Christmas-New Year rush: Crew reveal hacks to beat long-hour flight fatigue and land fresh

New Delhi: The Christmas-New Year break pushes thousands of Indian travellers onto long flights to Europe, the US and other winter hotspots. Packed airports, tight schedules and heavy cabin dryness can make even the most exciting holiday start on a tired note. Cabin crew say that the trick to landing fresh is not complicated. It’s simply about preparing smartly and paying attention to what your body needs at 35,000 feet. A few mindful choices made on the flight can help you step off feeling awake, settled and ready to enjoy your first day without the usual long-haul slump.

Holiday-season flights also mean crowded cabins and less room to move, which makes small habits even more important. Staying hydrated, adjusting your sleep rhythm and caring for your skin are simple but powerful steps. Choosing the right seat, listening to soothing music and walking when the aisle is clear can make the journey smoother, calmer and far less exhausting. Read here for the tips.

1. Hydrate throughout journey

Cabin air becomes extremely dry during long journeys, which often leads to headaches and fatigue. Keep sipping water through the flight, aim for around 1.5 litres and carry a refillable bottle. If you have coffee or fizzy drinks, balance them with extra water. Good hydration helps you arrive clear-headed and less sluggish.

2. Shift your body clock early

For travellers crossing multiple time zones, adjusting meal and sleep timings before the flight helps reduce jet lag. Setting your watch to destination time as soon as you board is a simple way to help your mind sync faster, making the first day abroad easier.

3. Create sleep-friendly setup

Pick seats away from galleys or washrooms and carry essentials like an eye mask, earplugs and a neck pillow. Soft music or calming audio can drown out cabin noise and help you rest even when the aircraft is busy.

4. Stretch and move regularly

Long hours of sitting can cause stiffness. Flex your ankles, rotate your shoulders and do light stretches at intervals. When the aisle is free, take short walks. Loose, breathable clothing keeps circulation steady and improves comfort.

5. Protect and moisturise your skin

Dry cabin air affects the skin quickly. Keep makeup minimal and moisturise your face and hands during the flight. UV exposure is higher at altitude, so sunscreen becomes essential, especially during daytime flights.

6. Relax with in-flight entertainment

Once settled, take mental time off. Sip something warm, listen to soothing playlists or browse the in-flight entertainment. A relaxed mind handles long travel better, helping you step off calmer and refreshed.

A little preparation and these crew-approved habits can turn a long holiday flight into a comfortable prelude to your winter break, helping you start your Christmas-New Year trip at your best.