Forget about baggage fees, flight delays, and long lines at security checkpoints. Jet lag is arguably the worst part of air travel, but private air charter may be an effective way to combat its effects.
Whether you’re traveling to meet an important client or taking your family on vacation, jet lag can leave you feeling drained, unproductive, and unable to function your best. Common symptoms include sleepiness, inability to concentrate, disruptive sleep, and even digestive issues, particularly when crossing through multiple time zones. Upon landing, many people struggle to get on local time since their bodies and minds are used to a different schedule.
The good news is that there are ways you can reduce the impact of jet lag, including booking a flight on a private air charter.
What Causes Jet Lag, Anyway?
Jet lag is the general term used to describe the effects on the body when its natural “clock” is out of its normal cycle. For example, if you fly from California to New York, you’re passing through three time zones, which means when you leave the plane, the local time in New York will be later than what your body is used to in California.
As a result, jet lag makes us feel out of sync with the typical pattern of the day. It can affect when and how well we sleep and eat, along with our general mood and even blood pressure.
This is because light is one of the biggest signals our body uses to maintain its internal clock. When we see daylight, our bodies realize that it’s time to be up and moving about. When it’s dark, we know it’s time to rest. But when we’re traveling across time zones, we are perceiving light at different times than our bodies are used to, and it can take days before our bodies finally adjust.
Natural Remedies to Fight Jet Lag Effects
If you want to fight jet lag, there are a number of things you can do before and during your flight.
Before Your Flight
Regardless of where you’re traveling, start getting your body used to the local time of your destination. Try eating and sleeping on the schedule you’ll want to follow while you’re there. For example, if you’re heading east, you’ll want to eat your meals earlier and go to bed earlier than you normally would. For those traveling west, you’ll try to eat later and stay up longer.
Wear Sunglasses
Once you’re on the flight, consider wearing a pair of sunglasses. Because light will impact the body’s internal clock, sunglasses can limit your exposure to light and make it easier to adjust once you land.
Drink Water
Water is important regardless of air travel, but dehydration may make jet lag even worse. It’s important to drink plenty of water and avoid alcohol or caffeine to help your body function at its best.
Stay Active
One of the biggest benefits of private air charter is the ability to move about the cabin more freely. Take advantage of this privilege to avoid jet lag and keep your body in its natural rhythm.
Upon Arrival
Once you arrive at your destination, it’s important to spend the first day outside to help your body adjust to the pattern of the day. It’s also recommended to get least four hours of sleep during the local night. If you find yourself struggling to sleep four hours, make it a point to take short naps during the day to help your body get enough rest.
How Private Air Charter Might Help
There are several advantages that private air charter offers that a typical commercial aircraft can’t compete with. When trying to overcome jet lag, nothing can compare to the personalized experience of a private jet.
Recliners and Beds
Depending on the private jet, you may find yourself with reclining seats and even full beds. Take advantage of these elevated comforts to rest during your flight and allow your body to adjust to the local time upon arrival.
In addition, comfortable seating creates less stress on the body. This allows you to better function and greater clarity of mind when you land versus feeling stiff, tired, and drained.
Different Lighting Options
Private air charter jets typically offer more ambient lighting options than a commercial plane, and it’s not by accident. Many private jet manufacturers are consciously adding lighting features to help avoid feelings of jet lag, such as Bombadier’s Soleil system.
Lighting preferences are better controlled on a private flight versus one you’re sharing with dozens of other passengers.
Cabin Pressure and Climate Control
Cabin climates on private air charter jets have come a long way and may be effective in helping passengers fight jet lag. For example, the Gulfstream G650’s new climate management system provides a greater flow of fresh air in the cabin. In addition, the lower cabin altitude means the heart and lungs don’t have to work as hard to provide oxygen to the brain. The lower humidity may also contribute to reducing dehydration and feelings of fatigue.
Though it might not be an official remedy, private air charter makes a strong case for reducing jet lag naturally. The only way to know for sure is to try it for yourself — you might be surprised at how much better you feel when you land.
Flying across time zones? Let the Access Jet Group team be your flight adviser to help you choose the best aircraft for your journey. Reach out today for a consultation, or head back to our blog for more flight insights.
