Let’s get started on long-haul flights, shall we? Based on flight lengths, commercial flights are often categorized into short-haul, medium or long-haul. But it is important to note that there is no international standard for this, instead geographic boundaries/airtime is used.

A greater number of long-haul flights are either intercontinental or transcontinental. Although some larger countries like the US and Russia have long-haul domestic flights because of the geography.

WHAT IS A LONG-HAUL FLIGHT?

A long-haul flight is any non-stop flight that lasts for more than 6 hours. When airlines are scheduling flights, they put in long-hauls to go out just once or twice in a day. They are usually operated by wide-body aircrafts like Boeing 787 or A380. 

WHAT AIRCRAFTS ARE BEST FOR LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS?

The A380 can fly 14,800 km with a total number of 544 passengers. While the A350-900 can fly 15,000 km with a total number of 325 passengers. 

These aircrafts are best for long-haul flights compared to narrow aircrafts because they offer better options in terms of cabin classes. 

HOW SAFE ARE LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS?

They are very safe in fact. This is because security and safety protocols are undergone by these servicing airlines. Cabin crew and pilots are competently trained to carry out long-haul services. Therefore, if you’re flying long-haul most especially overnight, they are put on shift patterns to ensure they’re attentive during those flight hours. Also, by law it’s required that long-haul flights are carried out by two different teams of cabin staff.

TIPS TO USE ON LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS

AVOID HEAVY OR TOO MUCH CARRY-ONS

  •  It’s not a good idea to overpack at all. Although you’ll need more for a long-haul flight compared to a short one. Essentials should be kept in your personal items so they’re always within arm’s reach.
  • Every inch of leg room is sacred despite how tall or short you are, when it comes to sitting in the same seat for 6+ hours. It’s unwise to limit your leg room with needlessly large personal items.  Which you’ll be forced to stow under the seat right in front of you if you’ve also brought another carry-on onboard. Go for a bag that’s versatile and soft, so you can fold it down if need be.

DRESS PROPERLY FOR THE OCCASION

  • This is a long flight that you are about to embark on. Therefore you need the right clothes for the occasion. It’s important to keep it loose and comfortable. Also remember to bring layers for when it gets cold  because it really can get cold sometime. Always have a blanket, cardigan or sweatshirt handy. A fitted blouse and skin tight pair of jeans might make you look very cool but trust us, it’s not a very ideal outfit for a long-haul flight.
  • Try sitting or trying to sleep in them for 6+ hours. Not a good idea at all. Experts have also recommended the use of compression socks because they reduce swelling and decrease the risk of blood clots.

 HYDRATE OFTEN

  • Drinking water and soft juices will help you have a very great flight generally. Airplanes are consistently  replenishing cabin air with the air outside. Therefore the levels of humidity inside each plane cabin are almost comparable to what you’d find in a desert. Very dry. 
  • Generally, lack of constant hydration has two-fold effects. The first is extreme skin dryness which creates dullness to the skin. If not addressed, dehydration gives room for worst cases of jet lag. It’s not overrated to drink plenty of water. 
  • With that said, also remember that booze/alcohol shouldn’t be used as a way to cope with your long-haul flight. You’ll end up using the bathrooms frequently if you do. Besides, it’s important to note that alcohol is dehydrating and will botch up your sleep pattern. 

GET UP AND STRETCH AS OFTEN AS YOU CAN MANAGE

  • Pressurized cabins means less oxygen for everyone on board as passengers. Moreover over periods of time, symptoms due to lower blood oxygen levels that include swollen limbs, mild headaches,and dehydration begin to show.Therefore, it is very advisable to stretch. Try walking up and down the aisle to boost blood flow and also practice some non-intrusive stretch exercises in your seat. Like rolling your shoulders and rotation of the ankles.

CARRY NOISE-CANCELLING HEADSETS

  • Besides being more comfortable than those basic and everyday plastic devices, they help in blocking out white noise. High-quality earplugs work just fine to block out the airplane noise or sounds from other passengers. Long-haul flights are usually boarded by all sorts of people with different age ranges. From adults to toddlers. How do you expect to hear everything that ‘James Bond’ is saying in the movie you’re watching when a toddler is screaming without noise-cancelling headsets?

WHAT DO LONG-HAUL FLIGHTS FEEL LIKE?

If you haven’t been on a long-haul flight, you won’t believe how extremely comfortable it can be. The aircrafts used for long-haul flights are usually wide. This means more legroom, reclining seats, meal services and in-flight entertainment in the duration of the flight.

You are also eligible for a free one-way flight ticket for every 10 one-way tickets that you book with Raymart Aviation.

Raymart Aviation loves feedback. For advice or more information on how to book long-haul flight tickets or how to claim your own FREE ticket, click here.

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