Wellness is cleared for takeoff.
Flight Risk
A top stressor for 55% of Americans, air travel taxes the body, with altitude, cabin pressure, and reduced oxygen driving dehydration, fatigue, poor circulation, and jet lag.
Serving 3M+ Americans who fly each day, the travel sector is redesigning around recovery.
Airplane Mode
Armed with wearable data, passengers have become hyperaware of flying’s physiological costs, with business travelers especially focused on minimizing fatigue in transit.
As wellness culture crosses the globe, support is being built into the journey.
Layover. Investing in infrastructure, the US Department of Transportation proposed a $1B grant program for in-terminal mini-gyms and wellness services. Overseas, Sydney Airport added an Anytime Fitness, while Dubai International has a health club, sauna, and sleep pods.
For high-flyers, DFW’s new Chase Sapphire lounge offers Peloton programming, while Virgin Atlantic’s LAX Clubhouse features FORME’s fitness screen.
Improving food options, Farmer’s Fridge stocks 100+ health-forward vending machines in ~30 US airports and provides Delta’s in-flight menus on select long-haul routes.
Incorporating art for mental well-being, SFO and PHX have rotating museums, while San Diego International’s ocean-inspired meditation/prayer room makes space for silence and spirituality.
Air time. Combating jet lag, United and Lufthansa offer Timeshifter’s circadian rhythm-focused app, while Fiji Airways sky spa includes wellness shots, circulation devices, and red light therapy.
Easing anxiety, Headspace, Open, and Calm have each teamed with airlines to deliver in-flight mindfulness content. Personalizing DTC stacks, Flykitt bundles blue light glasses, tailored supplements, and an AI-powered concierge.
Landing pad. Optimizing in-room sleep amenities, Bryte and Eight Sleep are bringing temperature-cooling mattresses to luxury hotels.
Curating rest rituals, Equinox Hotel pairs smart beds with circadian lighting and contrast therapy showers to enhance recovery for business travelers, who comprise ~35% of guests.
Takeaway: Feedback loops from always-on wearable data lay the foundation for systemized travel wellness. As luxury-tier perks redefine the business-class experience, structural interventions like BFY airport food and designated calm zones can cut flying stress for the masses.
