(Posted 26th March 2024)
Readers will discover:
- The importance of staying hydrated and how Qatar Airways’ crew recommends combating the dry cabin air.
- Tips on alcohol consumption during flights and enticing non-alcoholic alternatives offered by Qatar Airways.
- Strategies for maximizing rest and sleep during long-haul flights, including insights into Qatar Airways’ Qsuite cabins.
- Essential items to pack for a comfortable journey, including exclusive amenity kits provided by Qatar Airways.
- Luxurious amenities and facilities are available at Hamad International Airport, designed to enhance passenger comfort and well-being.
- Strategies for overcoming jet lag, including recommendations from Qatar Airways’ crew and unique offerings at Hamad International Airport.
Air travel can be one of life’s true joys. In the decades since the Boeing “Jumbo” 747 made it
feasible for even ordinary folk to affordably travel the world, many millions have been able to
do so. We now think little of sitting inside a pressurised metal tube and whizzing across
continents, oceans and time-zones, disembarking for a holiday, sports event, wedding or
business meeting.
Air travel has never been easier, but some of us still feel the impact of long-haul flight, jet-lag
and hours of relative inactivity, especially as modern airliners are able to stay aloft longer
than ever. It needn’t be that way.
Serving more than 160 destinations worldwide from its award-winning Doha hub, Hamad
International Airport (DOH), Qatar Airways’ crew get to go to lots of places, often. They
share some hacks for arriving at your destination looking and feeling like a star on the red
carpet at the Oscars.
? Hydrate: Unless you live in, say, Chile’s Atacama Desert, the air in a pressurised cabin
is generally drier than the air you’d breathe on the ground. Nowadays it’s less of an issue
because of the use of space-age materials – such as the carbon composites used in the
Boeing 787 Dreamliner operated by Qatar Airways and others – which enable cabins to
have more humidity than before. But Qatar Airways crew reckons it is still a good idea to
sip plenty of water. For the same reason, applying a little moisturiser can stop your skin
from drying out.
? Go easy on the martinis, 007: It’s nice to enjoy a drink or two when the seatbelt lights
go off and the drinks trolley comes around, or to savour a glass of good wine with your
meal. But too much of it can have a dehydrating, diuretic effect, say the Qatar Airways
crew. In case you decide on non-alcoholic alternatives: Qatar Airways serves a variety of
beverages as part of their welcome drinks, including freshly produced juice, iced tea and
coffee, popular cold beverages as well as an interesting variety of mocktails such as
pineapple margarita, apple cooler, orangeade, pineapple punch, and spiced tomato with
tabasco and a slice of lemon. Feel like a celebration without risking inebriation? Try Le
Manoir des Sacres’ So Jennie, a luxurious alcohol-free pale pink sparkling beverage
solely made of the finest grapes.
? Try to sleep: Airline cabins are quieter than ever and conducive to some shut-eye once
airborne. A number of airlines now offer lie-flat beds and Qatar Airways crew
recommends the airline’s Qsuite cabins, repeatedly voted the World’s Best Business
Class offering. Qsuite features a revolutionary business suite design and the world's first
double bed in the class. Even a few hours of sleep can help you feel less groggy when
you land.
? Pack the right kit: Many travellers find that noise-cancelling headphones, eye-masks,
neck-pillows and other gizmos work well. It’s worth trying them at least once. Although airlines offer blankets – and in many cases – pyjamas, regular flyers often carry a
sweatshirt to cut the chill of the aircraft’s air-conditioning. Some travellers also find that
wearing reading-glasses rather than their usual contact-lenses is more comfortable when
flying. Granted, it is difficult to remember everything for a trip, especially when it comes
to packing amenities for the flight. Qatar Airways provides every Business Class
passenger with an amenity kit specially designed by Diptyque to ensure pampering all
flight long. From lip balm to hydrating facial mist, anti-aging moisturizer, hand lotion and
perfume to a plush set of ultra-comfortable pajamas. The 100% cotton pajama set from
The White Company is a favourite amongst frequent travellers, providing a comfortable
outfit on a long-haul journey.
? Freshen up: Depending on which airline and class you’re travelling, you may have
access to showers or spa facilities at a transit airport. Hamad International Airport which
serves over 50 airlines has a number of its lounges available to layover passengers not
traveling first- or business class. You can swim some laps at the Oryx Airport Hotel’s
Vitality Wellbeing and Fitness Centre, located at the airport’s South Plaza, near the
yellow Lamp Bear or take a steam-bath and even play a game of squash before
boarding your flight for the next leg of your journey. The state-of-the-art Hamad
International Airport was clearly designed with passenger comfort and convenience in
mind. The airport’s South and North Plazas have facilities that offer showers as well as
signature services such as table massages, facials and nail care. Many passengers find
a massage helps rejuvenate body and soul, and a variety is available at Hamad
International Airport.
? See the light: Long-haul flights that cross one or more time-zones can cause jet-lag,
which is a disruption to the body’s circadian rhythms – essentially, your body-clock.
Symptoms can vary from mild insomnia and feeling drowsy during the day, to anxiety,
headaches and unsettled digestion. Flying from west to east generally triggers more
serious symptoms that flying east to west. Qatar Airways crew’s suggested hacks: Spend
some time in the sun when you reach your destination. Some countries that have
extended periods of winter darkness have “light cafés” or “light lounges” to help alleviate
Seasonal Affective Disorder, a depressive condition resulting from lack or exposure to
sunlight. Either way, getting some light in your life will help “reset” your body-clock, say
the Qatar Airways crew. Hamad International Airport goes above and beyond ‘stress-
free’ travelling.
Don’t miss out on the ORCHARD, an indoor tropical garden, nestled at
the heart of the airport, offering a space to relax, rejuvenate, catch some much-needed
sunlight and recharge or stretch out your muscles with a yoga routine.
Incorporating these routines into your travels is likely to help you arrive refreshed and ready
to enjoy whatever awaits you, whether it’s a holiday, closing a business deal, contributing to
charity projects, or accepting a golden statue.
