Jet lag is the curse of long-haul trips, so the news that one airline has introduced a range of aromatherapy and relaxation techniques designed to help passengers unwind sounds very exciting. Aromatherapy is the practice of using natural oils to enhance psychological and physical well-being, and those flying during the day in Upper Class on Virgin Atlantic will now be provided with a hot towel infused with a blend of bergamot, sweet orange and yang ylang III oils by beauty brand, de Mamiel. It is hoped that this will help them feel a calming sense of well-being at the start of their flight, so that they will arrive at their new time zones feeling revived and rested.
Overnight flight travellers will also be provided with a deep sleep pillow spray of fragonia, eucalyptus and lavender from beauty brand, This Works, which is designed to improve sleep quality and encourage a more restful night’s slumber. These additions will complement the mindfulness videos from Headspace, which are already part of the in-flight entertainment series in all classes. Sleep in the Upper Class cabins is also enhanced by the fully flat beds provided.
As an alternative to watching movies, some airlines are now offering entertainment choices that focus on self-improvement. British Airways now offers on-board hypnotherapy videos for life enhancement, while Delta also introduced a mindfulness app recently. According to Virgin Atlantic, its Headspace videos provides techniques to help customers in all cabins sleep effectively on a plane, and also assists them in switching off from work.
Whether it can assist you in switching off from the child kicking the back of your seat or neighbouring passenger snoring beside you in economy class is another thing, but anything that helps to smooth the way to better sleep on a plane and alleviate jet lag smells like a winner to us.
