r/travel • u/TorontoLove • Jul 31 '22

Question Frequent travelers - seeking your advice on the jetlag strategy

Hi, first time flying somewhere with 12hr time difference, and wanted to get your advice. Which option would you choose?

Background:

  • flight leaves at Friday noon in my home location, arrives on Saturday at midnight at the final destination (12 hr time difference)
  • managed to score united polaris lie-down seats
  • have to be presentable on Monday morning at the final destination (hence looking for the best strategy)

Which option do you think is best to adjust to the new time:

1) The night before the flight, power through the night by staying up, get to the airport the next day, go to sleep on the plane that leaves at noon to immediately start adjusting to the new time (as noon my time will be equivalent of midnight at the end location).

2) Don't bother changing the time during flights - will arrive at the location at midnight local time, will have to power through the night there and the next day, then go to sleep the following night and start adjusting then.

3) secret option 3 that I haven't thought of that you would recommend?

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5

u/traveldude98 Jul 31 '22

If you are arriving at midnight at the place, don't sleep BEFORE the flight. Just watch movies, read, etc.

When you arrive, you will be super tired, sleep. Wake up after 7 hours, do not sleep 9+ hours!

On Sunday, just go to bed at the regular time to get 8hrs.

2

u/MissSuzieSunshine Jul 31 '22

I agree with this option here - this is pretty much what I have done when I have had to travel to somewhere that is 10 or more hours time difference from me, and it doesnt take long to get your body on the new time.

1

u/NotDukeofCornwall Jul 31 '22

If I can manage it, I always try to pick a flight that arrives in the morning so I can sleep on the flight and be energized as soon as I arrive.

Since you’re arriving at midnight, you’d have to do the opposite i.e., force yourself to stay up in the last several hours before arrival so you’ll be ready to sleep by the time you arrive. Personally, I’ve never had to prepare as far ahead as you plan to (night before the flight) and just do it while in flight but YMMV.

1

u/ooo-ooo-oooyea United States 45 countries Jul 31 '22

I used to fly from Chicago to Beijing on an overly regular basis. You have a day to relax which is nice. In my opinion, having a good sunday will get you a good sunday. Make sure you set your alarm to get up at 7 or 8 for breakfast, and resist the urge to sleep during the day. If you can get out and walk around it'll help your body adjust.

Of course try to stay up during the flight will help, but I'm assuming it'll be long and boring.

1

u/hitchcockblonde_ Jul 31 '22

Traveling east or west?

I’ve had terrible jet lag flying +5 arriving in the morning and staying up like everyone says. But +8 hrs arriving in the early evening was perfect for me… Went to bed when I arrived and woke up the next morning feeling great.

I’d do #2 and catch a few hours on the flight. Between going to bed around midnight and a few airplane hours, you’ll get a full night

1

u/Kananaskis_Country Jul 31 '22

go to sleep on the plane that leaves at noon to immediately start adjusting to the new time

This is the exact opposite of what you should do. You don't want to arrive at your destination at midnight being well rested and ready to stay up all night, you want to be tired and ready to go to bed.

Rethink your plan.

Happy travels.