While air travel can lead to general discomfort and anxiety, crossing different time zones can cause a specific type of disruption, known as jet lag, which can affect travellers long after they’ve landed.
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that stems from rapid travel across time zones, resulting in the disruption of travellers’ internal body clocks.
Plane passengers commonly report experiencing fatigue, insomnia, headaches, concentration issues and even mood changes after arriving at their destination, symptoms that can last for several days before the body readjusts.
And no-one is exempt from the knock-on effects of the disorder – not even corporate bosses, who spend a large portion of their working lives taking to the skies.
While many regular travellers swear by traditional methods to prevent jet lag, such as staying hydrated, getting daylight exposure and avoiding long naps, Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines, says the best way to get better sleep is by skipping the in-flight meal.
For long-haul travel, Kirby aims for later flights that are closer to his usual bedtime, which is any hour after 6pm or 7pm.
Once the plane has taken off, the CEO – who, like other company executives often flies business class – reclines his seat before the in-flight dinner service begins, as this ensures he can fall into a deep sleep.
Speaking to the Wall Street Journal, he said: ‘All the times I’ve gone to Europe, I’ve never once eaten a meal. My goal is to not hear the ding at 10,000 feet, because I’m already asleep.’
Jet lag is a temporary sleep disorder that often leads to fatigue, insomnia, headaches, concentration issues and even mood changes after travellers arrive at their destination
Scott Kirby, CEO of United Airlines (pictured) says the best way to get better sleep is by skipping the in-flight meal
The airline boss revealed that while he regularly sleeps for eight and a half hours each night, he still manages to clock around seven solid hours of rest on long-haul flights without the need for sleeping aids thanks to his strict in-flight routine.
He advised those travelling on lengthy routes, such as from the United States to Europe, to set a goal of staying awake until midnight on the first night.
As for returning home, he stressed the importance of going to sleep at 5pm each evening in order to full reset one’s circadian rhythm.
Meanwhile, Yvette Ostolaza, chair of law firm Sidley Austin, added she prepares by eating before boarding, hydrating, and staying active at the airport, while avoiding checked bags to save energy on arrival.
Once she gets onboard a plane, she immediately switches to the destination time zone, wears cosy layers, blocks out light and noise, and sleeps as if it’s night – specifically asking not to be woken.
Her tricks work in any cabin, whether in economy or First Class, as she advises travellers to choose a quiet seat, ideally by a window.
Once landed, she avoids naps and may get a massage to help her fall asleep. She added: ‘I like to manifest that I’m not going to have jet lag, and I’m going to be in the time zone.’
As for Spencer Rascoff, CEO of Match Group, his focus is staying healthy.
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Tarang Amin (pictured L with Hailey Bieber), CEO of e.l.f. Beauty, starts with a workout and heavy hydration before flying, then adjusts immediately to his destination’s time zone on the plane
His carry-on often includes sanitiser, hoodies, eye masks, earplugs, and extra socks, and he resets all clocks to destination time, skips alcohol entirely, and sleeps on the plane.
After landing, he changes socks to ‘reset’ his brain clock, and he swears by small comforts such as classic candy to help reduce stress from long travel days.
Tarang Amin, CEO of e.l.f. Beauty, on the other hand starts with a workout and heavy hydration before flying, then adjusts immediately to his destination’s time zone on the plane.
He stays awake or sleeps strictly based on that schedule, drinks water, and skips meals if it means more rest.
After landing, he works out again, avoids naps completely, and pushes through meetings, while a massage before bed usually helps him fully relax and sleep.
