Alright, so you booked the red eye from New York to Paris. You want to deboard the plane at 8am and head straight to the Louvre, jet lag be damned. To anyone who’s dealt with the torturous exhaustion of jet lag or the gross feeling after a long flight, this sounds like a tall order. Luckily, I’ve been there. When I was in college in London, I would often visit family in New York over the weekend, return on Sunday night red eye flights, and head directly to Monday morning class. These are the tips I’ve developed over many long haul flights to help keep jet lag at bay and get off a flight refreshed and ready to enjoy the destination.
1
Hydration
This is number one for a reason. If you’re currently sipping a caffeinated beverage unsure when the last drop of H2O entered your body, this one is for you. This isn’t just a travel tip. Hydration keeps your body and mind feeling better at home on the couch too. But, it’s especially important when flying through the air on a dehydration tube, aka an airplane. The key is to focus on hydrating not just on the flight but in the 24 hours leading up to it. Carry a large water bottle with you, and fill up at the airport. You’ll feel far less exhausted and jet lagged upon arrival.
2
Hydrate the Body and Hair
Your internal organs aren’t the only ones craving hydration. Your largest organ is your skin, and it sure craves moisture after flying. Dry air on flights can be incredibly drying for your skin and hair. To feel your absolute best post-plane, implement a hair and skin moisturizing routine in the days prior to flying, and pack your essentials in your carry-on. Moisturize pre-flight and post-flight. This body oil is fantastic (and the 1oz size is perfect for your carryon), and I’m truly obsessed with this Nuxe oil for my hair.
3
Wear Comfortable Clothes
Walk through any airport and you’ll quickly realize everyone has different preferences for travel outfits. It’s got to be the most confused fashion pandemonium anywhere. Women in pajamas, slippers and blankets sit next to men in three-piece suits. There are no rules. Now, I’m not advocating for complete abandonment of personal style, but I would suggest veering more towards Sporty Spice than Posh Spice. I love a lightweight, loose-fitting jogger like these. Soft and cozy leggings like the Lululemon Align leggings are also a great option. On top, I keep it simple with a white tee and keep a warm sweatshirt on head, which can serve as a bonus pillow.
4
Compression Socks
If you’re also in the bloat gang (or have any history of blood clotting), compression socks are a major lifesaver. They’re particularly useful on long-haul flights when you’re not moving enough to keep the blood flowing in your legs. They can also prevent fluid build up (causing swelling and bloating) in your legs when sitting for long periods.
5
Stretch Stretch Stretch
Yes, I’m the girl in the corner of the airport terminal lunging and touching her toes. You may balk at first, but once you simply decide to forget about the onlookers, prepare for much more comfortable travel. The aches and pains associated with sitting in the same position for 8 to 12 hours are intense, and by preparing the body, you’ll reduce their severity. Aim for a hip opener stretch, seated figure four, lunge with spinal twist, and a low squat. These will also help wake the body after a long flight.
6
Noise Canceling Headphones
If you take your sleep seriously or are particularly irked by the crying baby two rows up, this is a must. Over-the-ear headsets are more comfortable for long flights, and can help you truly escape into your own bubble.
7
No Food on Flight
I’m already wincing at the number of people who will hate this one. Plane snacks are great entertainment on a long, boring flight, but I implore you to try a flight without them. Hear me out. First of all, the food served on the plane or the snacks purchased in the airport are typically laden with salt and sugar, two ingredients known to trigger bloat and grogginess. Even if by some miracle you’ve found an actually healthy meal, eating it on the flight is still not ideal. At high altitudes, the gas in your stomach and intestines will expand, causing discomfort and bloat. Adding food to this situation will only increase the discomfort and amount of work for your digestive system later. The best thing to do is eat a light, healthy meal 30 minutes to an hour pre-flight, and another healthy meal upon arrival.
8
Save the Alcohol for Later
Another unpopular one. I get it. You’ve finally left work behind and are ready to celebrate the vacation ahead, ice cold cocktail in hand, but drinking on the plane is a surefire way to induce some of the worst jet lag and hangovers of your life. As previously mentioned, flights are dehydration central. When combined with the most dehydrating drink possible, it’s a recipe for disaster. Even if you somehow manage to avoid the hangover, you’ll get worse sleep on the flight, lengthening your jet lag. Save the cocktail for after landing.
9
Skincare in the Airport, Not the Air
I don’t know about you, but my Instagram feed is packed with shots of women applying sheet masks on flights, swearing by this tip. I, however, have some bad news for this trend: the science is not behind it. Because the air on an airplane is so incredibly dry, removing your makeup and skincare on-flight in order to apply a mask, will just expose your bare skin to the dry air, reducing the effect of the effort. Instead, head to the airport bathroom pre-flight. Remove all makeup and apply your serums and richest moisturizer before boarding. Then re-do your skincare routine upon arrival.
10
Walk Up and Down the Aisle
File this one under “ideas for when I’m super bored on the plane.” There’s another reason for this aisle pacing, though. On a long flight, it’s important to keep the blood flowing. It helps prevent blood clots, bloating, aches and pains. Plus, every few hours, it’s a much welcomed distraction.
11
Pack a Sleep Mask and Pillow
Sleep is the key to any red eye flight. Get as much of it as possible, and stay awake as long as possible the next day. Think about the time of day in your destination. Will it be bedtime when you arrive? Maybe skip the sleep, in order to rest on arrival. However, if you’re flying at night and will arrive in the morning, it is absolutely key to get as many zzzs as possible. Here’s where a really good pillow and a sleep mask come in. It’s no easy feat sleeping on a plane, particularly in an economy seat. By creating as much comfort and darkness as possible, you’ll help your body get to sleep a little easier.
12
Wipe Seat Area
Ok, so this isn’t going to prevent jet lag or do anything magical, but if you feel the ick in a big way after flying, this will definitely make you feel a little better. Wiping the area where you intend to lay your face and body down will make it a little cleaner and more comfortable.
13
Airport Bathroom: Post-flight Refresh
Now, this is where the magic happens. You’ve made it through the flight, you’re a little tired, but you followed these tips, and so you don’t look like a total zombie. It’s time for the big refresh. Head to the airport bathroom upon arrival and pull out your skincare, toothbrush, body wipes, and change of clothes. By washing your face, brushing your teeth, wiping yourself down with cleansing wipes, and putting on a fresh new outfit, you’re preparing for a full day ahead. Grab yourself a bottle of water and a cup of coffee, and keep awake as long as possible (if it’s daytime).
14
Pack a Change of Clothes
I mentioned this already, but it’s worth emphasizing. Wearing sweatpants doesn’t help that total ick feeling after flying. You haven’t had the best sleep. You’re a little achey, and now you also look a little disheveled. The best remedy for this feeling is a nice outfit. Pack one in your carryon for easy access. Plus, you’ll make the most of your day in a new city.
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