As recommended by a flight crew.
Air travel has never been easier, but some of us still feel the impact of long-haul flights, jet lag and hours of relative inactivity, especially as modern airliners can stay aloft longer than ever.
With years of experience, the Qatar Airways crew shares some hacks for arriving at your destination looking and feeling like a star on the red carpet at the Oscars.
Hydrate
Unless you live in Chile’s Atacama Desert, the air in a pressurised cabin is generally drier than the air you’d breathe on the ground.
Nowadays it’s less of an issue because of the use of space-age materials – such as the carbon composites used in planes which enable cabins to have more humidity than before.
However, Qatar Airways crew reckons it is still a good idea to sip plenty of water and apply a moisturiser, now and then, to prevent your skin from drying out.
Go easy on the martinis, 007
It’s nice to enjoy a drink or two when the seatbelt lights go off and the drinks trolley comes around but too much of it can have a dehydrating, diuretic effect.
Most airlines serve a variety of beverages as part of their welcome drinks. For Qatar, these include freshly produced juice, iced tea and coffee, popular cold beverages as well as an interesting variety of mocktails such as pineapple margarita, apple cooler, orangeade, pineapple punch, and spiced tomato with tabasco and a slice of lemon.
If you feel like a celebration without risking inebriation, the crew recommends the Le Manoir des Sacres’ So Jennie, a luxurious alcohol-free pale pink sparkling beverage made from grapes.
Try to sleep
Airline cabins are quieter than ever and conducive to some shut-eye once airborne. Several airlines now offer lie-flat beds so if you can afford it, the crew recommends the airline’s Qsuite cabins.
Qsuite features a revolutionary business suite design and the world’s first double bed in the class. Even a few hours of sleep can help you feel less groggy when you land.
However, normal flight seats are ergonomically made to make any flight comfortable enough for some shut-eye.
Pack the right kit
Making the most of your economy seat is as much about packing the right gear as it is about the comfort of your seat.
Many travellers find that noise-cancelling headphones, eye masks, neck pillows and other gizmos work well.
Although airlines offer blankets – and in many cases – pyjamas, regular flyers often carry a sweater to combat the chill of the aircraft’s air-conditioning.
Some travellers also find that wearing reading glasses rather than their usual contact lenses is more comfortable when flying.
If you’re lucky enough to travel with Qatar Airways, you needn’t worry as every Business Class passenger gets an amenity kit specially designed by Diptyque. From lip balm to hydrating facial mist, anti-ageing moisturizer, hand lotion and perfume to a plush set of ultra-comfortable pyjamas.
The 100% cotton pyjama set from The White Company is a favourite amongst frequent travellers, providing a comfortable outfit on a long-haul journey.
Freshen up
Depending on which airline and class you’re travelling, you may have access to showers or spa facilities at a transit airport.
Hamad International Airport which serves over 50 airlines has a number of its lounges available to layover passengers not travelling first- or business class.
You can swim some laps at the Oryx Airport Hotel’s Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre, located at the airport’s South Plaza, near the yellow Lamp Bear or take a steam-bath and even play a game of squash before boarding your flight for the next leg of your journey.
The state-of-the-art Hamad International Airport was designed with passenger comfort and convenience in mind.
The airport’s South and North Plazas have facilities that offer showers as well as signature services such as table massages, facials and nail care.
Many passengers find a massage helps rejuvenate body and soul, and a variety is available at Hamad International Airport.
See the light
Long-haul flights that cross one or more time zones can cause jet lag, which is a disruption to the body’s circadian rhythm.
Symptoms can vary from mild insomnia and feeling drowsy during the day, to anxiety, headaches and unsettled digestion.
Flying from west to east generally triggers more serious symptoms than flying east to west. Qatar Airways crew’s suggested hacks – spend some time in the sun when you reach your destination.
Some countries that have extended periods of winter darkness have “light cafés” or “light lounges” to help alleviate Seasonal Affective Disorder, a depressive condition resulting from lack or exposure to sunlight.
Either way, getting some light in your life will help “reset” your body clock.
Travelling anywhere soon?
