Jet lag can be one of the biggest frustrations of long-distance travel - especially for business travellers and luxury holidaymakers who want to hit the ground running from day one. Whether you’re flying across continents for a board meeting or arriving in a sun-soaked destination for a much-needed escape, feeling sluggish, foggy or wide awake at 3am can really take the edge off.
Jet lag can be one of the biggest frustrations of long-distance travel - especially for business travellers and luxury holidaymakers who want to hit the ground running from day one. Whether you’re flying across continents for a board meeting or arriving in a sun-soaked destination for a much-needed escape, feeling sluggish, foggy or wide awake at 3am can really take the edge off.
At Villiers Jets, we’ve spent years moving global travellers seamlessly around the world. In that time, we’ve learnt a thing or two about how to manage and recover from jet lag effectively - and our insights come straight from working with frequent flyers, professional crews, and international executives who are constantly crossing time zones.
If you’ve ever landed in London from New York, or touched down in Dubai after a red-eye from L.A., you’ll know how vital it is to get your rhythm back quickly. So, here’s our guide to overcoming jet lag and maximising your energy from the moment you arrive.
how to get over jet lag
how to get over jet lag
What Exactly Is Jet Lag?
Jet lag occurs when your body’s internal clock (circadian rhythm) is out of sync with the new local time zone. It’s more than just being tired - symptoms can include insomnia, poor concentration, digestive issues, and mood swings, and the effects often worsen the more time zones you cross.
It’s particularly common with eastbound travel, where you “lose” hours. Westbound trips tend to be easier to adjust to, as your day just lengthens rather than shortens.
Why Jet Lag Matters for Our Travellers
For our clients - many of whom are senior executives, entrepreneurs, or high-net-worth individuals - their time is their most valuable asset. After landing, there may be meetings to attend, deals to close, events to host, or simply a desire to enjoy the destination from the moment the wheels touch down.
That’s why managing jet lag isn’t a luxury - it’s a necessity. Our clients don’t want to waste a day recovering in bed or battling through fatigue. With private aviation, you’re already ahead of the game - but with the right strategies, you can feel fresh, focused, and fully switched on when you arrive.
Our Top Tips for Getting Over Jet Lag
1. Start Adjusting Before You Fly
One of the best ways to minimise jet lag is to start shifting your sleep and meal times to match your destination a few days before you depart. Even a 1–2 hour adjustment can make a difference. For eastbound travel, go to bed earlier; for westbound, push bedtime later.
2. Stay Hydrated
Flying at altitude is dehydrating, and dehydration can worsen the effects of jet lag. Drink plenty of water before and during your flight, and limit alcohol and caffeine, which can both disrupt your sleep cycle.
3. Make Use of the In-Flight Experience
One of the advantages of flying with Villiers Jets is total control over your onboard environment. Want to rest and arrive refreshed? We’ll dim the lights, adjust the cabin temperature, and offer you a sleep-focused menu with herbal teas and calming snacks. Prefer to work and stay alert? We’ll create a productive environment to keep your body in daytime mode.
This kind of flexibility is something commercial airlines simply can’t offer.
4. Time Your Sleep Wisely
If it’s night at your destination, try to sleep on the flight. If it’s daytime, try to stay awake and active. Bringing noise-cancelling headphones, an eye mask, and a neck pillow can help you sleep more soundly. Some of our clients also swear by melatonin supplements to help ease the transition - but consult your doctor before use.
5. Get Natural Light As Soon As You Land
Light is the most powerful signal for your body clock. Expose yourself to natural daylight as soon as you arrive - it will help reset your circadian rhythm. If you land in the morning, resist the urge to nap. Go for a walk, eat a light meal, and try to stay awake until evening.
If you arrive at night, avoid screens and bright lights, even in the hotel, and get to bed early.
6. Avoid Back-to-Back Travel Without Recovery Time
We always advise our business clients to build in recovery time where possible. Even a short window between high-pressure engagements can allow your body to recalibrate. That could mean flying in a day earlier or scheduling lighter commitments on arrival day.
How Private Jet Travel Minimises Jet Lag
Flying private already offers a number of built-in jet lag advantages:
Flexible scheduling allows you to choose departure times that suit your sleep cycle
Direct flights reduce layovers and total time in transit
Controlled cabin environments (lighting, meals, temperature) allow you to rest or work as needed
Minimal ground time means less stress and quicker transitions
At Villiers Jets, we go even further. From custom in-flight catering designed around your schedule to onboard rest options, we tailor every journey to ensure you land in the best possible condition.
Contact us to book your next private jet flight and travel smarter across time zones.
Our Best Solution
For travellers who prioritise quality rest mid-flight, we can also source aircraft equipped with fully flat beds, complete with mattress covers, proper bedding, and even double-bed configurations where available. Unlike standard reclinable seats, these lie-flat options allow you to get a true night’s sleep in the air, arriving at your destination genuinely refreshed. Whether you're flying overnight on transatlantic routes or preparing for back-to-back meetings on landing, this can be the most effective way to manage jet lag and maximise productivity from the moment you touch down.
Final Thoughts
Jet lag doesn’t have to ruin the first 48 hours of your trip. With the right preparation, a smart approach to sleep and light exposure, and the comfort and flexibility of private aviation, you can arrive alert, focused, and ready to get the most out of your journey - whether for business or pleasure.
At Villiers Jets, we’ve been in the industry a long time. And in that time, we’ve learnt a thing or two about flying - including how to manage jet lag like a pro. Our mission is simple: to make sure you land refreshed and ready for whatever comes next.
Visit our blog for more travel insights, or explore our private jet experiences, including mystery flights, bespoke itineraries, and tailored services for frequent flyers.
