A flight attendant has revealed that the ‘secret’ to beating jet lag is to avoid eating in-flight meals – and instead focus on getting as much sleep as possible
A seasoned flight steward has dished out a top tip for long-haul flyers – skip the mid-flight meal if you want to catch some quality sleep while cruising at altitude.
While many passengers might look forward to the in-flight grub as a highlight of their journey, this advice could be the secret to waking up refreshed.
Forget about small talk with your seatmate or binge-watching on the tiny screen in front of you – the real buzz is usually waiting for the food trolley to clatter down the aisle.
Kris Major, a flight attendant with two decades of experience under his belt, suggests that despite the temptation of the complimentary nosh, it’s wiser to pass it up in favour of some shut-eye.
This simple choice could be the difference between landing feeling drained or full of beans. Kris points out that savvy jet-setters often doze off soon after take-off.
In a chat with CNN Travel back in 2021, Kris said: “The seasoned travellers, after take off you go down the cabin and you can see that they’re gone they’ve covered themselves up and they’re asleep. Most airlines don’t particularly plan their [food] service around the passenger and acclimatisation and time zones crossing.”
For those facing the long stretch across time zones, Kris recommends giving the meal a miss and prioritising sleep instead, reports the Express.
And if you’re not up in the air for too long, consider eating pre-flight so you can maximise relaxation once you’re buckled in. If you’re on a particularly lengthy flight, there’s a chance you’ll be served multiple meals. Therefore, it’s wise to catch as much shut-eye as early into the journey as possible.
By the time breakfast rolls around, you’ll be raring to tuck in and will have enough energy for when you touch down. Your choice of seat can also contribute to your sleep quality.
According to Kris, opting for a window or aisle seat could afford you additional space or a spot to rest your head, enhancing your comfort levels.
Maintaining freshness during an extended flight can be challenging, but Kris offers some advice. Many passengers find brushing their teeth an effective way to rejuvenate.
Any form of washing can help improve how you feel. Some travellers even resort to applying makeup to boost their mood.