Ever stepped off a long-haul flight and felt like your body’s in one time zone but your brain’s in another? That first stretch after landing can throw off your rhythm. Sleep’s off, your energy dips, and nothing feels quite synced. A few small comforts can go a long way to help you reset.

On Laneway, Melbourne Airport’s online duty free shopping platform, you can pre-order wellness products that support recovery after air travel. From skincare to sleep support, it’s duty free shopping that works hard when you need it most.

Before you build your jet lag survival kit, understanding how it all works makes it easier to pack what actually helps. So what exactly is jet lag, and what causes it?

Jet lag is your body’s delayed response to a new time zone. After a long international flight, you might feel wide awake in the middle of the night or ready to sleep just as the day starts. That’s because your body hasn’t caught up to the local time yet and is still operating on the schedule you left behind.

It happens when:

• Your circadian rhythm is disrupted by a sudden shift in time.
• Your internal clock doesn’t adjust instantly to your destination.
• Light exposure doesn’t line up with your usual routine.

Cabin pressure, dry air, and an interrupted sleep schedule can also make the symptoms of jet lag feel more noticeable, especially on the first day or two after you land.

That depends on the flight. A few time zones might take a day or two to adjust, while longer routes can stretch it out. If you’re flying in from New Zealand, for example, you might bounce back quickly. But after a long-haul from Japan or South Africa, your sleep could take most of the week to feel normal again.

Flying east (when the day shortens) also tends to be harder on your body than flying west. That’s because your internal rhythm usually runs a little longer than 24 hours, so it’s easier to delay sleep than to force it earlier.

Light, movement, and what you eat can all help your body catch up. That’s where packing smart matters. A few recovery-focused picks from our duty free collection can make those first couple of days feel less off and a lot more manageable.

Recovering from jet lag takes a mix of rest, hydration, and small comforts that help your body find its rhythm again. There’s no single fix, but the right products can make the adjustment easier. Here are duty free travel essentials on Laneway worth adding to your jet lag survival kit:

• Hydrating Skincare: Dry cabin air can leave your skin tight, which only adds to that heavy post-flight feeling. A lightweight serum, facial mist, or moisturiser helps restore hydration and keeps your skin comfortable as your body adjusts. Brands like Jurlique and SK-II have travel-ready skincare that refreshes dull skin and helps you wake up looking more rested.
• Sleep and Rest Support: Prioritising quality rest is one of the quickest ways to help your body adjust and recover after travel, but it’s not always easy. Pre-order a soft eye mask from Slip to block out light so you can rest anywhere. A travel pillow or compression socks from Korjo help ease the strain of long flights and make it easier to settle in.
• Multi-Use Balms and Lip Care: Hours in dry cabin air often show up first on your lips and hands. A nourishing balm is an easy fix that adds instant comfort after you land. Lano and TOPO have compact picks that work on lips, cuticles, and any rough patches.
• Rinse-Free Hygiene: Freshening up after a flight helps you feel more awake and ready for the day ahead. A rinse-free wash or hydrating sanitiser is all you need to clean up quickly without drying your skin. Aesop has travel-sized options that feel gentle but effective, perfect for a quick refresh before you reach your destination or during a long stopover.
• Relaxing Mists: A few spritzes before bed or while you unpack can make a hotel room or guest space feel calmer. Jo Malone London, for example, has pillow mists that add a soft, comforting scent to your wind-down routine, while endota has essential oils and magnesium mists to ease tension after travel. They’re light, practical extras that help you achieve better sleep quality.
• Wellness Supplements: Your body works harder after travel. Small dietary supplements may help you stay balanced while your immune system finds its rhythm again. Teddi Lab and Ocean King have chewable gummies with vitamin C, zinc, iron, or collagen to support recovery. They fit easily into your routine and make keeping well feel effortless between flights. Have a quick chat with your healthcare provider first to make sure they suit you.

Some travellers use melatonin to help with sleep, but in Australia, it’s prescription-only. If you’re bringing it in from overseas, it must be declared at customs, only for personal use, and supported by your prescription or a letter from your doctor.

You can’t avoid jet lag completely, but a few travel hacks before and after your flight can help your body keep up. Hydration is key, so bring a water bottle or order one from Kinto and sip often. Some add an electrolyte powder to support energy on longer journeys. Eating a little less than usual can take the edge off cravings and will make it easier to settle when you arrive.

Once you’ve landed, let sunlight help reset your body clock and try to wind down without extra blue light before bed. Keep earplugs close by for quieter rest, wherever you find it.

Packing smart is easier when you can plan ahead. On Laneway, you can secure your jet lag recovery picks up to 60 days before your flight and know they’ll be waiting for you. No last-minute scrambling, no overstuffed bags.

Here’s why it works for travellers flying internationally into or out of Melbourne:

• More choice, less hassle. From soothing bath and body essentials and relaxing fragrance to skin-refreshing makeup, handy sunglasses, and even comfort food, you’ll find what you need for your arrival all in one place.
• No queues, no stress. Every order is packed, prepaid, and ready for quick pick-up at Terminal 2. Just grab and go when it suits you.
• Lighter luggage. There’s no need to squeeze everything into your bag. Your duty free order will be ready to collect when you land or before you fly.
• Exclusive online offers. Laneway gives you first pick of limited sets and special bundles you won’t find anywhere else.
• Qantas Frequent Flyer points. Earn rewards for every eligible purchase and make your shopping work harder for you.

Make your next trip go even smoother by staying in the loop. Sign up for Melbourne Airport’s Shopping News newsletter to hear about new arrivals, travel tips, and exclusive online bundles before you even start packing.

There’s no substitute for arriving prepared. Pre-ordering your duty free jet lag survival kit on Laneway means the comforts that help you reset are already sorted before you step off the plane. Just pick your favourites, check out and pay via Visa, Mastercard, Alipay or Afterpay for eligible items, and collect everything when you land or before you fly.

You spend less time in queues, carry less in your bag, and know your recovery essentials are waiting. It’s duty free made simple, so you can focus on feeling good from the moment you touch down.

Disclaimer: Only passengers travelling internationally from/to Melbourne Airport can purchase goods on Laneway. Please note that some goods, like alcohol and tobacco products, may have minimum age requirements, and ID will need to be provided at the time you collect the goods from the relevant collection point. Purchases of alcohol and tobacco via Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.