Letter: Chess test

From Cliff Hardcastle

With reference to Thomas Smith’s letter pondering the impact of jet lag on mental functioning (18 February, p 33), I first encountered problems on a 16-hour business flight to Japan in 1974.

I took an electronic chess game to pass the time. It had 10 levels of difficulty and I could usually compete up to level 8. About 2 hours into the flight, I decided to play, set up a game on level 2 and quickly lost. I tried again and lost again. I realised my mental capacity was impaired, which I put down to reduced oxygen levels in the cabin.

When I got to Japan, it took me more than two days to return to my normal standard. I have also noted that I do not fully remember books read or films watched during flights. I now try to arrive at my destination on a Friday so that I can have two rest days before work to restore brain function and memory.

Now I see people on long-haul flights working intensely on laptops, and wonder about the quality of what they produce.

Bromley, Kent, UK