Every aspect of traveling abroad is amazing, except for the jet lag. Since the dawn of technological innovations, researchers have provided us with numerous products and services to ensure our convenience. Similar is the case with Airbus and Boeing designers, who have worked hard to come up with a solution to jet lag in the form of new wide-body planes.
Aircraft cabins are pressurized at 8000 feet, while commercial aircraft fly at 38000 feet. Airplane travelers begin to get jet-lagged once the plane gets to the altitude of 6500 feet. Jet lag is characterized by symptoms of nausea, headache, vomiting, anorexia, lassitude, and sleep disturbance. It occurs because the heart and the lungs have to work overtime to supply oxygen to organs at the pressure of 8000 feet.
When the pressure inside the plane is kept lower to achieve a comfortable altitude, it puts too much stress on the aircraft’s structure. A stressed airplane structure does not become a security concern, but it still establishes a higher manufacturing cost.
Boeing 787 Dreamliner and Airbus A350 frames are designed with wider cabins and high-tech materials, including carbon-reinforced plastics. This design allows the plane to be pressurized at 6000 feet at any height. As the jet lag symptoms appear only after 6500 feet, therefore, keeping the plane pressurized at lower point eliminates the symptoms of jet lag.
Source: Boeing
The companies have also designed a technology that will help pump air with more humidity. Both these factors will save the passengers from feelings of fatigue, dehydration, and shortness of breath.
Source: Helice cluster
How much effect do you think the new design will have on reducing the jet lag? Comment below!