Long Haul Flights Are About To Get A Wellness Upgrade

It’s unfortunate that incredible trips must begin and end with a long, uncomfortable plane journey. But the days of inadequate sleep, freezing cold recycled air and over-salted meals may soon be over, as Qantas has vowed to implement a better approach to in-flight wellbeing on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes, launching later this year.

The airline has partnered with The University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to research strategies for healthier long distance travel. Experts in diet, sleep and physical activity are joining forces to formalize strategies aimed at reducing jet lag, encouraging movement, and enhancing rest while aboard the Dreamliner.

Among other things they’ll be testing options for cabin temperature and lighting, transit lounge wellness services, recipes, and optimal service times—because what’s more annoying than having your nap disturbed by a disingenuously cheerful flight attendant serving an underwhelming meal.

According to industry site CPP Luxury, it’s the first time a collaboration of this type has examined in-flight health beyond medical emergencies. “There is the potential for extraordinary health, science and engineering discoveries and innovations to come out of this research partnership, which will also provide the evidence-base needed for Qantas to implement strategies to further improve how people feel after a long haul flight,” Professor Steve Simpson of the Charles Perkins Center told the publication.

These new and improved wellness-focused flights could be a real game-changer, and set the precedent for improvements across the airline industry.

About the author

Esme Benjamin

Wellness Editor

Born and raised in Bristol, England, Esme has been geeking out over syntax her entire life. She studied English Lit by the Brighton seaside before moving to London to pursue her writing career in 2009, going on to work for Grazia Daily, The Telegraph and SheerLuxe. In 2013 she swapped The Big Smoke for The Big Apple, where she trained as a yoga teacher and contributed to Refinery29, Self, Fitness Magazine and Greatist. When she's not glued to her laptop or iPhone you'll find her drinking Kale Margaritas at an East Village happy hour, planning her next adventure, or hand-standing (with more vigor than skill) at the yoga studio.