Is it because typically during these long flights there is a a change in multiple time zones and that messes your circadian rythm?
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In disagreement with almost everyone else who describe is just related to timezone change I would say that Jetlag is the combination of:
Quick changes in timezone – Quick east-west movement
Changes in daylight length – Large changes in North South location even in the same timezone. These effect your body since it uses daylight to help regulate your body clock.
Travel stress and routine disruption. – Early start / late arrival on day of travel even when traveling short distances (2-3 hours) – This includes the stress of getting to airports on time, security etc which is inevitably worse than train travel
Aircraft environment – Air in aircraft is not pressured to sea level but approx 2500 meters (7000feet) to reduce stress on the fuselage and is kept at a lower humidity to prevent metal corrosion. This has an effect on your body which has to compensate and is tiring.
Concequentaly I would say its quite possible to get a degree of jetlag on a 2 hour flight that might only cross one timezone.
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