Jet lag is a familiar adversary for anyone who travels across multiple time zones. The fatigue, brain fog, insomnia, digestive issues, and general malaise that come with disrupting your circadian rhythm can derail the first several days of a trip — or make coming home feel worse than the flight itself. In recent years, IV therapy has emerged as a popular remedy for jet lag among frequent flyers, business travelers, and vacationers looking to hit the ground running. But does it actually work?
What Causes Jet Lag?
Jet lag occurs when your internal body clock — the circadian rhythm — falls out of sync with the local time at your destination. Your body uses light exposure, meal timing, and hormonal signals (particularly melatonin and cortisol) to maintain a roughly 24-hour cycle. Crossing time zones disrupts these signals, and it takes your body approximately one day per time zone crossed to fully adjust.
The symptoms of jet lag are compounded by the physical toll of air travel itself: cabin air is extremely dry (humidity levels around 10 to 20 percent), long flights restrict movement and circulation, and many travelers skip meals, drink alcohol, or sleep poorly in transit. By the time you land, you are often dehydrated, nutrient-depleted, and sleep-deprived on top of the circadian disruption.
How IV Therapy Addresses Jet Lag
IV therapy for jet lag does not reset your circadian clock. No IV drip can do that. What it can do is address the physical symptoms that make jet lag feel so debilitating — dehydration, nutrient depletion, fatigue, and brain fog — more rapidly than oral hydration and supplements.
A typical jet lag IV drip includes:
- Saline solution (500 mL to 1 liter) — Rehydrates the body quickly after hours of dry cabin air and inadequate fluid intake
- B-complex vitamins — Support energy production and help combat fatigue
- Vitamin C — Provides antioxidant support and may help the immune system, which can be suppressed after long flights
- Magnesium — Promotes muscle relaxation and can ease the tension and stiffness from sitting for hours
- Optional add-ons — Some providers offer anti-nausea medication, anti-inflammatory compounds, or glutathione as part of a jet lag protocol
Does the Evidence Support It?
There are no large-scale clinical trials specifically studying IV therapy as a jet lag treatment. The evidence for individual components, however, provides a reasonable basis for the approach. IV hydration is well established in medicine. B vitamins and magnesium are clinically recognized for their roles in energy metabolism and muscle function. Vitamin C supports immune defense, which matters after exposure to recycled cabin air and the stress of travel.
What IV therapy does definitively is rehydrate you faster than drinking water or sports drinks. For travelers who arrive significantly dehydrated — which is most people after a transatlantic or transpacific flight — this alone can make a noticeable difference in how quickly they feel functional.
The subjective experience of most clients who use IV therapy for jet lag is positive. Many report feeling meaningfully better within an hour of treatment. Whether this reflects the hydration, the vitamins, a placebo effect, or a combination of all three is difficult to separate — but for practical purposes, many travelers find the result worth the investment.
When Should You Get a Jet Lag IV?
Timing matters. Most providers and experienced travelers recommend scheduling your IV session within a few hours of landing. Some travelers prefer to book a mobile IV service to meet them at their hotel as soon as they check in. Others visit a clinic near the airport or in their destination city.
For eastbound travel (which tends to cause more severe jet lag), getting an IV on the day of arrival can help you power through the afternoon slump and make it to a reasonable local bedtime. For westbound travel, an IV can help restore energy if you arrive feeling drained.
Some frequent travelers also get a pre-travel IV a day or two before departing, especially if they anticipate a demanding itinerary. This approach focuses on going into the flight well-hydrated and nutrient-loaded rather than playing catch-up after landing.
How Much Does a Jet Lag IV Cost?
Jet lag drips are typically priced in the mid-range of IV therapy services:
- Standard jet lag drip — $150 to $250
- Premium jet lag package (with add-ons) — $200 to $350
- Mobile service to your hotel — Same pricing, sometimes with a $25 to $50 travel fee
In major travel hubs, you can also find IV lounges in or near airports offering quick-turnaround drips for travelers with layovers.
Is IV Therapy for Jet Lag Worth It?
For occasional leisure travelers crossing a few time zones, jet lag IV therapy may be an unnecessary expense — good hydration, strategic light exposure, and patience will do the job. For frequent international travelers, business professionals who need to perform immediately after landing, or anyone crossing six or more time zones, the rapid rehydration and nutrient replenishment that IV therapy provides can be a practical and effective tool.
Browse IV therapy providers in your destination city to book a session before your next trip. Many mobile services in major metros can meet you within an hour of booking.
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not constitute medical advice. Always consult with a qualified healthcare professional before starting any IV therapy treatment.