What length of flight is considered long?

How long is considered a long flight?

Okay, a long flight… hum. What even is long?

• 6-8 hours, that’s what people say, right? But like, is that really that long? I flew to visit Aunt Carol last year and I swear it felt longer.

• Oh god, Aunt Carol.

• 8-12 hours is long-haul, okay yeah. My friend Jenna went to Italy and that’s definately was long-haul.

• Wait, was it Italy, or Spain? Definetely Europe, i remember buying euros, i had to convert money at the airport.

• And then 12+ hours is ultra long-haul. Like, whoa, that’s insane. Can you even sleep for that long? I can’t. Unless… Ambien? Nah.

• But if I flew to, like, Australia… would I even survive?

• The thought alone makes me tired! Australia sounds cool.

• Is it worth it? I dunno.

• I mean, six hours, that’s a drive from NY to Maine? Ish? It’s a thing.

• So yeah, a long flight is anything that tests my patience i guess. Depends on the person tho, innit?

What is considered a short distance flight?

Short flight? Under 700 miles. United calls it. Distances matter little. Life’s short, right?

A number. An illusion, maybe. 700.

• United Airlines uses 700 miles (1,100 km). Arbitrary.

• Other airlines? Varies, of course. Profit margins dictate “short”.

• Long-haul: Over 3,000 miles (4,800 km). Vastness shrinks.

Consider this: 2024. Still flying.

What is considered long range aircraft?

Long-range aircraft? We are talking about planes exceeding 4,000 nautical miles (7,400 km) non-stop. It’s less a strict definition and more like an, ah, ballpark.

• Fuel capacity matters. A bigger tank, duh.
• Payload impacts things. Less weight, longer flight!
• Engine efficiency? Key to the kingdom, I tell you.

My grandpa, a pilot in ’75, would have called even 3,000nm a long haul. Perspective. Are we there yet, seriously.

How to sleep comfortably on a long flight?

Long flights? Ugh. Think of them as forced hibernation, but with less appealing snacks.

Seat Selection is King: Don’t be a chump; snag an aisle seat. Legroom’s your new best friend; think of it as your personal, airborne, slightly cramped kingdom. Window seats? Good for gazing at fluffy clouds, bad for bathroom breaks.

Hygiene is Your Holy Grail: Travel-size everything. My miniature lavender rollerball is essential; it’s like aromatherapy, but less woo-woo. Oh, and eye masks. Embrace the darkness. It’s your personal eclipse.

Hydration is Key (Duh): Water, water, everywhere, but nary a drop to keep your mouth from feeling like sandpaper. Skip the booze; it dehydrates you faster than my dating life after a particularly bad Bumble date.

The Cozy Factor: Pajamas! Yes, I’m that guy. Comfort is paramount. Think of it as your portable sleep sanctuary. A cashmere blanket isn’t mandatory, but highly recommended.

Pre-flight Prep: Time zone adjustment is vital, not optional. Your internal clock is a stubborn beast; it needs a nudge. I use melatonin, but my doctor says that’s just me.

Extra Tips for the Discerning Traveler:

• Noise-canceling headphones: Essential. They’re like magical earmuffs, blocking out the crying babies and questionable karaoke from fellow passengers.
• Compression socks: Prevent swollen ankles. Trust me. Your future self will thank you.
• A good book (or a Kindle): For pre-sleep winding down. Something light. Avoid thrillers; those keep you awake like a shot of espresso.
• Don’t eat a whole Thanksgiving dinner on the plane. Just saying. I’ve been there. It wasn’t pretty.

Remember: A good night’s sleep on a plane is a small victory. Celebrate accordingly (with a massive post-flight nap).

How do you make a long flight less miserable?

Long flights suck. Seriously. The air is always dry. My throat’s a desert by the time we land.

This last trip to my sister’s in Denver, ugh. I felt awful. Should have brought more water. Definitely.

Hydration is key. I know, I know. It’s obvious, but I forget. Always.

Comfortable clothes, too. Last time I wore jeans. Mistake. Big mistake. My legs swelled up. So uncomfortable.

Snacks are a lifesaver. Keeps you from being hangry.

• Water bottles: Multiple. Fill them up after security.
• Loose-fitting clothes: Think leggings, not jeans. Sweatshirts. Layers.
• Snacks: Trail mix, fruit, protein bars. Something substantial. Not just candy.
• Entertainment: Download podcasts or shows beforehand. My phone battery died halfway through last time!

My routine gets shot to hell when I fly. I try, I really do. But jet lag, man. It’s brutal.

How to make a long flight bearable?

Ugh, long flights. Economy, right? The worst. Gotta stand up, seriously, every hour. My legs are always stiff as a board after those things. Water, tons of it. Dehydration is the enemy.

Downloaded a whole bunch of podcasts before my flight to London last month. Helped a lot. Sleeping is a crap shoot though. Neck pillow is key, but still.

Melatonin? Nah, I just drink chamomile tea. Works for me. Plus, I always pack those little eye masks. They’re a lifesaver! Really helps block the light.

Oh, and snacks! Don’t rely on airplane food, that stuff is atrocious. Always bring my own protein bars and nuts. Keeps my energy levels from bottoming out. My last flight was 14 hours to Japan, the snacks were a godsend.

Noise-canceling headphones? Absolutely essential. Those screaming kids… need I say more? Seriously considering earplugs next time.

Foot massage? I brought this amazing thing, a foot roller, and man… game-changer. Seriously. You’ll thank me later.

Arrive tired but ready to be uncomfortable. It’s a mind game, really. Lower your expectations, you know?

• Hydration is key. Water, tea, whatever.
• Movement: Stand and stretch often. Seriously, even walking to the bathroom helps.
• Entertainment: Podcasts, books, movies, whatever keeps you occupied.
• Comfort: Eye mask, neck pillow, comfy clothes (avoid jeans).
• Snacks: Pack your own. Avoid airplane food.
• Noise-canceling Headphones: Trust me.
• Foot roller/massage: I’m telling you, this is a necessity for me now.

This whole thing is about minimizing the suck. You can’t completely eliminate it. That’s just reality. Next time I’m trying compression socks. Heard good things. Maybe.

How to make a 5 hour flight go by fast?

Gaming the system? Amateur. Shifting schedules? Weak. Pre-downloaded entertainment? Basic. Just obliterate time.

• Drugs: Melatonin. Ambien. Consult your physician, obviously. Not me. I’m not a doctor.
• Noise Canceling: Everything. Headphones. Earplugs. Silence is golden. Especially at 30,000 feet. My Bose QC45s? Lifesavers. Literally.
• Hydrate: Water. Not soda. Not juice. Seriously. Dehydration amplifies jet lag. Trust me. I flew to Tokyo last week. Learned that the hard way.
• Neck Pillow: Get a good one. Or suffer. My Trtl Pillow? Changed everything.
• Eye Mask: Darkness is your friend. Embrace it.

Sleep. Hard. Repeat. That’s it. That’s the secret. Five hours? Rookie numbers. I regularly pull off 14-hour hauls like it’s nothing. JFK to HKG. Piece of cake.

Which seat is best for a long flight?

For a lengthy flight, front-of-plane seats offer advantages, particularly regarding noise reduction. Quicker boarding/deplaning is a plus, naturally.

• Location matters: Proximity to the engines does impact noise levels.

• Aisle vs. Window: A personal choice. I prefer the aisle – easier for bathroom breaks during those awful 14-hour flights.

Finding that sweet spot requires balancing these factors. Do you favor swift exits or a quiet ride? I often compromise; maybe row 10 is better. Plus, is there really such a thing as a good seat?