your jet lag even worse
JET LAG is one of the worst elements of going abroad, with the effect of air travel on our bodies sometimes enough to ruin the first few days of a holiday.
However, there are ways in which passengers can minimise jet lag, even by making simple choices.
One of which is the type of plane they fly on, which can actually make more of a difference than you might expect.
Different planes fly at different altitudes, meaning the cabins are pressurised differently and this can have a huge impact on a passenger’s jet lag.
Travel expert Andrew Hayward shared his best tips for avoiding jet lag with airport parking comparison website SkyParkSecure and said certain airlines and planes will leave you feeling sleepier than others.
He suggests flying on Boeing 787 Dreamliners, or Airbus A350s if possible, as the cabins are pressurised to a lower altitude (6000 ft, as opposed to 8000 ft) which can really affect how hard jet lag hits you.
While you might not have that much control over the type of plane you fly on, if you’re yet to book your trip, there are certain carriers that you should look out for.
Airlines that include 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 some of the biggest operators of Airbus A350s.
Another trivial change that could make a big difference on your jet lag is where you sit on the plane and Andrew recommends picking a seat near the front.
He said: “[Sitting at the front of the plane] could be beneficial in avoiding the worst effects of jet lag as the freshest air enters at the cabin nose to help keep the pilots alert.”
If you’re aiming to sleep your way into a new timezone, Andrew recommends booking a seat over the wings of the plane.
Not only is this likely to be the quietest area but as the wing is usually where the emergency exit is based, you could also have more legroom.
Planning your sleep and your meals to coincide with the time at your destination is another way to minimise the effects of jet lag, according to travel experts at viewfromthewing.com.
Their advice is: “Get on the plane and if it’s bed time in your destination, go to bed. If it isn’t, stay up.
“Plan your meals based on the new local time, too. That might mean eating before the flight rather than on it.
“Stay up until bedtime at your destination the day you arrive. If you go to sleep at noon, you’re going to be off for days. You need to force yourself to power through.”
Meanwhile this list explains the best food and drink to help you adapt to a new time zone.
And another expert has recommended adjusting to a new time zone the day before you fly.