Members of United’s MileagePlus can now access Timeshifter, an app that outlines the best time to see and avoid light, sleep and enjoy caffeine to adjust quickly to a new time zone.
The app is targeted at customers flying across three or more time zones and will be a helpful tool for them to manage their jet lag as they travel throughout United’s global route network.
According to vice president of Loyalty and President of MileagePlus, Luc Bondar, “Timeshifter takes all the guesswork out of avoiding jet lag and instead uses science and algorithms to design a customised, step-by-step trip across time zones. I was a believer the first time I used the app and I think our customers will love it too.”
Timeshifter was developed by top researchers in sleep and circadian neuroscience and is aimed at customers crossing three or more time zones. The app uses an algorithm to customise plans for customers based on a number of factors including normal sleep pattern, flight details and individual preferences, creating a personalised jet lag alleviation plan. Each plan includes:
• Instructions for when travellers should prioritize exposure to bright light or avoid it.
• A sleep and napping schedule based on his/her sleep preferences.
• A plan to optimise caffeine intake for alertness and sleep.
• Optional timing for taking melatonin, should travellers choose to do so.
MileagePlus members will receive a free jet lag plan for a flight plan of their choosing in addition to the complimentary trial Timeshifter offers customers for a total of two free flight plans. MileagePlus Premier 1K members will be able to sign up for complimentary annual subscriptions for unlimited access to jet lag plans when they travel. Individual plans for the app retail at US$9.99 for a round trip plan and yearly memberships are $24.99.
