Sports and charter flights: the impact on performance

What are the effects of air travel on the human body? How does the body react during the flight?

Scientific research tells us that flying is not a neutral activity for our bodies. Low humidity in the cabin, prolonged immobility, time zones (in the case of intercontinental flights), and sudden changes in altitude can generate disturbances in sleep quality, circadian rhythms, and ability to concentrate.

A study published in“Journal of Strength and Conditioning Research” showed that long-haul flights can alter physiological variables such as resting heart rate and increase the perception of jet lag in elite athletes. Another research appeared in “ScienceDirect” found a reduction in total sleep and an increase in perceived fatigue in the 48 hours following the flight.

If this happens in normal situations, the impact is even more significant for those preparing for a sports performance. A poorly organized trip can compromise physical efficiency, mental clarity and responsiveness on the field. For this reason, professional teams are increasingly outsourcing their travel to dedicated charter flights: tailor-made solutions designed to minimize stress and ensure ideal conditions for recovery and preparation.

In this scenario, the charter flight is not just a way to get around, but becomes a strategic choice to ensure performance in competition.

Travel comfort directly affects the athlete’s main physiological parameters. This happens both in the case of long-haul flights (over 6 hours of flight time) and short-haul flights (up to 2-3 hours of flight time).

Numerous scientific studies have shown that flying can influence:

• resting heart rate;
• The variability of heart rate (HRV);
• The quality of sleep (especially REM phase);
• The time required for post-effort recovery;
• Circadian rhythms and neuromuscular balancing.

Among the most common causes:

• pressurized altitude;
• dry air;
• Prolonged immobility;
• jet lag and time zone changes (in the case of long-haul flights);
• Dietary and hydration changes.

According to the Journal of Science and Medicine in Sport, even short legs can alter sleep quality, increase fatigue and reduce mental and physical reactivity. While, theAustralian Institute of Sport confirms that flights between 2 and 4 hours, especially when close to a competition, can interfere with circadian rhythms and impair athletic training.

Another research, also from theAustralian Institute of Sport, found that flights longer than 5 hours can take up to 3 days to restore neuromuscular balance.

Not to mention jet lag due to eastbound flights, which impairs REM sleep quality and increases the perception of fatigue over the next 48-72 hours (a study published in Physiological Reports in 2022 tells us this ).

The conclusion is clear: one does not need to cross the globe to feel the negative effects of flying. Every trip requires careful management, and customized charter flights are the ideal solution to ensure optimal conditions for athletes, regardless of the distance traveled.

Learn about our air charter services tailored to every sporting need.

Flyness’ experience in the sports sector is one of its hallmarks. From Serie A to Serie B, from professional basketball to other disciplines on a European scale, the team has developed deep listening skills, honed in its daily work alongside technical staff and managers. This allows us to tailor each skill to the specific needs of the team, transforming them into streamlined, personalized and effective procedures.

Flyness offers not only flights and air charter, but a broken, accurate and efficient system.

Here are some key elements:

• Departures from private terminals (e.g., Malpensa Prime) to ensure absolute confidentiality and quick access;
• End-to-end assistance, from route planning to arrival and after the flight;
• Customized aircraft configuration, including to accommodate technical staff and medical teams;
• Tailored catering, agreed upon with the team nutritionist to meet the specific nutritional needs of the athletes;
• Coordinated luggage and sports equipment logistics at embarkation;
• Simplified check-in and security with dedicated flows.

All this contributes to a stress-free trip, where the flight is not an obstacle but the beginning of a winning performance.

Well-organized travel starts with competent direction. For a travel manager, relying on an experienced air charter broker means confidently delegating planning management to a professional who knows what to do, when, how, and who has all the contacts necessary to provide the best options for a sporty flight.

Flyness stands out in this in the marketplace for a specific reason: it is there every step of the way. It doesn’t just “rent a plane,” but manages every step with the airline and other stakeholders for slots, clearances, communications with airports, on-site assistance, and personalization of the experience.

The advantage?

Maximum smoothness and minimal contingencies. The client’s time is respected and valued. This is only possible when the air charter broker is reliable and when it is recognized as such by all parties involved, and Flyness is every day, as evidenced by the many successfully completed transactions.

Want to learn more? Also read the article How much does it cost to charter a charter plane.

The world of sports is a complex ecosystem. Many figures revolve around the team:

• Executives;
• Media workers;
• Medical staff;
• Companions.

And often organized cheering as well.

Flyness has the capacity to handle all of this, offering dedicated charter flights not only for athletes, but also for those who support them on and off the field.

The flight experience thus becomes a moment of cohesion, identity and community, enhancing the very meaning of sports travel and team membership. Fans can experience the trip as an integral part of the sporting event; journalists can move around efficiently, ensuring media coverage; and staff can work in logistical continuity with the team.

Each segment of the trip is carefully taken care of: separate or combined flights, customization of services, air logistics and baggage management, and airport assistance.

With Flyness, even those who do not take the field have a starring role.

Relying on Flyness means choosing a partner who knows the needs of the sports world inside out. What unites us with our sports clients is passion: for their work, for excellence, for performance. At Flyness, every charter flight for sports teams is experienced in the same spirit as a team striving for victory.

And it is no coincidence that our name, known in the industry for professionalism and constant presence on the field, has won the trust of Serie A, B clubs and top European teams.

From planning to on-site management, every detail is addressed with precision and dedication. This is what makes our support truly different:

• A single point of contact for the entire charter flight organization;
• Experience with professional sports teams and clubs;
• Private terminals and simplified boarding operations;
• Full customization and H24/7 support

Read our comprehensive guide on how to organize a stress-free charter flight. Let your team do their best on the field and rely on a partner to relieve you of any complexities.

Contact us and request an operations call for your next sporting event.