Ni jet lag drag – prep is key for your long-haul flight, as Nigel Thompsonlearns with help from Qantas and Maddy Edgar, Qantas Business and First Class flight attendant
Have you ever stood in an airport immigration queue at the end of an overnight long-haul flight feeling like death warmed up?
And then the cheery cabin crew from your plane breeze by in their special fast-track lane looking as fresh as a daisy? The jet lag from eight hours or (much) more at 40,000ft in an aircraft cabin can leave you feeling – and looking – like you’ve been dragged through a hedge backwards.
Australian flag carrier Qantas, which has had a cabin crew base in London for 20 years, operates some of the longest flights in the world. It is currently working on Project Sunrise, which by 2027 should link both London and New York City directly to Sydney with record-breaking 20-hour nonstop journeys.
We asked Maddy Edgar, Qantas Business and First Class flight attendant, to share her top tips for travelling long haul, including how to prepare, pack, and manage jet lag.
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PRE AND POST- FLIGHT CARE
First up, plenty of sleep is key. The night before one of my long-haul flights, I steam my uniform, pack the essentials (more on that later), and log into our Qantas portal to confirm my crew position and review roles and responsibilities. Then I head to bed to get as much sleep as possible.
It’s also incredibly important to stay hydrated. I have an extensive skincare routine and hydration plays a huge role both before and after a long-haul flight. The lack of humidity in cabin air can really dry out your skin and lips, so besides drinking plenty of electrolyte-infused water, a hydrating skincare routine is a must.
In the morning, to prepare for our 17-hour direct flight from London to Perth – one of the longest in the world – I start by cleansing my face with Effaclar Purifying Gel Cleanser. Now I have a clean base, I apply The Ordinary Hyaluronic Acid over Mario Badescu Rosewater spray to maximise water absorption. It makes a huge difference in keeping my skin plump.
Next, I use a thicker-than-usual moisturiser, such as Wella Skin Food, to protect my skin barrier. Then, even though I’m inside a plane, we’re also closer to the sun, so I apply a generous amount of 50+ La Roche-Posay SPF to protect against higher UV rays and premature aging. Plus, as an Aussie, the smell of SPF makes me feel right at home. I’d also add that Laneige lip mask is essential.
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A top tip for your skin throughout the flight – invest in a mini travel-sized version of your favourite hydration mist so you can keep spritzing during the flight.
Then once we land and I’m at my hotel it’s time for a much-needed skin reset and some self-care. Face masks are a must. I love using the viral Bio Collagen mask or Kiehl’s Ultra Facial Overnight Rehydrating Mask.
WHAT’S IN MY CARRY-ON BAG?
Inside my bag I have some long-haul flight attendant essentials I just can’t live without.
I always keep fresh supplies of everything I need because there’s no Australian Priceline or Tesco 40,000ft up.
Here’s what I pack:
- Travel-sized Mario Badescu Rosewater spray.
- My entire long-wear make-up kit, including my favourite Hourglass Concealer and Rimmel lip liner for touch-ups after waking up from crew rest.
- Travel-sized hair spray, bobby pins, and spare hair ties.
- Latte coffee sachets.
- Mints and fresh mint gum.
- Toothbrush and toothpaste.
- iPad, iPhone and chargers.
- Nail glue, in case one of my French tip acrylics pops off unexpectedly.
- PJs and a book for getting cosy in our crew rest area.
- Healthy high-protein snacks such as protein bars, protein shakes, and boiled eggs.
- Sometimes, I even squeeze in a quick Sainsbury’s shop for Galaxy chocolate bars to bring back to my Aussie family in Perth.
MANAGING JET LAG POST-FLIGHT
As a former primary school teacher, I had a pretty regular bedtime. Now, as an international long-haul flight attendant with Qantas, jet lag and time zones can throw me. But honestly, I wouldn’t trade this dream job for anything.
My main go-to tip? Focus on sleep hygiene. I love listening to meditation music to unwind after a flight. Keeping the room dark and cosy is a must, and I can’t resist a bit of lavender pillow spray. It makes all the difference.
I also try not to stress about when to sleep or wake up. If I’m tired, I just close my eyes and enjoy the quiet.
It’s all about finding that balance, so I’m ready to welcome our Qantas customers with a smile when I fly again.