It goes without saying that travelers suffer from jet lag. So, now when airlines are implementing long-distant non-stop flights the industry of fighting against these symptoms may bring a small fortune.
The fresh study of physical and emotional conditions after ultra-long haul journey will emerge this weekend. As Qantas Airways Ltd. is going to operate a direct flight joining New York and Sydney. Before no other airlines have flown this destination non-stop. It will take almost 20 hours. And it will be the longest flight in the world.
This Friday the plane takes off from U.S. and arrives in Australia on Sunday in the morning. There will be scientists and medical researches onboard. They will screen the brain activity of the pilots during the flight and study sleep, food and activities of the passengers. Their goal is to see how people adjust to such conditions.
The implementation of such long-distance non-stop flights is justified by the fact that planes have become lighter and more aerodynamic. It enables them operate further distances.
As a rule jet lag influences a traveller if he/she covers three time zones or more very quickly while body’s clock still works according to the home zone. Thus, after departing they may have to fight against fatigue or insomnia at night.
Jet lag should be definitely considered as something really serious. It is a psychological issue leading to significant health consequences. Health issues are crucial for Qantas as it is necessary for them to get allowance from Australia civil aviation authorities for cabin crew to work longer than 20 hours. As it is a matter of staff exhaustion caused by long distance non-stop flights.