Flying east or west makes a difference to jet lag Your circadian rhythm (body clock) is less confused if you travel westward. This is because travelling west 'prolongs' the body clock's experience of its normal day-night cycle (the normal tendency of the body clock in most of us is slightly longer than 24 hours).

From a biological and jet lag perspective, it is almost always better to fly west around the world. This is because traveling west "stretches" your day, making it easier for your internal circadian rhythm to adjust; the human body generally finds it easier to stay up a few hours later than to go to sleep a few hours earlier. When you fly east, you are "losing" time, which forces your body to jump ahead, often leading to more severe fatigue and disorientation. However, from a speed perspective, flying east is often faster because of the prevailing jet streams—high-altitude winds that blow from west to east. For example, a flight from New York to London is typically much shorter than the return journey. If you are planning a true "round the world" trip in 2026, many experts suggest heading west to minimize the physical toll of travel, even if it adds a few hours of total flight time. Ultimately, your choice might depend on whether you prioritize arriving quickly or arriving feeling more refreshed and ready to explore your destination.