Air travel is fantastically fast and comfortable way to cross the seas and oceans, get from one point of the globe to another. Indeed, from the very beginning of the inception of aviation, airlines have been fighting for victory in speed, flight altitude, carrying capacity and cabin comfort. Leading airlines provide travelers with the opportunity non-stop flight to their destination, thereby saving them from wasting time at the terminals while waiting for the next flight and the hassle of luggage.
Nonstop aircraft flight performing regular flight with a length of more than 12 thousand kilometers and not having made a single stop, is called an ultra-long-distance non-stop flight. In this case, the flight time must exceed 15 hours. This is usually the shortest possible path between two points in different parts Sveta. But the flight does not always take place in a straight line. Due to the large distances between some points, ultra-long flights travel along an arc of a great circle (Great-circle navigation) and often over the polar regions.
View from above
During a flight, a number of factors affect its duration:
- wind direction (tailwind, headwind, lateral);
- the intensity of precipitation;
- weather in the region over which the flight is carried out, etc.
Therefore, one and the same route can be spent different time... Under favorable weather conditions and a headwind, the board will spend no more than 19 hours in the air.
For the title of "The longest plane flight in the world without a transfer" today, 3 air routes claim:
- Longest flight from Singapore to New York international Airport Newark Liberty takes 18 hours and 50 minutes.
- Long-haul flights between Qatar and New Zealand last 18 hours in the air. The length of the Doha-Auckland route is more than 14.5 thousand kilometers (Boeing 777-200LR).
- Perth - London. In March 2018, the Australian airline Qantas made its first non-stop flight from the Australian city of Perth to London. The flight time of the Boeing 787-9 Dreamliner was 16 hours 29 minutes, although the estimated time on the Perth - London route is 17 hours 20 minutes. average speed flight of the airliner was 938 kilometers per hour. Dreamliner covers a distance of almost 15 thousand kilometers without refueling.
Which airlines have performed the longest flights
Longest passenger airline flight since 1969 Boeing... During this time, 747-8 were produced in four modifications. The Boeing 747-8 is able to cover 14,800 km of airspace without landing. Many carriers use Boeing boards with the abbreviation LR (Longer Range, translated from English as "long range").
The European concern Airbus - a joint brainchild of France, Spain, Great Britain and Germany - is the main competitor of the legendary "American". In April 2005, the serial production of the largest passenger airliner Airbus 380. It is capable of carrying, depending on the liner model, from 525 to 853 passengers at a distance of over 15,000 km. For 12 years, the company has produced 213 machines.
Earlier, since 1961, the longest non-stop plane flight in the world was operated by El Al. The route ran between Tel Aviv and New York. The time during which the liner covered 9137 km was 9 hours 33 minutes.
Air flights from Great Britain to the east, to Hong Kong, made 12 years ago, can boast record figures. The 21,602 km route was not direct (the shortest distance between London and Hong Kong is 10,000 km). The flight was lengthened in order to test the possibilities Boeing aircraft 777-200LR. Therefore, only crew members, narrow specialists and journalists were on board.
If you get from Johannesburg to Atlanta with transfers, you can spend 1 day and 10 hours on the road, of which 13 hours and 15 minutes will take waiting for the next flight at the airport. A Flight from the USA to The largest city South Africa without a change lasts 16 hours and 15 minutes, during which the plane covers 13,582 kilometers. Only Delta Air Lines operates a non-stop in this direction.
Emirates' flight from Dubai to Los Angeles took the third place in terms of flight distance. The length of the route is 13 420 km, and passengers spend 16 hours and 35 minutes in the air.
Here are some examples of ultra-long routes to date:
- Doha - Auckland. Airline Qatar Airways QR 921, at a distance of 14,535 km. Flight time - 17h 40 min (Boeing 777-200LR).
- Perth London Heathrow. Airline Qantas QF9, at a distance of 14,499 km. Flight time - 17 hours 8 minutes (Boeing 787-9).
- Dubai - Auckland. Emirates airline EK 449, at a distance of 14,202 km. Flight time - 17h 15 min (Airbus A380-800).
- Sydney - Dallas. Airline Qantas QF7, at a distance of 13 804 km. Flight time - 15 h 35 min (Airbus A380-800).
- San Francisco - Singapore. Singapore Airlines SQ 32, at a distance of 13 588 km. Flight time - 16 h 30 min (Airbus A350-900).
- Johannesburg - Atlanta. Delta Air Lines DL 201, at a distance of 13,582 km. Flight time - 16 h 15 min (Boeing 777-200LR).
- Dubai - Los Angeles. Airline Emirates EK 215, at a distance of 13 420. Flight time - 16 hours 35 minutes (Boeing 777-200LR).
- Los Angeles - Bangkok. Thai Airways International TG 795, at a distance of 13,309 km. Flight time - 17 h 30 min (Airbus A340-500).
- Dubai - Houston. Airline Emirates EK 211, at a distance of 13 144 km. Flight time - 16 h 20 min (Boeing 777-200LR).
- Washington - Johannesburg. South African Airways SA 204, at a distance of 13,084 km. Flight time - 15 h 10 min (Airbus A340-300).
The longest flights from Moscow
The longest, longest flight from Moscow without a change in Vancouver, the first in the world across the North Pole, was made by the Soviet plane ANT-25. The crew included the legendary pilot Valery Chkalov, Georgy Baidukov, and navigator Alexander Belyakov. They covered 8504 km in 63 hours. "The plane under Chkalov's control reached the United States for the first time in history, showing the Americans all the power of Soviet aircraft and the courage of pilots," wrote the PRAVDA newspaper in those days.
Then, in the USSR, the Ilys continued their victorious march through the air. So in 1963, the Il-62, the first Soviet long-haul jet airliner, began air travel. This aircraft became a truly breakthrough one, since by the time work began on it, the aviation industry had managed to create powerful engines, stronger materials, and more compact and light equipment. Due to all this, it was possible to build an aircraft, which was said abroad like this: “The IL-62 is a well-crafted, practical design. Russians can rightfully be proud of their achievement. This is a new word in the history of air transportation. " At that time, the flight range was 9780 km. And he followed from Moscow to the United States. "Moscow - New York - Moscow". About technical characteristics IL-62 was legendary. For example, an airplane could reverse while maneuvering at an airport.
Il-96 represents Russia in the list of record holders in terms of flight length. Since the start of operation in 1993, only 30 aircraft have been produced at the Voronezh Aviation Plant in three versions: 96-300, 96M / T and 96/400. The Russian record for the duration of the flight belongs to the Il-96/400 - 12,800 km.
It would seem that the capabilities of modern aircraft allow you to cross distances from pole to pole in the shortest possible time. And the ticket for the flight will be cheaper than for the flight with transfers. But this is not always feasible and cost-effective for carriers. So in a straight line, the path between North America and Asia runs over the Arctic. Why, then, can't you go from Moscow to New York without air transfers? Because there is a strategic zone at the North Pole. Airplanes fly, but not civilians.
Important! Good news for air travelers! In the near future, the first flight of the Airbus 350XWB-ULR of Singapore Airlines, the best air carriers in Australia, will take place. The range of the Singapore-Moscow flight will be about 15,000 kilometers.
Those who travel frequently and for long distances by air prefer non-stop air travel. It is more convenient for passengers in terms of the total duration of time “in the air” and terminals, the price of air tickets and comfort. After all, to sit quietly in the modern cabin of an airplane at the point of departure and arrive at the place without leaving the transport outweighs the disadvantages of a long sitting.
The operating ultra-long routes are theoretically not final. Today, Qantas is planning to launch flights between Australia and the UK, with a route length of over 17,000 km. Also in the future, the longest non-stop corridors laid between cities - geographic antipodes. They are located at opposite ends of the globe at a distance of more than 20,000 km. Flights are expected between Buinos Aires and Shanghai, Auckland and Madrid. And during the non-stop flight between Taipei and Asuncien, 19,918 km will be covered.
Hundreds of flights are operated around the world every day, carrying tens of thousands of passengers. Air travel takes much less time than travel by car or train. For example, it will take at least two weeks to cover the distance of the longest flight in the world by car.
The longest non-stop flight from Newark to Singapore is regularly operated by a Singapore Airlines Airbus. Depending on weather conditions, the flight can take from 18 hours 40 minutes to 19 hours exactly. For the first time, a Singaporean carrier made a flight in 2004, and for more than 9 years now passengers can cross a distance of 15,345 km in a short time, which is practically equal to the length of the Eurasia continent from west to east.
The second longest nonstop route is the Los Angeles to Singapore route. In a little more than 17 hours, the airbus overcomes 14 thousand heavenly kilometers. Regularly 313 passengers (this is how many people can fit on board the plane) leave the city of angels to get to the capital of ancient Chinese architecture, the city of butterflies and reptiles in 17 hours.
In third place is the Boeing 777-200LR airliner following the Johannesburg - Atlanta route. For 16 hours 35 minutes, the plane carries its passengers through the clouds covering the Atlantic and Indian Oceans. The first such flight took place in 2009: everything went well, and the flight has since become regular. All travelers who are lucky enough to take this flight will appreciate the magnificent view of Johannesburg, which opens immediately after take-off.
Some historical facts
Aircraft began to cover such significant distances relatively recently. In 1961 it was first opened route with a distance of more than 9 thousand kilometers. The flight from Tel Aviv to New York took 9 hours 30 minutes.
In 1976, air carriers managed to set a new record for the longest non-stop routes. The distance from New York to Tokyo (this is how the Boeing 747 followed) was (and still is) almost 11 thousand kilometers. At the end of the same year, the famous Boeing began to run between Sydney and San Francisco, regularly overcoming almost 12 thousand kilometers.
Cover the vast expanses of our country
The longest flight in Russia is recognized as a non-stop flight from Moscow to Petropavlovsk-Kamchatsky. The distance between these cities is 7 and a half thousand kilometers, modern aviation overcomes it in 8 hours.
The first flight on this route was made back in 1938. Pilots V.K. Kokkinaki and A.M. Bryandinsky spent more than a day in the sky to get to their destination. During this flight, the pilots managed to set a speed record on a small two-seater aircraft, and at the same time the whole world learned about the new shortest route from the Soviet capital to the shores. The Pacific... As a result, both pilots received the well-deserved titles of Hero of the Soviet Union.
Not everyone should be giants ...
If during the longest flight passengers have to spend 17 hours in the sky, then the shortest flight takes only 4 minutes, two of which the car spends on starting the engine, takeoff and braking. The plane's route runs between two small Scottish Isles, and the distance between them is only a few tens of meters longer than the length of the runway. It is worth noting that only three people work at the airport where the plane lands, and the entire population of the island is 70 people.
The ticket price includes compensation for the release of burnt fuel into the atmosphere. Upon landing, all passengers of this "mini" flight receive a document with the personal signature of the captain of the aircraft that they have made a contribution to the environmental fund.
There are other baby flights in the world. For example, a Polynesian airline takes only five minutes to fly a plane, while a flight between Burlington and Rochester in America takes seven minutes.
Today, passengers traveling from one end of the world to another do not need to waste extra time and energy on transfers: they just need to choose a suitable flight and a cheap air ticket. Modern aircraft models are capable of flying ultra-long distances, and airlines, as if competing, offer longer and longer flights. Do you want to know which planes can cover 12-15 thousand kilometers, from where and where non-stop “long-range” airliners can fly and what to do for passengers who have to spend more than 15 hours on the road? Then read our rating-review of the most long flights in the world.
What is a non-stop flight?
Not even the most experienced travelers are well acquainted with the term "direct flight", when an airplane flies directly from the city of departure to the city of arrival without intermediate landings. But there is also another concept - "non-stop flight". First, let's figure out what a non-stop flight is and how it differs from a direct one.
A non-stop flight (as well as a direct one) is a commercial flight in which there are no intermediate stops or plane transfers - the plane flies from point A to point B directly. But there are two special criteria that distinguish him from the rest. The first one is a significant distance of the route (not less than 12 thousand kilometers); the second is the significant duration of the flight (passengers have to spend more than 15 hours on the plane).
It is clear that the longest flights are possible between points located at different ends of our planet, for example, between cities South-East Asia and North America... Such a flight has its own characteristics. As with shipping, air travel follows a great circle as this is the shortest route. In this case, most often aircraft fly over the polar regions.
The longest non-stop routes are possible between cities that are geographic antipodes, that is, located at opposite ends of the globe relative to its center, while the distance between antipodes at the equator will be 20,038 kilometers. The possible routes Buenos Aires-Shanghai and Auckland-Madrid are 19,602 and 19,628 kilometers respectively, while the great circle distance between Taipei and Asuncion is 19,918 kilometers.
How long can a plane fly without refueling
The Tel Aviv - New York flight is considered the very first long direct route during the active development of commercial jet aviation. The flight has been operated by El Al since 1961. The distance between the points was 9.1 thousand kilometers. Then the Boeing 707 aircraft covered it in 9.5 hours. With the development of aviation, planes have become larger and more powerful, and routes have become much longer. But to this day, not every plane can fly more than 12,000 kilometers with passengers on board. Only a few types of airliners are capable of this.
Thus, the world's first long-range wide-body aircraft Boeing 747 at maximum load, it is capable of covering a distance of 14.8 thousand kilometers.
For ultra-long flights from Los Angeles to Singapore or Dallas to Tokyo, the Boeing 777-200LR... It was he who, in 2005, set the world record for flight distance, which other commercial airliners could not beat, having covered 21.6 thousand kilometers in almost 23 hours. True, the liner was empty: there were only 8 pilots and 27 passengers on board (out of a possible 300). When fully loaded, the Boeing 777-200LR can cover 17.5 thousand kilometers.
Another aircraft in the series capable of flying over ultra-long distances - Boeing 787-9... Routes up to 14.1 thousand kilometers long are available to him.
Airbus also boasts two long-range models. ... Airbus A340-500(can fly up to 16.7 thousand kilometers) and "giant" civil aviation A380, the flight range of which is 15.2 thousand kilometers.
One of the best in Russian aviation IL-96 in the IL-96M / T modification - it is capable of covering up to 12.8 thousand kilometers.
The longest plane flights in the world
We have compiled the top 10 of the longest non-stop flights operated by airlines today. It is worth noting that the duration of the route when flying in one and the opposite direction is different: weather conditions, the direction of air flows and wind affect.
1. Doha - Auckland, 14,535 km
Today, the leader among non-stop flights is the flight connecting the capital of the Arab state of Qatar with New Zealand Auckland. Flights are operated by Qatar Airways on Boeing 777-200LR aircraft since February 2017.
The length of the route is just over 14.5 thousand kilometers, its duration is 17 hours 40 minutes.
2. Perth - London, 14,498 km
A newcomer to the record is Qantas Airways' Perth-London flight. The first ever non-stop flight from Australia to the UK was made by a Boeing 787-9 in March 2018. The length of the route was almost 14.5 thousand kilometers, 200 passengers and 16 crew members spent more than 17 hours in flight.
Moreover, on the same day the board took off for the return flight, the way "home" was faster - 16 hours 34 minutes.
3. Dubai - Auckland, 14 202 km
The top three is closed by another flight to New Zealand, this time from the Emirates. The flight has been operated by Emirates since 2016. The length of the route is 14.2 thousand kilometers. The Airbus A380-800 covers this distance in 17 hours and 15 minutes.
4. Sydney - Dallas, 13 804 km
The fourth place was again taken by the Australian carrier Qantas. Its double-decker Airbus A380-800 flies 13.8 thousand kilometers in 15 hours 35 minutes. The first flight took place in September 2014.
5.Singapore - San Francisco, 13,588 km
Passengers of Singapore Airlines flying from the city-state of Singapore to San Francisco will have to spend about 16.5 hours in the cabin of the Airbus A350-900. Interestingly, taking into account the time zones, the journey takes less than an hour (a plane that leaves in the morning arrives in the States with a difference in local time of only half an hour), but the return journey takes almost two days.
6. Johannesburg - Atlanta, 13,582 km
Since 2009, the Delta Air Lines Boeing 777-200LR has been flying from South Africa to the United States. Air way with a length of 13.6 thousand kilometers, the liner overcomes in 16 hours and 15 minutes. Interestingly, according to the airline's statistics, the passengers of the flight eat 200 thousand packages of peanuts and 100 thousand packs of crackers per year, washing it down with 70 thousand cans of soda.
7. Dubai - Los Angeles, 13,420 km
8. Los Angeles - Bangkok, 13,309 km
Passengers of Thai Airways International flying from the States to Thailand will have to spend 17.5 hours on the way. This flight is one of the oldest on our list - it has been operated by the company's aircraft since 2005. The second longest liner in Airbus world A340-500 covers a distance of 13.3 thousand kilometers.
9. Dubai - Houston, 13,144 km
And again Emirates, now with a flight to Houston. Flights are operated by Boeing 777-200LR since 2007. The plane covers the distance of 13.1 thousand kilometers in 16 hours and 20 minutes.
10. Washington - Johannesburg, 13,084 km
Completing the top 10 is the route from the capital of the United States to the largest economic and financial center of South Africa. South African Airways has operated a flight of just over 15 hours since 2009. Flights are operated by Airbus A340-300.
Russian airlines were not included in the rating. The planes of the largest domestic carrier Aeroflot fly only up to 10 thousand kilometers without landings. The longest route "Moscow - Los Angeles" is 9 782 km (travel time is about 13 hours).
Advantages and disadvantages of non-stop flights
Of course, such super-long and super-long flights have their pros and cons. Of the advantages, it is worth noting the saving of time. You do not have to waste several hours or even days to transfer or stop to refuel the aircraft. There is no need to stand in additional queues at the airport and worry about baggage when transferring to another flight. It is enough to register once at the point of departure - and there is no rush to go anywhere.
Such a flight also has its drawbacks. Not every passenger is able to withstand 15 to 18 hours of flight in the confined space of an aircraft, even if it is a giant two-story liner. Of course, airlines are trying to make the time you spend on board as comfortable as possible. To make passengers feel comfortable, they are given pillows, blankets, slippers, some companies even warm socks. A large selection of music and films, drinks and food are mandatory components of such flights.
Things to do on a plane when it's a long flight
A long journey in the sky without transfers can tire even the most persistent traveler. How to make the flight as comfortable as possible for you? We have prepared some tips:
If you cannot sleep on the plane, then choose daytime flights, and before that you should get a good night's sleep. You might still need a sleep mask and earplugs if you do decide to take a nap.
When financial opportunities permit, it is better to purchase a ticket to the business class cabin. The seats are wider and more comfortable, there is more legroom and less passengers. If Business Class is too expensive for you, book your seats in advance. Any plane has both more and less successful seats. Just study the layout of the cabin of your liner and choose the seat that suits you best.
Wear comfortable and comfortable clothing made from natural materials. And your weekend suit is unlikely to withstand a long sitting in an armchair. It is best to dress in layers, so you can quickly adjust to the temperature on the plane. Put on a spare set of laundry to keep you feeling clean and fresh.
You should definitely take off your shoes during the flight. Usually, on long-haul flights, the flight attendants distribute slippers. But spare socks will also be useful.
Take some hygiene items in your carry-on luggage: toothpaste and a brush. It is also worth putting on a face lotion, moisturizer: the skin also suffers from dehydration.
To warm up, get up every half hour or hour, walk down the aisle, do simple exercises. Lack of movement is fraught with swelling and pain in the legs. Compression socks or stockings can also come in handy - they improve blood circulation and reduce swelling.
Drink plenty of fluids. Airplanes have very dry air, so the body needs water to maintain all of its systems in order. In addition, fluid intake reduces the risk of stagnant blood in the veins due to prolonged motionless sitting in the chair. And on the contrary, it is worth giving up coffee and alcohol, they only contribute to dehydration of the body.
Do not give up food, but do not overeat during the flight. Fasting, like the extreme load on the stomach, is an unnecessary test for the body, which is already under stress. The best option is to eat whatever is offered on board, no more, no less.
Take care of your leisure time. A long flight is a great time to watch a couple of great movies. Grab an e-book: you have an alternative if the movie gets boring. Tired of having fun? Prepare in advance a to-do list that you can deal with during the flight.
Airline " Singapore Airlines"Since the beginning of the winter schedule, has launched the longest non-stop flight in the world from Singapore to New York - 18 hours 45 minutes.
For comparison: a flight from Moscow to New York or a direct flight from Moscow to Singapore lasts an average of 10 hours. Now you can find a ticket on these routes for less than 30 thousand rubles. The cost of a direct flight from Singapore to New York exceeds a thousand dollars.
It is designed for wealthy businessmen who do not want to waste time on transfers and waiting on the way from one world business center to another. The cabin doesn't even have economy class seats.
The flight is operated on a new type of aircraft Airbus A350-900ULR. It allows for ultra-long-range flight. It has 67 business class seats and 94 premium economy class seats. Also on board are 15 crew members and two pilots, each of whom can rest for eight hours during the flight.
The cabin has high ceilings, large windows, which makes long-distance flight comfortable for passengers. Passenger seats in business class are transformed into beds, that is, you can sleep comfortably.
There is wi-fi, which makes it possible to constantly be in touch, a usb socket. Passengers, as well as on all long-haul flights, are offered a large film library, with a total of 1200 hours of audio and video entertainment at their disposal.
The flight is designed for wealthy businessmen who do not want to waste time on transfers and waiting.
Business class tickets include a multi-course menu with selectable times and beverages. On the first flight, business class passengers were fed steamed lobster dumplings, fish fillets and deep-fried beef.
The plane covered a distance of 16.7 thousand kilometers, crossed 12 time zones. The passengers had two short nights and one short day. The aircraft flew through the airspace of Cambodia, Laos, China, Mongolia and Russia. During the week of October 11-18, the airline will operate this flight three times, and from October 18, daily flights will begin on this route. This will happen after another A350-900ULR aircraft goes into service. Tickets are already on sale.
The airline plans to launch more direct flights from Singapore to Los Angeles on the same type of A350-900ULR aircraft. He can stay in the sky for 20 hours. They promise to announce the start of flights later. Experts emphasize the growing demand for long-haul flights.
For Russia, an increase in the volume of transit flights means an increase in revenues - payments for flights by foreign companies in airspace and increasing the transit role in international civil aviation.
The flight is operated on a new type of aircraft Airbus A350-900ULR. Photo: aeronautica.online
By the way, it was from October 11 that the Russian State Corporation for organizing air traffic changed the structure of air traffic routes in the skies over Russia. The length of the routes increased by 7,213 kilometers due to new routes. Within the boundaries of the Arkhangelsk and Murmansk air traffic management centers, within the framework of the proposals of the International Air Transport Association (IATA), an area navigation route was organized in a cross-polar direction with a length of 2500 kilometers.
Help "RG"
It is not the first time that Singapore Airlines has launched flights on the Singapore-New York route. Several years ago, they were already on the list of the air carrier, but in 2013 they were suspended due to expensive service.
Air travel helps to find yourself relatively quickly anywhere in the world. An airplane will take you to your destination in less time than a train or car. But it's one thing to spend a night or a day in a comfortable compartment where you can lie down, and another thing - in an airliner chair. It is the long tiresome flights that scare away travelers, because it is extremely difficult to live half a day in a sitting position. Let's try to find out how it is easier to transfer the flight by plane.
How long is the longest plane ride?
A long flight means moving without transfers over a distance of 12 thousand kilometers. Such flights are called “non-stop”. Usually these are flights between South Asia and the North American continent. For example, the longest passenger flight today is from Los Angeles to Bangkok: it takes almost 18 hours, the board covers 14 thousand kilometers. But the longest plane flight in the world took place on December 10, 2005: it flew 21,602 kilometers from Hong Kong to London in 22 hours 40 minutes.
Longest flight from Moscow
From the capital of Russia you can fly anywhere, even to Sydney, the largest city in Australia. But at least one transplant will be required. The longest direct flight from Moscow is to Guangzhou and Los Angeles. The flight to these cities is almost the same - about 12 hours.
How to make long flights easier - tried and tested tips
After analyzing numerous reviews from travelers, we can safely give you some tips that have proven their effectiveness in practice.
To safely endure a long flight and quickly adapt to new conditions, you need:
Now let's take a closer look at each of these tips.
Choose a good seat in the salon
Flight comfort largely depends on how comfortable your seat is and what part of the plane it is in. We do not take into account the business class, which is initially more comfortable than the economy class.
If you are planning most flight time to sleep, it is better to choose a seat by the window. If you plan to move around the cabin often, sit by the aisle. The toilet seat is fraught with potential odors and passengers scurrying past you.
Parents with small children are better off sitting at the partition. It will protect you from your neighbors and your neighbors from you. But for single passengers or passengers with bulky hand luggage, such places will be inconvenient.
Killing time by sleeping
Dream - The best way kill time on a long trip. Especially if the main part of the path falls at night. Of course, it is rarely possible to oversleep the entire flight, but it is quite possible to shorten it by sleeping and rest at the same time.
However, falling asleep in a crowded cabin is not so easy. Sleeping pills, sedatives or accumulated fatigue will help here. Therefore, before a long flight, it is better not to rest on purpose. Another good option is headphones with music for relaxation or ordinary earplugs, which will remove external noises and allow you to quickly immerse yourself in Morpheus's arms.
If you don't have headphones, try to just relax, get all thoughts out of your head, drink hot tea or some alcohol. Ask the steward for a blanket and a pillow, if you did not take them with you, make yourself as comfortable as possible.
A sleep mask will not be superfluous, which will protect you from light. At night, the light is not turned off completely in the cabin; this may not be enough for some passengers. Besides, gadgets of your neighbors can be additional sources of bright light. The mask will help protect against these irritants.
What to do before, after or instead of sleeping on the plane is a question that interests many. Often, passengers are entertained with films or background music, and magazines are provided. But the entertainment on offer may not suit you, so it's better to stock up on your own. To do this, you can pre-download your favorite music, several films or books.
Headphones are also better to have your own. If headphones are issued on board, their quality leaves much to be desired. Plus, they can be simply uncomfortable and your ears will quickly start to hurt.
Maintain personal hygiene
For 12-17 hours, any person has a normal desire to freshen up. Naturally, you will not be able to take a shower. But you will have to visit the toilet a couple of times. It doesn't hurt to have a few packs of wet and dry wipes with you. They will help out both in the toilet and in the chair.
You can brush your teeth in the toilet, but it's better to do it with your personal toothbrush. It is not worth hoping that the stewards will distribute disposables, it is rather an exception to the rule. We do not recommend shaving on board. The toilet is public, and this procedure is not entirely hygienic in such conditions. Plus, sudden turbulence can backfire while shaving.
Wear comfortable clothes
During the flight, the cabin can get chilly, and prolonged sitting inevitably causes swelling. Therefore, clothes and shoes should be as comfortable as possible.
Take warm clothes with you to the cabin, even if you are flying in a hot season. At flight altitude, the temperature is low; the ship's heating and air conditioning systems do not always cope with it. Also try not to wear tight objects: elastic bands, belts, braces. They will squeeze the body when the swelling begins. And sooner or later it will definitely start.
Use replacement shoes for the same reason. Women are advised not to fly in high-heeled shoes. To spend more than 10 hours of flight on them will be sheer torture. Feel free to change into slippers, flip-flops, or wear comfortable sneakers with orthopedic soles at home. You will certainly appreciate their comfort.
Eat properly
First, try to eat less spicy, greasy, or spiced foods. This is fraught with unpleasant consequences. Such food will make you thirsty, and drinking too much liquid will quickly lead to swelling. Second, eat little and little, mostly fresh fruits or vegetables, biscuits, and fitness bars. From them there will be no feeling of overeating and heaviness in the stomach, there will be no gastrointestinal upset.
During a long flight, passengers are fed at least twice, not counting small snacks. Drink clean water, do not rely on sugary carbonated drinks, coffee, alcohol. They can cause nausea, and excess alcohol can cause dehydration, headaches, and even nosebleeds.
Move more
Movement is life, and sitting in a chair for many hours, albeit a soft one, causes discomfort. The body must move, otherwise the muscles will begin to swell and ache, and cramps may begin. It is especially difficult for people with a back pain to endure a long stay in a sitting position. Try to move periodically. Stretch your neck, hands, shoulders, lower back. Get up and walk around the cabin. If you do not move, on arrival you risk simply not getting out of the chair. Then you will have to take you out of the plane under your arms.
Stewards will show you the best exercises for in-flight conditions, or you will find them in the visual instructions in the front seat pocket. You can also download a set of exercises on the Internet yourself and familiarize yourself with it before the flight.
Prepare to fight dry air
Another unpleasant feature of long flights is the difficult microclimate in the cabin. Due to the large accumulation of carbon dioxide, the air becomes too dry, so the body needs more moisture. Dry air can cause dizziness, dry nose, chapped lips, and thirst.
How to deal with this? It's very simple: drink whenever you feel thirsty and the associated discomfort. Do not hesitate to often ask the steward for drinks, but rather plain water. But also remember that excess fluid in the body leads to the formation of edema.
From drying out of the mucous membrane of the nose and eyes, the appropriate pharmacy drops will help, which will not hurt to take with you. And the skin will be refreshed by the above-mentioned wet wipes or washing in the toilet. Here it is time for women to think: is it worth doing makeup before the flight, or is it better to take care not of beauty, but of health?
Know what to do if you get seasick or blocked ears
Dry air is not the only problem in the cabin, there are still pressure drops. From them the head begins to ache, the ears start to clog. This is especially felt when the plane is gaining altitude or falls into air pockets, sharply descending. In such a situation, use a simple and proven method - open your mouth. The pressure in the vessels and the pressure of the external environment will equalize, and the ears will stop pawing. Try not to cough. A harsh sound and gust of air can cause pain in the membranes. Also, be careful with earplugs. With pressure drops, they can cause pain in the ears. For this reason, it is better to take headphones in flight, the ear cushions of which fit snugly to the ear and provide passive noise isolation.
Great discomfort in flight causes problems with the vestibular apparatus. Those who have it weak are usually rocked on the plane. Nausea can be saved by different methods: breathing deeply, distracted by a movie or a conversation with a fellow traveler, eating something sour (for example, lollipop), drinking water, taking a sedative or special medications to relieve nausea. But most best remedy from motion sickness is a dream. In a dream, the human brain calms down and does not give false signals to the body.
Take on board only the things you need
For traveling with a long flight, all the tips come down to the main thing - take the minimum hand luggage... You don't need to lug a lot of things with you into the chair, thinking that they will be useful to you. This is not true.
Here is a list of the things you might find useful on the plane:
compact but roomy bag;
