Ah, the allure of distant lands and the promise of adventure! As Australians, we're no strangers to long-haul flights – after all, just about anywhere is a bit of a trek from our sunburnt country. But even the most seasoned travellers among us might be unwittingly making a mistake that can turn an exciting journey into a gruelling ordeal.

We've all been there, cramped in economy class, trying to pass the time by diving into the latest Hollywood blockbusters or playing games on our devices. It's an easy way to forget you're soaring above the clouds for hours on end. However, travel experts at Netflights have shared a surprising piece of advice that could change the way you fly.


The blunder? Too much screen time.

Yes, you read that right. In an age where screens are our constant companions, it might seem counterintuitive to turn away from the comforting glow of in-flight entertainment or the familiar interface of our smartphones and tablets. But here's the thing: indulging in a digital binge at 35,000 feet could be doing you more harm than good.


'Staring at screens may result in headaches, and straining of the eyes. To feel energised and fresh when leaving the plane at your destination, it is recommended to close your eyes and relax rather than staring at a screen for the whole duration,' the experts advise.

So, what should you do instead? It's simple: disconnect to reconnect. Use this time to rest your eyes, meditate, or get lost in a good old-fashioned book or magazine. Perhaps strike up a conversation with your neighbour (while respecting their personal space, of course). These screen-free activities can help reduce fatigue and ensure you arrive at your destination feeling more refreshed.

Another tip to combat the disorientation of long-haul travel is to adjust your sleep schedule. Before you even board the plane, change the time on your watch and devices to match your destination's time zone. This psychological trick can help you mentally prepare for the change and make it easier to sync your sleep on the flight with the local time.


'Timing your sleep accordingly with this change on the flight will help you feel more adjusted when you land,' the travel gurus suggest.

Now, let's talk about the practical side of things. If you're planning to reduce screen time on your next flight, consider packing a few items to aid your screen-free journey:

1. A comfortable neck pillow and eye mask to encourage sleep.
2. Noise-cancelling headphones or earplugs to block out cabin noise.
3. A gripping paperback or e-reader loaded with books (use it in airplane mode to avoid the screen temptation).
4. A travel journal to document your thoughts and experiences.
5. Simple, in-seat stretching exercises to keep your blood flowing.


Remember, the goal is to arrive at your destination ready to explore, not exhausted and bleary-eyed from a screen-induced stupor. So next time you're buckling up for a long-haul flight, consider taking a break from the digital world. Your body – and your travel experience – will thank you for it.
We'd love to hear from you, our wise wanderers! Have you tried reducing screen time on flights, or do you have other strategies for staying fresh on long journeys? Share your tips and tales in the comments below – your insights could be a game-changer for fellow travellers!