IATA Discovers the Cure For Jet Lag, Releases It as Free Mobile App

There may never be a fool-proof cure for jet lag, but IATA has developed a new app helps reduce the negative effects it has on travelers’ health.

Jet lag is the undoing of many a traveler, but a new app from the International Air Transport Association (IATA) might just mitigate the worst of this unavoidable condition.

SkyZen, used in conjunction with a Jawbone fitness wristband, allows travelers to monitor their health before, during and after their flight. By inputting their travel details, SkyZen not only enables flyers to view their activity and sleep levels during their journey, but also uses that data to construct a health regimen that advises them when they should sleep and eat.

In developing SkyZen, IATA’s goal was to reduce the impact that long-haul travel has on the body’s circadian rhythm, which struggles to adjust to new time zones. This struggle leads to fatigue and disorientation — “jet lag” as it’s commonly known.

Tom Windmuller, IATA’s senior vice president for airport, passenger, cargo and security, is certain that SkyZen will have a positive impact on the long-haul experience.

“Recent advances in personal health monitoring give air travelers a great opportunity to track how they respond to the various stages of a trip. With its global perspective on the air transport industry, IATA is uniquely placed to develop a single app,” said Windmuller in a press release. “We are confident SkyZen delivers a completely new perspective on travel for passengers, with handy tips offering a fun and interactive way to improve the quality of their flying experience.”

SkyZen is free to download, but at the moment, it is only available via the Apple iTunes store. Apple Watch and Fitbit versions are currently in development.

[Photos: IATA]