Long Haul Flights Are About To Get A Wellness Upgrade

It’s unfortunate that incredible trips must begin and end with a long, uncomfortable plane journey. But the days of inadequate sleep, freezing cold recycled air and over-salted meals may soon be over, as Qantas has vowed to implement a better approach to in-flight wellbeing on its new Boeing 787 Dreamliner planes, launching later this year.

The airline has partnered with The University of Sydney’s Charles Perkins Centre to research strategies for healthier long distance travel. Experts in diet, sleep and physical activity are joining forces to formalize strategies aimed at reducing jet lag, encouraging movement, and enhancing rest while aboard the Dreamliner.

Among other things they’ll be testing options for cabin temperature and lighting, transit lounge wellness services, recipes, and optimal service times—because what’s more annoying than having your nap disturbed by a disingenuously cheerful flight attendant serving an underwhelming meal.

According to industry site CPP Luxury, it’s the first time a collaboration of this type has examined in-flight health beyond medical emergencies. “There is the potential for extraordinary health, science and engineering discoveries and innovations to come out of this research partnership, which will also provide the evidence-base needed for Qantas to implement strategies to further improve how people feel after a long haul flight,” Professor Steve Simpson of the Charles Perkins Center told the publication.

These new and improved wellness-focused flights could be a real game-changer, and set the precedent for improvements across the airline industry.

landscape with balloons floating in the air

KEEN TO EXPLORE THE WORLD?

Connect with like-minded people on our premium trips curated by local insiders and with care for the world

Since you are here, we would like to share our vision for the future of travel - and the direction Culture Trip is moving in.

Culture Trip launched in 2011 with a simple yet passionate mission: to inspire people to go beyond their boundaries and experience what makes a place, its people and its culture special and meaningful — and this is still in our DNA today. We are proud that, for more than a decade, millions like you have trusted our award-winning recommendations by people who deeply understand what makes certain places and communities so special.

Increasingly we believe the world needs more meaningful, real-life connections between curious travellers keen to explore the world in a more responsible way. That is why we have intensively curated a collection of premium small-group trips as an invitation to meet and connect with new, like-minded people for once-in-a-lifetime experiences in three categories: Culture Trips, Rail Trips and Private Trips. Our Trips are suitable for both solo travelers, couples and friends who want to explore the world together.

Culture Trips are deeply immersive 5 to 16 days itineraries, that combine authentic local experiences, exciting activities and 4-5* accommodation to look forward to at the end of each day. Our Rail Trips are our most planet-friendly itineraries that invite you to take the scenic route, relax whilst getting under the skin of a destination. Our Private Trips are fully tailored itineraries, curated by our Travel Experts specifically for you, your friends or your family.

We know that many of you worry about the environmental impact of travel and are looking for ways of expanding horizons in ways that do minimal harm - and may even bring benefits. We are committed to go as far as possible in curating our trips with care for the planet. That is why all of our trips are flightless in destination, fully carbon offset - and we have ambitious plans to be net zero in the very near future.