Jet lag hits business travellers harder than most. Landing foggy, unfocused or wide awake at 3am can derail meetings, productivity and performance.

New circadian‑rhythm research shows that choosing the right departure and arrival times can make a measurable difference — and a new Business Travel Jet Lag Calculator now helps travellers plan smarter.

Why Jet Lag Happens

Jet lag stems from disruption to your circadian rhythm, the internal clock that regulates sleep and alertness. Light exposure is the biggest external factor: it tells your body when to be awake or asleep. Crossing multiple time zones throws that rhythm off balance.

Why Flying East Is Harder

Travelling east forces your body clock to shift earlier, which most people find more difficult. Flying west simply requires staying awake longer, something the body tolerates more easily. Eastbound trips typically take longer to recover from than westbound ones.

Aim for the Right Arrival Window

Circadian research shows that the timing of light exposure at your destination can either help or hinder recovery.

  • Eastbound travellers benefit from arriving around midday to mid‑afternoon, avoiding harsh early‑morning light.
  • Westbound travellers should avoid late‑evening arrivals, which can push the body clock even later.

Choosing flights that land within these windows helps your body adjust more smoothly.

Departure Times Matter Too

It’s not just about when you land. Selecting a departure time that aligns with a favourable arrival window reduces exposure to disruptive light patterns throughout the journey. The Business Travel Jet Lag Calculator models this for major long‑haul routes, helping travellers and travel managers make more informed booking decisions.

A Quote from Booking.com for Business

“Jet lag isn’t just a travel inconvenience — it directly affects performance, wellbeing and productivity. By choosing flights that align with your body clock, business travellers can arrive sharper, recover faster and make the most of their time on the ground,” say Joshua Wood, Director of Business Travel at Booking.com for Business.

Use Tools That Model Your Body Clock

The Business Travel Jet Lag Calculator estimates effective time‑zone shifts, recovery time and recommended arrival and departure windows. It’s designed specifically for business travellers and travel managers — and you can add your link here.

Think Beyond Price and Convenience

For business travel, the cheapest or most convenient flight isn’t always the most productive. Factoring in time zones, arrival windows and recovery periods can support traveller wellbeing and ensure you’re sharp when you land.