Pilots often operate for extended periods across multiple time zones. Maintaining peak performance at both the start and end of a flight is critical, as these phases are where accidents are most likely to occur and workloads are at their highest. This includes dealing with challenging weather, congested airspaces, and landing the aircraft. However, the dry air onboard an aircraft can have a significant impact on performance and wellbeing, a fact some airlines are beginning to recognise.
Anecdotally, the Boeing 777 is known within the industry as one of the driest aircraft in service. I’ve heard stories from colleagues who operate this aircraft, describing how crews have resorted to hanging wet beach towels in the flight deck to counteract the dry air. Shockingly, these towels often become completely dry within 10–15 minutes due to the extremely low relative humidity, which can be as low as 5%—far drier than a desert, which typically has a relative humidity of 25%.
Airlines around the world are beginning to acknowledge the effects of such dry air on pilots and cabin crew, including dehydration, weakened immunity, and disrupted sleep. These issues are especially prevalent in cockpits and crew rest areas. In response, aircraft manufacturers are retrofitting humidifiers in these areas to improve air quality and humidity, thereby supporting better human performance. Unfortunately, these improvements have not yet been widely implemented in passenger cabins.
We know that hydration levels have a significant impact on concentration, immunity, and the ability to manage jet lag. While we can’t control the cabin environment—changing towels every 10 minutes on a 15-hour flight isn’t practical—we can control the fluids and supplements we consume. Electrolytes play a crucial role in hydration, as they enable water molecules to move into our cells. Without the right balance of electrolytes, you may drink plenty of water but simply expel it without your body making proper use of it.
At Good Flyte, we’ve worked with medical and aviation experts to create a supplement specifically designed to provide the right balance of electrolytes and vitamins to support hydration throughout your journey. Our personal calculator allows you to customise a hydration plan based on your weight, height, aircraft type, and the expected cruise altitude of your flight.
Don’t let dry cabin air hold you back—stay hydrated, feel great, and arrive ready with Good Flyte