In her early 20s, Brazilian supermodel Gisele Bündchen worked 350 days a year. She drank Frappuccinos for breakfast, smoked a pack of cigarettes a day, and downed a bottle of wine every night. Needless to say, that lifestyle became unsustainable. In the mid-aughts, Bündchen pursued the more natural path she’s now known for: meditation, exercise, healthy eating. Newly divorced from Tom Brady and now based in Miami, Bündchen is as steadfast in holistic wellness as ever. For both models and mortals, she’s sharing 100 healthy recipes in her cookbook, Nourish. Called around the world for runways and photo shoots, Bündchen spends much of her time on planes. Here, she details how she lives well at cruising altitude.
Last flight you took?
Round trip, Miami to New York City.
Favorite airline?
American.
What do you wear to the airport?
Anything that is comfortable and soft—with sneakers.
How long before your flight boards do you get to the airport?
An hour before. I like to be on time.
Check bags, or carry-on only?
Carry-on unless it is for a holiday.
What do you bring in your carry-on?
Everything I need. I am a world-champion packer.
TSA PreCheck, or regular?
T.S.A.
Favorite airport?
I don’t have a favorite.
What do you buy in the airport terminal?
I don’t really shop.
What do you do while waiting to board?
Check my e-mails and have a tea.
Item you can’t fly without?
My Young Living Peace & Calming oil.
First class or coach?
Business or first.
Window, middle, or aisle seat?
Window.
How do you pass the time in the plane?
Sleeping or working because it is a great time to catch up.
Do you buy Wi-Fi?
No.
Favorite airplane snack?
My homemade granola. If you want to try it, the recipe is in my new cookbook, Nourish.
Do you eat plane food?
No.
Best drink to get on a flight?
Herbal mint or chamomile tea.
Do you talk to the people sitting next to you?
Sometimes. I have met some interesting people on my flights.
Keep shoes on or off on the plane?
Depends on how long the flight is.
What do you do when turbulence hits?
Listen to chill music, imagine I’m on a roller coaster.
Worst part of the flight?
Going through the airports.
First thing you do when the plane lands?
Contact my kids.
Advice for travelers?
Always be kind to everyone traveling and working. The world is busy and a little kindness goes a long way.