Let’s be real: early morning flights are a brutal test of character. The crack-of-dawn alarms, the bleary-eyed Uber rides to the airport, and let’s not forget the anxiety of clearing security when your cognitive functions are operating at 30 percent. On the other end of the spectrum, evening flights rob you of a whole day, arriving in another time zone when everything’s closed. That’s why I’m a big advocate for flights that depart 30 to 45 minutes before noon and arrive in the afternoon in a different time zone.
Midday flights offer a compromise between urgency and well-being, because wellbeing should never be compromised. Time it right, pack it light, and eat it right.
Megha Bodawala Tweet
The Stress-Free Zone
The beauty of mid-morning departures is they hit the sweet spot of human functionality. You’re awake enough to navigate through the labyrinthine structure of an airport, and you’re early enough to avoid the afternoon rush. Stress management begins with timing. Arriving in the afternoon also allows you to slide gracefully into a new time zone without shocking your circadian rhythm. If you’re still feeling jittery about the upcoming flight, remember to breathe. Deep, yogic breathing can do wonders to calm the nerves. Keep a small lavender sachet in your carry-on. Whenever you feel overwhelmed, a few sniffs can provide instant tranquility.
Travel Light, Brunch Right
Traveling light is another hack to make your journey smoother. A wheeled carry-on and a well-organized backpack are often sufficient for a week-long trip. As for meals, go for brunch before boarding. Not too early, not too late, and hearty enough to keep you full during the flight. Being a vegetarian who doesn’t consume eggs could limit your in-flight food options, but it opens up a plethora of healthier brunch choices. Think avocado toast, a variety of grain bowls, or even a dairy-free smoothie loaded with fruits and plant-based protein.
In-Flight and Post-Flight Snacking
Airplane food is notorious for being less than gourmet, especially if you’re vegetarian and avoid eggs. If you are a vegan or observe Sattvic diet, it can be a hell. Most carriers in USA offer trail mix or chips for snack and serve juice or cold drink. In Europe, some carries offer croissant, butter and veggies or fruits. Basically, you are not going to have the meal so plan ahead. Packing your own snacks is key. Trail mix, fruit slices, Thepla (if you’re Gujarati like me), cookies or even a pack of hummus and baby carrots can work wonders to keep your tummy happy. Once you land in the afternoon, you’ll find that the world is your oyster—or in vegetarian terms, your Portobello mushroom. Use the opportunity to try a local café for a light afternoon meal, opting for plant-based options to rehydrate and energize after the flight.
In a Nutshell
In a world that swears by the “hustle culture,” midday flights offer a compromise between urgency and well-being, because wellbeing should never be compromised. Time it right, pack it light, and eat it right. The friendly skies are a lot friendlier when you’re not stressed, starving, or laden like a pack mule. Trust me, once you go midday, you’ll never stray.