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It seems that nowadays much of what you hear about are things like flight-related DVT, deep vein thrombosis, economy class syndrome, time zone disorders, long-haul stress and, of course, jet lag. It’s enough to make anyone think twice about flying.
I have the feeling that some of these things are no more than media hype just to make a story. After all, commercial flights have been going on for over 70 years but only in the past decade or so has much to-do been made of ‘disorders’.
Jet lag, however, is something that most of us know. When it comes to jet lag, the big question is how do airline pilots and cabin attendants manage, day in and day out, sometimes as much as 12 straight hours in the sky? And yet, they always appear refreshed and relaxed, unlike their passengers, exhausted refugees from another time zone. The time zone syndrome never seems to defeat airline people. They don't seem to suffer jet lag.
But we mortals who take to the skies to get there do have problems. There is help out there, however, if we make use of it. To combat jet lag, reams of reading material have flooded the market—pamphlets, newspaper columns, in-flight magazine tips, even books, all written by experts, MDs, and experienced flyers, about conquering jet lag fatigue. Their solutions are “guaranteed” to work.
Most authorities agree on a few basic rules. Leading the list is the ill effects of dehydration. The human body dehydrates rapidly at pressure cabin altitudes. The solution, they say, is to drink lots of juices but not carbonated drinks, and definitely no alcohol and spirits including wine and beer. Of second importance is to eat very little, both an hour before and during flights. And experts agree that some form of exercise is important whether or not it’s stretching or simple arm and leg movements. Walking around the cabin is ideal but it’s not always possible, especially when travelling economy and flights are jam-packed full. And lastly, they all say, get all the sleep you can get.
As a travel writer, whose job it is to travel, I have spent many hours—no, days—in the skies, and I have found my secret to combating jet lag. Not everyone, however, will agree.
My premise is that since you spend a lot of money for your flight, which you certainly do, then why not enjoy it. Transportation is one of the most expensive aspects of travelling. And to make your flight comfortable, and enjoyable, airlines today do all they can to please passengers. THAI certainly does. On international flights, THAI provides the latest movies and videos, ample reading material, splendid gourmet meals and drinks that include a wide variety of top wines and spirits. All this is free, at no extra or hidden costs.
And if you really want to enjoy a THAI flight, spend a few dollars more and go business class. You can expect luxury service flying the skies that’s hard to find these days on the ground.
Thus, why not take advantage of what THAI has to give. After all, flying is part of travelling and, like travelling aboard ship, it’s what you make of it. We can enjoy cruise liner voyages, so why not air flights?
I recently read a letter-to-the-editor section of a newspaper, written by a disgruntled traveller, who spoke out on the subject of jet travel. "There is a misconception," the author wrote, "among people who haven't travelled to distant places of the world that there is something magical, mystical and adventuresome about airplane travel. Having travelled to the farthest place there is, I'll report that long-distance airplane travel on a 747 is a death times four.”
If flying aboard a 747 is death times four, let me tell you about my flight from Los Angles across the Pacific to Bangkok. Rather than do it the suggested way, as outlined by jet lag authorities, I decided to do it my way. I decided to enjoy it. To Hell with all the rules. None of them seemed to work for me anyway.
My THAI’s flight left LAX a little past noon and in a few minutes we were soaring above the golden rolling hills of California, heading up the coast on the first leg of the great circle route across the Pacific to Japan. The FASTEN SEAT BELT sign goes off and my pretty Asian hostess asks if I’d like to have a drink before lunch. Certainly. Something light. Campari and soda. The drink arrives, on a silver tray, and I relax while reading the in-flight magazine in the pocket in the seat in front of me. Before I can finish reading an interesting article about elephants playing soccer in Thailand, lunch is offered. My choice: Asian or Western. I take Asian. Great noodles and all those wonderful Thai desserts.
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Flying THAI, the best
A pretty hostess to serve you
Games for kids to play
Who can resist the food cart?
And who wants to sleep through such meals?
What will that be, whiskey or gin?
Any drink you favour
With such meals and entertainment why sleep
Comfort you can't get at home
Who wants to sleep?
The THAI team that brings you this first-class service
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