Flight Plan

Her packing regimen is like a military operation, she can sleep on cue and she’s mastered jet lag. Just don’t expect the actor to make check-in on time.

Deborra-lee Furness’s sky-high crying

Where she’s travelling to

From her home base in New York to Australia

What she’s doing here

Visiting relatives with her husband, Hugh Jackman, and their children, Oscar, 16, and Ava, 11

How much time do you spend away?

At the moment we’re doing the trip between New York and Australia every six to eight weeks. Our children are on holidays so we’re in Australia to see family; the kids love coming here.

What’s the secret to a stress-free journey?

Essential oils. My favourite is Invigorate by Como Shambhala. I also use a Young Living Essential Oils blend that contains clove and cinnamon bark. It’s called Thieves because [it’s thought that grave-robbers] in England used those spices to ward off the plague. I think smell is a sense that’s overlooked.

What’s your approach to packing?

I’ve got new mojo. This year I’ve had three seasons in one suitcase – and I’ve got the kids as well – so I start packing probably a week before. I lay it all out and then I edit because I’m becoming like [Japanese organising consultant] Marie Kondo in terms of minimalism. I hate it when I bring too much and there’s too much choice.

Do you stick to a certain palette?

I’m pretty much a black-and-white girl so I keep it simple – with a few patterns, scarves and accoutrements.

Do you roll or fold?

I sit in the middle. I have formal gowns that I roll into a ball. I use beautiful linen bags for my underwear and socks – they go in separate bags. And all my shoes are in shoe bags.

How many pairs of shoes do you pack?

Too many. I have a suitcase just for shoes.

What do you wear on the plane?

Slip-on shoes, in case I have to take them off at Customs. I wear a light overshirt and loose pants so if I don’t change into the airline PJs, I’m still perfectly comfortable.

Have you ever missed a flight?

Many, much to my husband’s horror. Once, in Spain, I was going to London and Mum was heading back to Australia and we accidentally swapped passports. So we did this mad dash across terminals to get to our flights and Mum missed hers. I’ve missed many flights in my day and I’ve had to hang out at the bar. It could be worse!

Are you a relaxed flyer?

It’s the only time I get to relax. No-one can call you, there’s no responsibility and you can eat everything because you don’t gain weight on the plane [laughs]. You can have the sundae and watch all the movies.

Are you more emotional in the air?

My autobiography is going to be called I Always Cry on Planes. I just watched Russell Crowe’s Fathers and Daughters and I was literally sobbing. I can cry at sad movies but on planes I weep, I sob – it’s embarrassing!

Do you chat to your seat mate?

I keep my distance until we’re on the home stretch because you never know if it’s going to be a Tupperware party. I shouldn’t say that, should I? I’ve met some fascinating people on planes but I rarely get alone time so I want to cherish it.

Can you sleep on the plane?

Always. Once, as an actor, I had to do a simulation on a plane and the director said, “Will someone please wake the actress?” I’m so used to that body memory that I fell asleep before they shot the scene.

What was the last film you watched on a plane?

Oh, it wasn’t good: Mother’s Day. I watched it because I’d seen everything else. Because I cry on planes, I try to watch comedies.

How do you deal with jet lag?

Even if I’m dead tired and I get in at 9am, I’ll make myself stay up until 9pm. And the other trick is: if you land and it’s night-time, book a massage. I do that for the kids as well and it puts them to sleep.

Complete this sentence: When I’m flying, I feel...

Transported but not just physically. Deborra-lee Furness stars in drama series Hyde and Seek on Channel 9.